tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37138246244671386222024-03-19T09:52:13.517-06:00The Rational Mind of a Crazy WomanThis is what it looks like inside the mind of a partially crazy, hopefully funny, sometimes angry, usually happy, always loving mommy, wife, and friend.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-20954412242212257082017-01-30T13:59:00.001-07:002017-01-30T13:59:19.722-07:00I MOVED!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just my blog though. I still live in <strike>Podunk</strike> Small Town, VA. I decided I needed a blog shift, so I've moved over to a new one, <a href="http://lifeon16.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Life On Sixteen</a>. I'll be chronicling the ever-exciting life I lead, maybe even getting craft and creative and shit. I'm going to stay away from getting all political as much as possible, but I'm keeping this blog active just in case I feel the need to rant, which will probably be often. Please check out and follow my new page and tell me what you think! And don't worry, I may not be all political and rants, but I'll still be that snarky, foul-mouthed, mom you all know and love ;)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-82946660963982952972014-08-04T18:10:00.000-06:002014-08-04T18:10:00.788-06:00The Time Really Flies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday my baby girl turned three. Three years old! How did that happen? My baby, my only girl, my very last child ever, and she is definitely not a baby anymore. My little ball of sass is growing up more and more every day. She's potty trained (finally!), and we are now in the process of changing all of her baby furniture out for big-girl furniture. She has opinions and ideas all her own and she damn near impossible to argue with (maybe because Charming Husband spoils her rotten? Probably). Three is a hard age, it was for both the boys and it doesn't look like little miss is going to be any easier, but I'm still pretty excited to see her personality develop. Having three kids is a challenge in and of itself, but I can say with absolute certainty that my life would not be complete if we hadn't added our little girl to the brood. I can't wait to take her shoe shopping and to talk about boys and build an amazing mother/daughter relationship. But for now, I'm more than happy to fight about bath time and how wearing underwear is an absolute must, and hopefully we solve THAT problem <i>before</i> she hits adolescence!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-83436780506319168052014-07-03T15:45:00.005-06:002014-07-03T18:34:40.320-06:0016 Instances Where Misogyny Actually Didn't Exist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you've been here for more than 20 seconds you know that I am not part of the "Modern Feminist" movement. I'm not even linking to my other posts about that because let's face it, we don't have all day. I came across <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/annehelenpetersen/micro-misogyny" target="_blank">this little gem</a> the other day on Buzzfeed, which we all know is chock full of things like facts and unbiased opinion. The article claims there are 16 instances where "Micro-Misogyny" proves that the patriarchy is everywhere. I call bull shit on this whole thing, and here are my <strike>16</strike> 15 why... (go to the link to see the irrelevant pictures they post with each of their points)<br />
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1. When guys call their ex-girlfriends "Crazy".<span style="color: #990000;"> Ummm, have you ever met his crazy ex-girlfriend? Because I have, and that bitch was fucking crazy. Stalking, calling constantly, pretending to be pregnant so he'll get back with her, those are things crazy women do. Maybe she isn't permanently crazy, maybe she was hormonal or young and inexperienced with break ups, maybe she grew up and learned her lesson and her next breakup was beautiful and easy and everyone hugged it out. That doesn't mean she didn't go all batshit when she broke up with a guy one time. Let's call a spade a spade, or this case, let's call a crazy ex-girlfriend a crazy ex-girlfriend. </span><br />
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2. When waiters automatically give the check to the guy at the table. <span style="color: #990000;">When was the last time this actually happened? I have waited many a table in my life, and I never handed the check to anyone. I put it in the middle of the table and let them duke it out amongst themselves. The only time I've ever seen the waiter hand the check to a specific person was when said person specifically asked to have the check delivered directly to said person. And don't even think about saying how misogynistic it is for a man to pay for dinner on a date. If he wants to pay, he is more than welcome. I can always get the next one.</span><br />
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3. When a dude suggests we've reached equality in the workplace, just look at all these women!<span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">You are talking about the generation of men who has seen the workplace go from zero women to a few secretaries to female CEOs. Women used to not work, like ever, and now they do. The only men, or "dudes" as you so uncondescendingly call them, who think like this were around when women didn't hold powerful jobs. Younger men, even middle-aged men, have always had women in the workplace. Always. They've even reported to at least a few. Again, I have never, ever, experienced anything like this. </span><br />
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4<span style="font-family: inherit;">. When you're playing an outdoor game (bocce ball! shuffleboard!) with another woman and a dude comes </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">over to tell you how to play the "right way".<span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Ok, 1st of all, this is like the oldest flirting trick in the book. He comes over because he wants to get close to you. 2nd of all who would actually do this? No man has ever told me I'm playing a game wrong. My neighbor is a professional baseball player and when we play baseball with the kids in the yard, he doesn't tell anyone that they are doing it wrong. And 3rd, and most importantly, of all, WOMEN DO THIS SHIT TOO! Have you ever met a control freak or a women with a type A personality? Regardless of the game or the project or the event, you are doing it wrong if you are doing it differently than they want you too. People like this are obnoxious, yes, but it isn't because they are male. It's because they are obnoxious.</span></span></div>
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5. When a guy takes it upon himself to order for you. "and she'll have..."<span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Right. Because it's 1933 and men still do this. MEN DON'T STILL DO THIS! They don't assume that a woman they are in the early stages of dating will eat whatever he orders for her. If he knew what she liked he's been making it for her himself. Every once in a while I'll tell my husband what to order for me while I run to the bathroom or deal with the kids, and that is the only time this statement has ever come out of his mouth. And if you should ever come across a man who thinks men still do this, it's probably because he is trying to be polite. If you don't like what he ordered for you or if you don't like the fact that he ordered for you, go ahead and tell him and the waiter what you actually want "actually, I think I'll have the..." See how easy that was? Absolute misogyny crisis averted.</span></div>
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6. When a server assumes that the man will taste the wine you ordered. <span style="color: #990000;">Again, standard procedure is to give the wine to whoever ordered it to taste it. If he ordered it, he gets to taste it. If the server gives it to the wrong person, ask to taste it yourself. Easy peasy.</span></div>
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7. When a guy you've never met tells you to smile.<span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">How is that misogyny? Annoying? Yes. Infuriating even? Yes. But when you know the guy who is saying that it is still obnoxious. He might just be trying to make you smile, maybe he really cares and wonders what is wrong that is making you not smile. A simple evil glare or a quick "fuck off" will tell him it's none of his goddamn business. Again, this is a personality quirk. Some men (and women) think this is acceptable behavior; they want to talk to other people and see them smile. It's probably the wrong way to do it, but it's done with good intentions.</span></div>
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8. When guys assume that you're just bad at drinking games so they never want you on your team. <span style="color: #990000;">Huh? This is a thing? You are mad because the men you hang out with don't think you have a drinking problem like they do, or that you are too young/hot/skinny to be able to drink as much as them? There are team drinking games? And men would rather only have other men on their teams instead of having drunk girls get drunk with them? I find this 200% unbelievable.</span></div>
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9. When a guy starts defending Woody Allen, R. Kelly, or Roman Polanski's "artistry".<span style="color: #990000;"> The only men who would ever dream of defending such crap are either uber liberal (like other actors/directors/crappy musicians) or perverts. If any other man happens to enjoy any of these Hollywood cowdung's work, it's because they probably get to see naked chicks. Regular men couldn't give a shit about the "artistry".</span></div>
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10. When a man riding a bicycle pulls in front of you at a stop light because he assumes he must be a faster rider, even though he has only seen you on your bike at a full stop…and then you pass them immediately.<span style="color: #ea9999;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Ok, so I've never experienced this because I'm an adult and drive a car, also I hate people on bicycles, but it seems to me that you might be reading a little too far into this one. Couldn't he just be pulling in front of you because he wants a chance to get off the line faster than you? I'm not saying he isn't kind of a selfish jerk by cutting in line, but he'd probably do it to any cyclist that was at that same red light, not just the girls. Seems like maybe one guy did this to you one time and you can't seem to let it go. </span><br />
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11. When a guy tells you you're "overreacting". <span style="color: #990000;">Well, were you overreacting? I've been told that before. I've also said it to Charming Husband before. In both cases, the person hearing it is usually overreacting. Judging by the "points" you make in this article I bet you overreact pretty often. (You should check out the GIF on this one, I don't really like Michelle Obama, but her face in this says it all). </span><br />
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12. Asks you at any point, for any reason, if "it's your time of the month".<span style="color: #e06666;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Ya know, I'm going to concede on this single point. Sometimes I'm mad because I am premenstrual, but more likely I am mad because you fucked up. I think it is fair for a man to think that maybe I am soooo upset because it's that time of the month (I mean, it does get exponentially worse then) but for the love of god, and your own safety, DON'T SAY IT!</span><br />
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13. When a man INSISTS that all women MUST get off the elevator before him.<span style="color: #990000;"> Ugh, don't you just HATE it when men are polite?! I mean, how dare they let a women get out of the stuffy, cramped elevator first!</span><br />
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14. When a guy sits next to you on the airplane and automatically takes over the armrest. <span style="color: #990000;">So take it back. Again, I think this is more of an "asshole" thing than a "male" thing. Just because a guy does something you don't like doesn't mean it's misogynistic, it means that particular guy is a self-centered twat waffle. I'm certain I could name plenty of women who fall into that category.</span><br />
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15. When you're the only girl in the weight room and a guy comes up and asks if you "know what you are doing". <span style="color: #990000;">Yes, because weights are so complicated and the weight machines don't have instructions posted right on them or anything and all men think that women are stupid and couldn't possibly read and be doing it right. If you are doing something the correct way, anyone who knows the correct way can look at you and know that you are doing it right. If you aren't, maybe you should listen to that guy so that you don't hurt yourself. But again, I've never seen this actually play out in real life. I go to the gym 3 times a week on average. The elliptical I use it right next to the weights. The only time I've ever seen a guy helping a girl is when she either asked him for help or she actually came to the gym with him, which to me implies that she knows him and he feels comfortable helping her</span><br />
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16. When a dude does THIS in the subway (what you don't see here in my post is the picture of a guy sitting with his legs far apart, go and look at the actual picture now). <span style="color: #990000;">What I see in this picture is not a depiction of misogyny and how men feel they need more space, I see a man who is, in general, a giant douche canoe He dresses like one, wears his hair like one, and clearly his ego brings it all together. I think this is a typical action of a young guy, fairly new to the business world, and at the bottom of the ladder. Men who are actually professional and not just pretending to be wouldn't do this. Also, I have seen thousands of men, men on every bus or train or plane that I have been on, sit like this when they have the room, but as soon as I sit down next to them or as soon as the transportation vessel in which we sit fills up, they take up the appropriate amount of room and allow others their personal space. Who cares if they do this when there is plenty of room?</span><br />
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Obviously, I find this kind of propaganda obnoxious. "Micro Misogyny" is something lesbians/feminists have made up to make all men look evil. But men aren't evil and they aren't the enemy. Some definitely suck at life, but they aren't evil. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-61525911503589170132014-06-25T16:20:00.000-06:002014-06-25T17:35:37.343-06:00An Open Letter to #YesAllWomen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span lang=""><br />
To the Ladies of #YesAllWomen,<br />
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I understand what you are trying to do. I understand your fight and why you are so passionate about the discussion surrounding rape. I've known many women who are victims of sexual assault, and I agree that it has gotten out of hand. Well actually, that isn't entirely true. It has always been out of hand, women have faced this for centuries, and it certainly past time to really have the conversation about how to fix the problem. <br />
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In my opinion, there are 2 very different discussions that need to be had. One is about rapists; men who force sexual acts on unwilling women. The other, I wouldn't consider sexual assault, but I would consider it inappropriate and unwanted attention. I'm want to talk about that 2nd one 1st.<br />
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I hadn't ever really stopped to think about this until recently, and I suppose I have #yesallwomen to thank for that. I came across an article that was written in response to the trending hashtag that has been blowing up the internet since the shooting in California a few weeks ago. The writer in this article goes on to explain 2 situations with men where she felt incredibly uncomfortable. As I read it, I began to recall a few situations I found myself in years ago. I was uncomfortable, yes, but I never feared for my safety. Some of the questions this particular writer addressed was how do we change this? How should I have reacted? How should I tell my young daughter to respond in such a situation? I fear that those of you who are using #yesallwomen to tell your stories are also stuck on the idea that women shouldn't <i>have </i>to do anything. The women are not at fault, and I think the vast majority of people in this country would agree with that, and I am in no way blaming the victims, but women are also very capable of stopping this behavior. Over a decade ago a friend and I went to a club to <strike>relive our candy raver days</strike> see our favorite DJ. We were standing in the back, and some guy pinched my ass. I turned around and got in his face, told him to "never fucking touch me again" while his friends snickered next to him (I should point out that this was during my angry years). When I turned to walk away, he smacked me on the ass, so hard that I had a red hand print when I got home hours later. I could've complained to anyone who would listen that men should be taught that they can't just touch any woman they want. I could've blamed and pointed fingers and been a victim who felt assaulted. Instead, I turned around and clocked him with a right cross; a weapon I've perfected the use of. He stumbled back totally stunned. His friends gaped at him, then at me. Then the bouncer who had seen the whole thing go down threw the little shit and his loser friends out of the club. What this guy did is never ok, and though he probably had parents who taught him better, he saw something he wanted and decided to take a chance on it. In the past, I have also told men who were hitting on me that I was not interested and they needed to go away. Some are shocked, some get pissy, some are totally embarrassed. But nobody gets to touch me without my consent and I make that apparent. And having a pretty little blonde girl scream obscenities at you is embarrassing enough to make you walk away. But how do men know when they have my consent if I don't tell them? What about the guys that I did want to pay attention to me? Should I instead have to tell them that they have permission to see if I respond positively to their touch? Part of flirting and dating is touching. How would a guy know if a girl would accept his advances before he attempts them? He wouldn't. We can't have it both ways. I feel like it is safe to assume that a lot of you who are screaming the loudest about "teaching boys not to rape" would never be happy with any man touching them ever. Maybe you don't realize that some touching is absolutely wanted, but if men aren't allowed or too afraid to try us ladies will never know which ones we like. You continue to scream that we need to teach boys not to rape, but how exactly do you propose we do that? I can certainly teach my sons that no means no and that you can't touch girls who don't want you touching them, but what about the millions of grown men in the world who have never had anyone put them in their place? For centuries women have been abused and taken advantage of, and as history would prove, things only change when women stand up and make it change. We are a powerful force, and rather than screaming about how it isn't our fault and men should just change, we should show them what the penalty is for mistreating us.<br />
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The other conversation that I think needs to be had is that of rape. The thing is, men who are willing to rape aren't the type that you can reason with and talk to and "teach". Rapists are criminals, and criminals break the law without regard to anyone else. You can keep saying that we need to "teach boys not to rape" but what makes you think that we aren't already doing that? We teach our children not to murder or steal or rape, yet there are still people who do those things. They are criminals. The only way to deal with criminals is to throw the book at them or stop them in the act. That's why I am so appalled at the outrage that the newly crowned Miss USA. Formally Miss Nevada, Nia Sanchez, is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In her interview she spoke of the importance of women learning self-defense to protect themselves. Instead of lauding her for pushing women to take care of themselves, you've attacked her because you think she is blaming the victims. You continue with the rhetoric that we should be teaching boys not to rape, as if that is the only solution. Women are not to blame when they are raped, but even if so, shouldn't they be able to defend themselves and save the years of pain that follow an assault of such magnitude? You can shout until you are blue in the face, but people are going to stop listening to you. If you really want less women to be victims of rape, give them the tools to keep it from happening. "Teach" <strike>boys</strike> grown men not to rape by showing them that women refuse to be victims. We are not going to continue to be assaulted. We are going to take matters into our own hands and protect ourselves. It may seem like I'm promoting violence, but shouldn't we be fighting fire with fire?<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
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AnnieD</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-48888716187853066162014-06-06T13:51:00.001-06:002014-06-06T14:29:32.982-06:00Just Let Him Be A Boy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span lang="">Parents face hard decisions every day when it comes to raising their children. None of us can really know what we do in situtations that we've never even imagined could happen. Most people have probably seen the video of the transgender child and his family that has been circling the web. I personally hate watching video news stories, and every time I saw this topic posted somewhere it linked to a video that I had no desire to watch (it doesn't help that I am usually using my phone to browse the internet and for whatever reason my phone doesn't play sound, thanks Apple.) Finally, I came across an actual article that outlined some of the main points of the video. I tried really hard to not make any judgements until I actually knew the story, but my first inclination was to think that this is a 5 or 6 year old kid, how can anyone at that age really know what their "gender identity" is? Are we seriously that focused on this idea of gender identity that we are allowing very young children to make life-changing decisions about theirs? Can't we just let kids be kids?<br />
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After finally reading the article, my views have changed a bit. I admit, I have zero experience with a "gender identity crisis". The only time I have ever wanted to be a boy is when I was camping and really didn't want to venture into the woods by myself to pee (who KNOWS what you might accidentally squat on out there!). Ok, and roughly every 23 days I curse being born a woman but that feeling is fleeting. I have no idea what it feels like to be unhappy in the skin you were born with. The little boy in this story was born a girl, and it devastated him. No, I don't think he is old enough to really know what he wants for the rest of his life, but right now he wants to be a boy and his parents are letting him. He may very well decide 10 years from now that he does actually identify as a girl. The outcome of this child's life has yet to be determined. His parents have chosen to love and support him no matter what, and I think that's a beautiful thing. I would probably not have made the same decision if this had been my child, but as a general rule of them I try not to giving a shit what other people do with their personal lives, and I try even harder to not judge other parents the decisions they make regarding their own children. This child isn't in any danger, his parents aren't hurting him. I'm pretty sure you can't over-love your kids.<br />
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As with most things posted on the internet, it is what is found in the comments section that is truly infuriating. There a few things in particular that I want to address. 1st of all, a lot of people are totally freaking out because he is so young and might change his mind and his parents have ruined that. Uh, they cut his hair, redecorated his room, and starting referring to him as "him" instead of "her". OH MY GOD HOW WILL THEY EVER UNDO THAT IF HE CHANGES HIS MIND?! Hair grows back, rooms can be redecorated. No permanent changes were made to this child's body. I feel like that needs to be repeated: No permanent changes were made to this child's body. If his parents had taken such drastic measures I would probably not be sitting here defending their decision, but they didn't so here I am. Other people are pointing out the glaringly obvious; that he doesn't have a penis. He is going to know that he still isn't really a boy. And while that is obviously true, it's probably a pretty irrelevant fact to a 6 year old. As puberty hits and he is very much a girl physically, it may become a problem, but these parents will figure out the best way to address this when the time comes. What is a fact in this child's life is that his parents love him and want what is best for him, and he will always know that. If he decides later in life that he wants to go back to being a girl, his years spent living as a boy will not negatively affect him. If he continues to identify as a boy he won't face the same hardships as other people in his position because he will already know that he has the support of his family. The other popular comment on this story is that "he is just a kid, how does he know what he wants? His parents are setting a precident by allowing him to get his way". Erroneous. Erroneous on all accounts. Have these people ever met a child? Children know what they want, and it is damn near impossible to change their minds. Eventually, children get older and they change their preferrences, but sometimes they really know what they want and that want only gets stronger as they get older. Some of our childhood wishes seem utterly ridiculous to our parents, but they let us dream because they are certain we will grow out of them, and when we don't, it only confirms that they did the right thing by allowing us to dream. While most of those childhood dreams we have are completely unattainable, we would jump at the chance to have them come to fruition. This child wants to be a little boy, and that is a dream that is completely possible to fulfill. Why deny him his greatest desire simply because we don't understand what it is like to be in his shoes? And them giving him this doesn't mean he gets everything he wants or that he know calls the shots. Sometimes kids do get want they want, all parents at some point give in to their kids. Unless they are also letting him eat oreos every day for breakfast and stay up til midnight I'm guessing this child doesn't think he rules the roost.<br />
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The last thing I want to say about this is that while I understand why these parents did what they did and I hope that this little boy finds the happiness he is looking for, I'm dismayed that it was necessary. Why can't kids just be who they want to be without all the hubbub? Why can't little girls cut their hair and wear suits and sleep on spiderman sheets, but still be little girls? Why can't boys want to wear a pretty dress and Sofia the First shoes without being judged? He hated that he was a girl and not a boy, why does being born with the wrong equipment make you something you don't want to be? I'm not one of those wackos that thinks all things should be gender neutral, and I have certainly steered my children in certain directions based on their gender, but I'm also going to let them be who they want to be. If my son wants to wear pink, for the love of God I'll let him wear pink. Sometimes there are battles not worth fighting. </span><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-4737564536113050662014-03-23T14:28:00.000-06:002014-06-06T14:28:20.447-06:00Feminism, Anti-Feminism, and Straight-Up Douchebaggery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you haven’t had the, ah, pleasure, of watching <a href="http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/4138741?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false"><u><span style="color: blue;">this video clip </span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a>or reading <a href="http://onswipe.com/bust/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com//l!/entry/526e90dd025312186c727a4b"><u><span style="color: blue;">this article </span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a>about the oh so charming Gavin McInnes and his rant against women go ahead and go do that. Once you’re done seething go ahead and come back here. This is my response to Gavin, and his utter ignorance. If you’ve been following me for long you know that I don’t consider myself to be a feminist. You can read all about my reasons why <a href="http://www.rationalmindofacrazywoman.com/?p=19"><u><span style="color: blue;">here</span></u><span style="color: blue;"></span></a>.<br />
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Right off the bat I almost agreed with what this guy was saying in the video. Successful women in business often exhibit behavior that is more masculine in nature. Where he lost me is when he claims that women behave that way because society is telling us we have to, and we are actually miserable because of it. Women apparently don’t really want to do anything other than be mothers and stay at home raising our kids (which is an infinitely important role and I in know way discredit women who absolutely love doing it). I am currently staying home with my 3 kids. I am constantly surrounded by other stay at home moms and I almost feel pressured to continue staying home because they think it’s what’s best. But when the kids are tucked into bed and the dishes are done and the house is quiet I fantasize about going back to work. I frantically search job listings daily to try and find something else. I apply to everything I’m interested in and pray to God someone calls me. It isn’t because someone is telling me I have to work or that I should work or that raising kids and being domestic is a bad thing. It is because I WANT to work. I want a career, I want to be successful, and I want to contribute financially to my family. You want to know what misery is, Gavin? Having three kids throwing temper tantrums at the same time because they are sick and didn’t get enough sleep and knowing that you get to repeat the whole process again tomorrow, and the next day, with little or no help or relief. THAT is miserable. And it is laughable that this guy just pulls a number out of his ass; his instinct is that only 7% of women are happy in this working role. What? Your instinct is that women are so meek and stupid that the majority of us are miserable working? We make up half the work force but only 7% of us actually want to be there and we just can’t quit because society tells us we have to work? We are so concerned with what other people tell us we need to be that we are afraid to be ourselves? I think you need to expand the number of women in your life if you think that’s an accurate representation. I’ve been accused of being a lot of things, but meek are stupid are not among them. In fact, I can be downright mean when I want to be, and trust me, I WANT to be. I choose to be the way I am; nobody else controls that. <br />
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Gavin’s treatment of the female panelist just shows how he really sees women. The woman was very well-spoken and composed, and kept her cool while he threw insults at her because she proved her point. Men like this are threatened by women because they know they can be easily pushed aside for an intelligent and powerful woman. Men like Gavin are afraid that their jobs and their roles in life are at risk because women are capable of doing them, and possibly doing them better. His idea that men who stay home with their kids "look ridiculous" is just plain not true. Men who are great dads and who support their wives’ career goals are sexy. Period. <br />
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While the video was maddening, there were a few points that he made that weren’t totally off. It was the follow-up call meant to defend his words that really makes Mr. McInnes an off-the-charts d-bag. He claims that women fight to get to the top and then expect to see their male counterparts "drinking brandy and going to strip clubs" and are disappointed that they have to actually work still. Because, again, women are apparently morons who only want to get to the top so they can relax and collect a big paycheck without working for it. But none of that compares to this little piece of brilliance he shares: "…men are becoming beta males because feminists have told them to, but you’ll notice feminists don’t fuck those guys". Ha! You keep talking about natural behaviors and how men are naturally more aggressive. IF that is true, then why the hell are men allowing anyone to tell them how they should behave? They are choosing to behave how they want. Oh, and I think it goes without saying that you consider yourself an alpha male, right? Well Gav, that may be true, but even still, women don’t want to fuck you. You’re full of yourself, you can’t have decent conversations with people who disagree with you, and quite frankly, you’re ugly. Being a "real man" is a very unattractive trait on you. Women still love masculinity. We still love the cowboy. Cowboys know how to treat a lady; calling her a "fucking idiot" isn’t it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-63793372944775183042014-02-19T14:05:00.000-07:002014-06-06T14:21:51.140-06:00Eight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’ve spent the better part of the last 24 hours being super domestic. I baked muffins, did laundry, made alfredo sauce from scratch, baked a cake, and blew up a package of balloons; all because today, my 1st born turns 8. Eight freaking years old. I know it’s cliché to say this, but how the hell did this happen?? I cannot believe how quickly these last 8 years has flown (not to mention, is it even possible that I’m old enough to have an 8 year old?!). I knew these years would fly by, but I still hoped that he would always stay little. That hope is pretty much out the window now. <br />
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<sup></sup></span></span></sup><sup><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My Bug is officially too old to be considered my baby, to even be considered a little kid! He is a big kid. As if the fact that he is the tallest kid in his class didn’t prove that before. As if girls calling him on the phone didn’t make me consider it. As if him riding off on his bike by himself to scour the neighborhood was something "little kids" do. No, I should have seen this coming. It shouldn’t have hit me like a truck this morning when he woke up to the alarm that he set and got himself dressed and completely ready to go 15 minutes early because he is responsible like that. This kid, my big 8 year old, is…well…he’s amazing. There isn’t a better big brother in the world. No child has ever been so purposely thoughtful. No one has ever held the power to make me so angry yet so happy at the same time. He has been stubborn since we forced him to come out at 41 weeks, he tests my patience daily, he makes question the intelligence of having three kids. But he makes me so proud. The mothers in our neighborhood sing his praises to me every chance they get. He is so sweet and patient with the younger kids, he is gentle and kind with the girls, he is polite to all of the parents. He knows his manners. He keeps his room clean. For the last week he has rinsed his dishes and put them in the sink without a single reminder (because he may or may not actually be my child). He wants to stay up late at night so he can read books. He sings and dances whether there is music on or not (because he is obviously my child). He is handsome and smart and sweet and thoughtful and well on his way to being a young man that I will be proud of. He made me a mother, and I hope he always lets me mother him at least a little bit. Happy 8th birthday Bug. I hope you have 100 more as wonderful as this one.</span></sup><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-76065959895838021722014-01-13T14:17:00.000-07:002014-06-06T14:18:12.652-06:00Working Mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, I did it. One month ago I went back to work. I’ve known for sometime now that I needed to, and wanted to, for my own sanity. Being able to stay home with my kids has been an amazing blessing, but I am a better mom when I am working, so it was time. It’s just a part-time job, and it isn’t in my desired field of HR, but it’s 5 minutes from my kids’ schools and it pays well and it’s easy so here I am.<br />
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I’ve had some second thoughts. On my 2nd day when I went to drop off my little ones at daycare and my 2 year old completely lost it and screamed for me like she was seriously injured and I cried all the way to work, I thought to myself, "why the hell am I doing this?". But today when I dropped her off after almost 2 whole weeks of no school (because the daycare center CLOSES COMPLETELY! WTF?) she walked in, saw her buddy, and started playing. It was amazing, and it makes going to work so much easier to know that my baby isn’t sitting at school screaming and hating me.<br />
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So now I’m here; sitting at work blogging diligently working. I miss my kids like crazy, but at least I’m getting paid to be away, right? This transition would be easier if I was actually doing what I want, but oh well. My middle child starts kindergarten in August (WHAT.THE. EFF.) and I will consider going full-time then, and full-time in my desired field. Until then, I will take to opprtunity to really blog more learn new skills and get back in the working game.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-34923459969477586562013-11-26T14:26:00.000-07:002014-06-06T14:26:39.696-06:00And It's Only 9am<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We are fresh off a short vacation to Colorado. My kids are exhausted. I’m feeling a little stabby. Everyone is driving me nuts. I have practically no food in the house so I ran to the store to grab a few essentials while both boys are in school and it’s just me and the little miss. One would think having just one of the kids would make this day easier. One. would. think. Instead, I have had a morning full of whining, and a little bit of whining, and then some more whining. Here is just a taste of why I’m considering uncorking some wine of my own, like, right now.<br />
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Little Miss: whine whine whine whine, SCREAM<br />
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Me: Would you like a banana for breakfast (since you asked for one 6 times in the car on the way home)?<br />
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LM: NO!!!!! {SOB}<br />
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Me: Would you like cereal (since you were screaming for that this morning)?<br />
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LM: NOOOOO!!!!!! I HATE CEREAL!!<br />
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Me: Ok, how about potato chips (since you wouldn’t leave the store unless we bought some and I am too tired to fight it today)?<br />
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LM: {sob, sob} NO!! {sob, sob}<br />
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So Little Miss hasn’t eaten anything for breakfast. She is still crying even as I type this because she also does not want me to touch her, and I’m considering making this coffee Irish. Happy fucking Tuesday. Welcome home!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-70391012343402471472013-10-29T08:43:00.002-06:002013-10-29T08:43:57.219-06:00I've Moved!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I officially have my own domain! I won an awesome giveaway so I've moved my blog over to my own site and I am now using wordpress. Please, please, please go check out my new place and subscribe so that you can still see all of my posts! I also just posted a new one today so you have to go read it! Thanks everyone! <br />
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Here is the link to my new digs:<br />
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http://www.rationalmindofacrazywoman.com</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-66820274499208933692013-09-19T08:30:00.002-06:002013-09-19T08:30:57.185-06:00I Hate Playing Nice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’m not generally a nice person. It isn’t really my thing. In fact, I LIKE to be mean, to people who deserve it, and I’ve been known to blow a gasket at well-deserving assholes. For some reason that I am hardly able to fathom, I have been holding back. Maybe it’s because I’m in this new place, and I have no friends here so I am trying to not gain the reputation of being a turbo bitch, but I find myself holding my tongue. And then I’m really mad at myself for doing it. This isn’t me, and I’m not happy with the new Annie who just lets people be dickwads to her. Several times recently I’ve left a conversation feeling annoyed and angry (ok, now is a good time to point out that this could be because I’m growing up, and maturing, and blah, blah, blah, but I don’t want to grow up dammit!) and I think I might be nearing a breaking point. I’m reaching full-capacity on my smile and nod meter and some unlucky person is going to get the shock of their life when I unleash my inner goddess.</div>
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Earlier in the week I got a call from the golf pro at the country club. I’m not sure why, but he has rubbed me the wrong way since the very 1st time I met him. Maybe it’s because he cancelled golf lessons for my 7 year old because the course was wet but didn’t bother to tell me about it, and then “made up” for the 1.5 hour lesson with one 30 minute session where all he did was play a few holes (which we do several times a week). Maybe it’s because he acts like he owns the golfcourse and the entire neighborhood surrounding it, or maybe because he thinks he knows everything there ever was to know about golf and we should all just treat him like a golf god (newsflash: if you were that amazing, you’d be a proffessional golfer, not selling over-priced golf clubs to retired men at a middle class, B-grade golf course in Central VA. Pull the driver out of your ass and see yourself for what you really are; a 30-something ex-trustfund kid who literally could not make anything more of yourself. but I digress). When he called me (on my cellphone, the number to which I certainly never gave him) it was to tell me that he had gotten several complaints, one of which from a neighbor and fellow member, that my dog was running amok on the course. I told her with absolute certainty that it wasn’t my dog. I locked both of mine up before I left the house, and they weren’t out there while I was home. Even if they were outside, they have an electric fence; they can’t get to the course. He repeated himself, “a member specifically said that it was your dog”. Well that’s just fine and dandy all-knowing golf pro, but my dogs are locked up. It isn’t my fucking dog. Maybe it’s the dog down the street who I mistook for my own dog that very morning. Maybe it’s the neighbor’s dog who is ALWAYS outside and barking at golfers. I don’t know, I don’t care. It wasn’t my dog. He didn’t believe me, and he a was a total jackass, but I reiterated that it wasn’t mine and he pretended to drop it. Now I’m tempted to let both dogs run out there just because. Seriously, what are you going to do about it? If I wasn’t a member would you have called, or are you only able to say anything because you happen to know my family? I was nice this time, but I’ve made a decision; the next time you call me with some bullshit complaint, you won’t get nice Annie. She is off duty, and mega bitch Annie is back from vacation.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-56999758623505257422013-07-24T19:14:00.001-06:002013-07-24T19:14:13.834-06:00I'm Moving!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Thanks to the fabulous Maria at Tough Cookie Mommy, I am the proud new owner of my very own professionally hosted website! I'm in the early stages of development, but I'd love to know what ya'll think! If you get a chance, please check it out <a href="http://www.rationalmindofacrazywoman.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and leave a comment here or on the new site and tell me what you think. And don't forget to add my new page to your favorites ;). Thanks everyone! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-74451662657153660632013-05-07T11:36:00.001-06:002013-05-07T12:31:19.818-06:00The Grocery StoreThe grocery store is a dreaded place for me; a place where great recipes and good intentions go to die. Grocery shopping used to be Charming Husband's responsibility. He could get in and get out in record time, all while getting everything we needed and saving us money. Every time I went I would come home with chicken breasts, potato chips, Chapstick, and Oreos. And it would cost me a fortune. Now that I'm staying home the grocery shopping is listed under my job description. I'm getting better at it, and at least now I sort of know where stuff is and I don't wander the aisles aimlessly for an hour. But the grocery shopping is still not at easy task; throw in 3 children and it becomes every mom's worst nightmare. I had 2 back to back days of grocery store trips (because why would I get everything I need at once? How else am I going to waste gas if I don't drive the 10 miles to town every single day?), and they were doozies.<br>
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My 1st trip this week included all 3 of my kids. We got to the store and <strike>unfortunately</strike> thankfully that <strike>dreaded</strike> so helpful race car cart was available. Most of the shopping trip went off without a hitch, minus the 3 minute mini meltdown 3YO had because I put the apples in the bag when he wanted to. Fast forward to the checkout line. 7YO decided to climb on top of the race car. After more than necessary threats to his general well being he jumped down, but not before 3YO saw him and decided he wanted to try. He climbed up top and for no apparent reason decided to yell at random intervals, while Little Miss sat in the race car and squeaked that <strike>stupid</strike> horn. This would normally never fly, but I was having a hell of a time trying to pay. The day before I had been in NY, so when I tried to run my debit card it was declined (because apparently it's considered unusual activity that I'm using my card to spend $60 at a grocery store near my house but spending God only knows how much at a bar in NYC at 3:00 in the morning is totally normal). No biggie, I'll just use my back up credit card. JUST KIDDING! It's May 1st, and that card expired yesterday. I had the clerk suspend the order so I could call and activate my new card, all while 3 children continue to ignore me and scream for no reason. One of the ladies who worked there shushed them, and where normally I would tell her to mind her own damn business, the kids looked shocked enough that it might actually help so I let it<br>
happen. We finally got out of the store with groceries paid for, but 3YO wasn't done. As I tried to call Wells Fargo to tell them how much I hate them complain in a rational manner, he threw the mother of all fits. Thankfully he was in the car so I stepped out. It was bad day for everyone involved.<br>
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The very next day I was back at the store, this time with just 2 kids (7YO was still at school) and no race car cart. Both kids were behaving nicely (after another brief 3YO meltdown, over what I have no idea), and we were making good time getting through the store. We had just turned onto the juice aisle when I saw it. There was an, uh, rotund woman, wearing what can only be described as a muumuu that a unicorn had thrown up on. The colors, oh the colors, they hurt my eyes. It was so awful, in so many ways. There was a coat and some sort of leggings involved as well. I only wish I'd had the wherewithal to snap a picture. I tried not to make it obvious, and I did a pretty good job (I mean, I'm a pro at silently judging people). I looked down at 3YO who was staring at this atrocity, eyes wide. The look on his face was one part shock, one part awe, and 3 parts what the fuck are you wearing crazy lady. She had our back to us so I wasn't really worried. He looked her up a down, then he looked at me and paused for a moment, then he looked back at her...and quacked. He quacked. At a woman. Because of her clothes. I should've have been mad and disciplined him, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ridiculously proud. I don't know if she heard him, I high-tailed it to the next aisle as fast as a mom with 2 kids and a full shopping cart can. We managed to get out the store without anymore incidents and without anymore run-ins with the muumuu. I have never been more happy to get out the grocery store, and I really hope I don't have to go back until at least next week. Did I mention that I hate grocery shopping?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-34336566658789898352013-05-01T20:44:00.001-06:002013-05-01T20:44:01.261-06:00Mommy TimeThis last weekend I got some well-deserved mommy time, with one of my closest friends/mom confidants who happens to also be my stepmom. We flitted off to NYC for the weekend, and while the trip was in no way relaxing, it was so.much.fun. My stepmom used to live there so she knew her way around and it was my 1st time there so I had tons I wanted to see. We had to have walked 37 miles over the weekend and my hips are hurting like crazy (apparently I need to work out more!) but it was so worth it. <br />
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Now that I'm staying home with the kids I have less opportunities for adult interaction (the fact that I know very few adults here in VA isn't helping that much either). I really needed this, and my stepmom did too. It was a 6 hour train ride each way and that was about the only time I relaxed. We drank. We ate. We walked. We ate. We saw the sights. We ate. Everything we ate was amazing, especially the super cheap pizza. It's a good thing we walked so much or I'd be 15 lbs heavier. But I judge vacations by how much I laughed and how good the food was, so this little weekend jaunt is up there at the top of the list. <br />
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Things at home seemed to go off without a hitch which is always good when you are trying not to worry about things at home. There was one, ah, incident while I was gone that involved our 7YO and a whole lot o' puke. I believe the text said something along the lines of "there is puke everywhere. And when I say everywhere I mean fucking everywhere". I am so sorry that I missed that. I do love waking up at midnight to projectile vomit. Now, sometimes Charming Husband exaggerates a wee bit so I didn't expect it to be that bad, but after cleaning the carpet and repainting the wall in the bathroom I can tell you, there was puke fucking everywhere. <br />
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I'm going to try and get some pictures up. The 9/11 memorial was very moving and I got some good pics there. I might even post a video of me singing at a piano bar, but I'm probably going to need some coaxing for that ;). I'm so glad that I took this trip and we are already planning next years (this was the weekend between our birthdays, so it will happen the same time every year). I also really missed my smelly little tyrants so I was glad to be home too, even if I came home to puke. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-78886721302945478112013-04-09T08:59:00.001-06:002013-04-10T09:10:21.982-06:00My Voice<br />
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Several years ago I got this tattoo on the top of my foot. It's Chinese for "voice", (yes, that's actually what it means. I did my research!) and I still absolutely love it. When I got it, voice to me was singing. Music is a part of my soul and not a day goes by that I don't sing. Sometimes it's lullabies before bed; sometimes it's Adele while I'm in the shower. There was a time when it was the National Anthem at a high school basketball game or the circus in front of thousands of people. My audience may be smaller now, but it's infinitely more important. <br />
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Since starting this blog a little over 4 years ago, my voice has become so much more than just singing. I've found that I can reach people with my words, words that I've written myself, words that go deeper into my soul than songs written by other people ever could. Sharing my words has been difficult at times. It's hard to put myself out there knowing that I might be rejected. But doing so has helped me in so many ways. I've given myself a venue where I can voice my opinions, say the things I wanted to say to someone but didn't. Saying things out loud (or writing them down in this case) forces me to know where I stand and to stand by my convictions. It forces me to acknowledge my weaknesses since they are out there for the world to see. Writing this blog has given my soul a voice.<br />
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And that voice is ever changing. Sometimes it's funny or heartwarming, but sometimes it's political or angry. Sometimes I'm a mom or housewife yet other times I am just a 28 year old trying to find my place in the world. I hope my voice continues to change, and I hope that I continue to have an audience to hear it. I'm amazed on a regular basis to hear that people are reading my blog. People I've never met read every post, people who I went to high school with but never really spoke to are emailing me saying they appreciate my perspective, even if they don't always agree with me. I've connected and reconnected with people, all because I've chosen to speak - and it's an amazing feeling. Thank you to everyone who continues to listen; for giving me a reason for my voice to be heard. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-62099932806586374682013-04-04T08:21:00.001-06:002013-04-04T20:53:05.748-06:00Do You Want My Vote or Not?As I am sure all of you have noticed, many of my posts lately have been politically focused. I'm in a transition, if you will. For years my political views have been evolving, most of them inching toward the more conservative view. Having children and having to spend my own hard-earned money instead of parent's has certainly pushed me in that direction. But I'm not a full-blown, traditional republican. There are still a few issues that I have a more liberal stance on, and my opinion isn't likely to change. One example is gay rights. It is the one issue that I whole-heartedly disagree with the republican party's official stance on. And that's ok. I don't think that people have to agree on every issue. I think what makes American so great is that different opinions and different lifestyles are valued. <br />
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For me, the most important issues facing our country have more to do with the financial state and the attempt at dissolving the constitution than current social dilemmas. This country needs to get back on track. We need to stop spending. We need get rid of politicians from both sides who refuse to work together and who are hurting America. I believe the Republican approach to budget and taxes are what is going to get our economy out of the shitter. So I vote republican. I've recently become more active on twitter, and I follow people from all political backgrounds. Some of them are extremely liberal, some are extremely conservative, but there are a lot of people who, like me, fall somewhere in between. The gay rights issue really comes into play here too. So many of the people I see are totally republican, except they support gay rights. I think if there were to ever be a republican politician who supported gay marriage he (or she) would bridge the gap between the two parties and the Republicans might actually win an election then. And that politician is out there somewhere. <br />
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I know I'm not alone. I talk to so many people who say that if the Republican Party didn't focus so much on "traditional" marriage and didn't constantly revert to God and The Bible as their reasoning for everything that they would probably be a Republican. The GOP is missing out on a huge population of voters. Yes, it is unfortunate that people place social issues above the financial state of our country, but nevertheless they do it. And they vote. I am constantly seeing self proclaimed "true conservatives" on twitter bashing everyone who claims to be a republican but does not completely agree with everything they say. Anyone who is a RINO (Republican in name only) and not a #TCOT (top conservatives on twitter) should get the hell out of the party. This approach doesn't work. I don't think any of those people should change their own beliefs, but they have to start accepting that there are those of us out there that are standing on a ledge, trying to decide which way to fall. The Democrats will always catch us, because they know they need our votes. It's time for the Republican Party to stop pushing us over to them and fight for us to vote GOP. It is impossible to win an election if you insist that only people who completely agree with you represent your party. Do you really want to oust me over 1 damn issue? Do you really think that gay marriage is more important than jobs and the economy and the constitution? Do you want my vote or not? Because if you do, you are going have to accept that I don't fit into your perfect, Republican-shaped mold. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-40175395199166625402013-03-25T10:33:00.002-06:002013-03-25T10:47:16.020-06:00My Very 1st Ever Vlog!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ok guys, I did it. I finally vlogged!! I am so excited that I did this so please watch it and love it. Also, keep in mind that I taped this myself on my iPhone and I did it 1st thing in the morning so A. It's a little wobbly B. I look like I just rolled out of bed because I did just roll out of bed and C. I screw up thing camera angle a few times and it isn't flattering, so ignore the inside of my nose and all of my chins. Thanks!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1l3XdkVMrD4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-61201176365377587852013-03-19T15:29:00.002-06:002013-03-19T15:29:40.510-06:00My New GigIt's been 9 months since I quit my job, moved to VA for my husband's job, and began my life as a <strike>trophy wife</strike> stay at home mom. Since my oldest was born 7 years ago I have dreamt of being able to stay home and live in yoga pants and not wash my hair. Now that dream has come true. Turns out the dream was a lot more ideal than the reality.<br />
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Don't get me wrong; I freaking love my children. I love this opportunity I've had to spend time with them during these precious years. That being said, I'm not really cut out for this whole stay at home mom gig. I hate-H.A.T.E.- cleaning. My coworkers are tyrants, and my boss is kind if an asshole (I don't actually consider my husband my boss, but it's his money that I spend and he is the one with all those <strike>stupid</strike> totally rational expectations). Did I mention I hate cleaning? And I believe that my husband shouldn't have to work 70+ hours every week and then come home and clean. He's never here, I always am, it really is my job. When I worked full-time we shared this responsibility and now I sometimes fantasize about going back to work just so I don't have to fold the damn laundry. <br />
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My children, while brilliant and adorable, are also capricious, and probably communists. So far today I have stepped in to solve the "mine" argument between a 3 year old and a 1 year old at least 6 times, and I had to resort to bribery to get both of them to put on effing pants. By about 10:00 this morning the daily temper tantrum count was at 14 so I stopped counting. 3 year olds have got to be the WORST co-workers on the planet.! The bus that brings my oldest to school was 45 minutes late this morning, leaving us out in the below freezing temperature and me praying that neither of the younger ones had awoken to discover me missing. If I'm going to go AWOL, it will be in the summer when the weather is nice and I can escape to the outer banks. That same bus was at least 30 minutes late getting home this afternoon sending the rational mom side of me into a crazybitch tizzy. The highlight of my day is when all 3 are in bed and I can soak in my big ass tub with a huge glass of wine (fun fact: my wine glasses hold a 1/2 bottle of wine, so I rarely have to refill!) and a cigar- Rev Run style. Every few weeks Charming husband lets me take the car to town so I can get a pedicure. Yes friends, this.is.the.life. I live 15 minutes from the nearest <strike>Red Bull dealer</strike> grocery store and another 25 from the nearest Target. None of my neighbors are under 60; all of them are in bed by 9. <br />
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So I guess I am...adjusting. What I need is some more SAHM friends (or friends in general; I literally know 1 person my age in the whole state of VA so I'm taking applications for my new BFF). I get to be home with my children and see the amazing things they do at this stage, not just the asinine things they say. This afternoon I was told to not put Little Miss down for a nap because she is his "best friend" and his "best baby". That's pretty stinkin' sweet. Coincidentally, that same sweet child told me to stop talking on the phone because it was making him cold. Because rational. I'm trying to get the hang of it, and I cleaned the whole 1st floor yesterday (I even swept!). Hopefully by the end of the summer I'll have this job down pat, or I'll quit and go back to work. <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-50475399837184768722013-03-08T12:07:00.000-07:002013-03-08T12:07:30.220-07:00Why I'm Not a Feminist: Part 1I had originally planned on just one post for this topic, but I've come across a million more talking posts so I've split it into 2 posts. I haven't finished part 2 yet but I'll get it posted as soon as I do (spoiler alert, it has to do with women in the workplace). A few months ago Katy Perry was given Billboard's Woman of the Year Award. During her acceptance speech she said this: "I am not a feminist, but I do believe in the strength of women." I never thought that I would agree with Katy or like anything that she had to say, but I am with her on this. Naturally her comment led to a shitstorm of word vom from the feminist movement. Their claim was that everthing Katy said did in fact make her a feminist and none of them could understand why she would denounce them. Well friend, I'm going to break it down for you.<br />
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By the very definition of feminism you can bet your lily-white as that I'm a feminist. I believe in equal rights for woman (for everyone really, but I'll stick to women for this post or else it will go on for days). I believe in equal pay for equal work. I believe that as a woman I am just as smart and just as capable as my male counterparts. There is nothing men can do that women can't (except pee standing up, and I'll admit I'm pretty envious of that). But by today's standard, I am NOT a feminist. Today's feminist movement bears no resemblence to that of the early 20th century. The women who fought for my right to vote deserve praise. They are the very reason that I can sit here and write whatever I want. They are the reason I have a say in what happens in my life and in this country. They had good reason to fight and they sacrificed everything in order to achieve it. Today's feminist has taken that legacy and spat on it. They expect all women to agree with them on everything. They don't appreciate the difference in women that make us unique. They can't comprehend that there are women out there who oppose abortion. They think that all women should go back to work after they have children because the idea that staying home with their children is antiquated and hurts women in the long run. I actually got into a discussion where I had to defend my choice to take my husband's name when we got married; why didn't we hyphenate the children's last name? Why didn't we choose any other acceptable option except me just taking his name? You want to know why? Because it's none of your fucking business, that's why. Feminism is about women being able to think for themselves. Disagreeing with you doesn't make me less of a woman. My voice and my intelligence are what make me powerful. I am smart; I'll make decisions based on my life and not yours thankyouverymuch.<br />
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I stumbled onto an article written right after the Oscars last weekend. It was on Jezebel, so I should've known better than to read it. If you've never accidentally stumbled to that site and you are not a feminist, I suggest you avoid doing so. This particular article was all about how sexist Seth McFarlane was and how our society is so awful for allowing this "humor" to be acceptable, blah, blah, blah. Ok, 1st of all, he was JOKING! Seriously, get off your high horse and have a damn laugh. I'll agree that Seth wasn't the best ever Oscars host but A. He was a lot more PC than I was expecting considering what the Family Guy is like and B. the "sexist" jokes you are complaining about we're the only ones I actually laughed at. Complain because he wasn't that funny, but don't complain you are grasping for reasons to cry sexism. What was even more infuriating was reading the comments (this ALWAYS infuriates me and I should really stop reading them). People weighed in in support of the writer as expected, but there were a bunch of people, women and men, who made similar points to mine. As soon as someone started disagreeing with what the feminist writer was saying the other feminist commenters went on the attack. They were pissed because these people were on their site. Um, don't you want to spread the word? Are you trying to reach people who aren't part of your movement so you can gain support? If you hate everyone who isn't part of your movement, and no one outside of that movement is particularly fond of you either, you are doing something wrong. Even worse was the name calling. Are we in middle school? Because I for one hated middle school and would prefer to not deal with anyone that age or of that mindset until my own children are there, and even then.... The supporters of the writer called the others whores and sluts and fucking idiots. If you want to prove your point, or better yet, prove me wrong, try using coherent thoughts. Come up with a valid argument instead of resorting to name-calling. All you are doing is reducing your credibility to nothing. To quote Tina Fey in Mean Girls, "you have all got to stop calling each other sluts and whores. It just makes it ok for guys to call you sluts and whores". How can you expect women to gain the respect they deserve when other women cannot offer each other that respect?<br />
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I'm sure that there are self-proclaimed feminists out there who don't fall into this stereotype that I've laid out, but that is the reputation that the feminist movement has and I for one don't want to be lumped into that category. I don't want to be viewed that way. Whether or not I agree with their basic ideals or their stances on certain political topics is irrelevant. I don't want to be seen as a women who thinks men are the enemy or as someone who cares only about women and our "right" to free birth control and abortions (another topic for another day). You have made your entire movement about sex and birth control and how it's your body and you can do what you want with it, but God forbid some guy mention boobs and how great he thinks they are. Because its all about sex until you decide that it isn't ok for men to like boobs and think they are sexual. News flash: if you don't think boobs are sexual your partner is doing something wrong. Me? I am more than sex. I am a beautiful person with a beautiful mind. I know better than to let someone else's harmless jokes offend me. I have opinions and thoughts and dreams and ideals of my own. The fact that I am a woman is a characteristic, just as being blonde is, or being awesome. I love being a woman (I also love being blonde, and awesome) and I love the choice I've made to stay home with my kids while I have the opportunity. I will love going back to work when the time comes. I love the choice I made to take my husband's name and give it to our children. I shouldn't have to defend any of these choices. Feminism gave me the right to make them, and feminists are taking it away. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-85808326400577255312013-03-07T10:42:00.002-07:002013-03-07T10:42:57.529-07:00Hope RenewedLast night was incredible. I've heard about filibusters before, but to be honest I've never paid any attention to one because I really didn't understand what they even were. I'd only ever heard of them happening to block Supreme Court Justice nominations and I thought they were just a way to show disapproval and delay the inevitable. Senator Rand Paul changed my view on filibusters last night. In fact, he changed my mind on a lot of things last night. I thought most Washington Republicans were old and out of touch. I thought they were all single-tracked and partisan on all issues. I was begining to fear that Republicans would never again have the chance to hold the presidential office and make the necessary changes this amazing country needs in order to succeed. Rand Paul proved me wrong, and in doing so he has completely rejuvinated my hope for the future and my faith in the system. <br />
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If you weren't glued to C-Span2 for nearly 13 hours yesterday, you are really missing out. While there was a lot of information that was repeated (I mean really, how much new material can be presented when you are talking that long?) it was all relevant and important to the citizens of America. The Kentucky senator was basically asking for Obama to answer a really simple question, "are you going to allow drone strikes on US citizens on US soil, without following due process of law?" He has yet to get an answer, which is frightening in and of itself. Yesterday's filibuster began as a way to block John Brennan, who is the presidents nominee to sit as head of the CIA. Brennan has been heavily favoring drone strikes internationally and appears to be ratiher brutal. If he were to be elected as the head of the CIA he would have no problem following through on presidential kill lists should those ever exist. All the senator was asking was that the President confirm that there is no way that would ever be an option.<br />
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As I was watching this all unfold, it became apparent that this particular issue is one that is really more suited to the democratic party. I am surprised that they didn't immediately stand with Rand and join the filibuster because his argument is really right up their alley. However, this only further proves that there is practically no bi-partisanship in Washington. In the end only 1 democrat stood with Rand, but I still have hope that in the coming days more will show their support for him. I was glued to my phone and twitter feed last night as it blew up with people tweeting support. #standwithrand was the #1 trending topic in the US last night, and it reached 2nd worldwide. Codepink, which is an extremely liberal feminist group was immensly supportive of Rand and was planning to bring him a filibuster hangover kit today to show their continued support. It may be the only issue that the group will ever agree with Rand Paul on, but the fact that they do is hugely telling. It is possible that there are politicians out there who can cross party lines, who can speak to the hearts of people who would normally never want to listen. For nearly 13 hours, Senator Rand Paul literlly stood up for what he believed in. Seriously, he never left the floor or sat down. He didn't even use the bathroom for 13 hours. THAT is the kind of dedication this country needs to see from ALL of its politicians. Solving problems and coming to acceptable compromises is possible, if the people we have elected to reperesent us would just do their fucking jobs. Senator Paul proved to me that those politicians do in fact exist and we need to be more focused on elected more like him. Whether we agree with their stances on all issues or not, I'd rather have a democratic senator with a backbone who stands for what he or she believes in than a republic one who I only agree with on paper. <br />
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I have renewed hope. When this began yesterday it appeared that Rand Paul was in a room by himself. Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Marco Rubio (who spoke after the State of the Union in January) took turns asking Rand Paul questions to get the conversation going and the give him breaks. In fact, for most of the day they were the only 4 people who spoke. As the night went on, and the twittersphere kept the topic trending, more and more senators took to the floor in support of Rand. Watching that happen was inspiring. Every time a new senator came in and stood behind the Kentucky Senator I became more and more hopeful that change is possible, that our country still has people who represent its citizens. I am proud to #Standwithrand. I am proud that he and the 3 other senators who filibustered all day are the new face of the republican party. They are young (well, youngER), they are well spoken, and I truly believe they want to fight for this country. Even if you don't agree with Rand Paul on this topic (which you should, because it effects every single US citizen) you have to respect his determination. Let's band together to support a new breed of politicians; people who represent us and fight for our rights, people who can look beyond their own party and work together. We can do this, we can fix what is wrong with this country.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-48631745569386213192013-02-23T08:58:00.001-07:002013-02-25T10:41:54.336-07:00My Kids, My ResponsibilityAnyone who has followed my blog for more than a few months knows that one of my biggest pet peeves is when people try to parent my kids or tell me how to parent my kids. They are mine, and I will decide what is best for them until they are old enough to decide for themselves and I will be involved in the things that happen in their lives. Last night I had the honor of being a guest on <a href="http://www.gettinghammeredradio.com/index.php/180-proof-truth/" target="_blank">this online radio show</a> (PS, you should totally listen!!) and one of the topics we discussed was the recent actions of the Massachusetts Department of Education to allow transgender students to use locker rooms/bathrooms of the gender that they identify with rather than the one they were born with. I stated my opinion on this particular topic on the show, which is another reason you should listen, but my biggest issue is that included in the law is that teachers and school staff will not be permitted to discuss any of this with parents, and student who are uncomfortable with it will be punished. I AM NOT OK WITH THIS!! I should be "allowed" to discuss anything I damn well please concerning my children with their teachers and school administration. Period. If my child is uncomfortable with any situation at school I need to know about. I need to be the one to intervene and help him understand what is going on, especially if he is going to get in trouble for expressing his concern at school. Since when is it acceptable for a school to leave parents out of the loop? It isn't.<br />
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I'm not a helicopter parent; I never will be. I believe children should have the opportunity to find their own way and make mistakes and lose soccer games. But whether they can see me or not, I will always be there paying attention to what is going on. The idea that MA could start a trend of leaving parents out of the parenting equation is frightening. I remember the Columbine tragedy vivdly (I am not going into the gun debate here. That's a post in its own). I was a freshman in high school 30 minutes from Littleton, CO and I spent the entire afternoon and evening glued to the news channel. In the weeks following, reports came out that the students responsible had shown signs that they were angry and capable of harming other students (though I doubt anyone expected it to go so far). Both students had weapons and bomb making materials in their bedrooms. Yet somehow, their parents had no idea. Their own parents had no idea what was hiding in their rooms. The school had never contacted the parents about concerns of their sons' behavior. This is unacceptable. As a parent I am certain that I will ALWAYS know what is going on in my son's room [insert cliche "when you live under my roof" statement here]. But how can I know what goes on at school if said school has a policy to not discuss it with me? All children behave differently when their parents are not around, even once they become adults they don't always show their true colors. If one of my children is causing problems at school or is taking issue with something or is showing signs of depression than I MUST know about it. If my child is being bullied or doing the bullying I MUST know in order to address it. So many of these issues facing kids today can be stopped if parents step in before it goes to far.<br />
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So far I am happy with the public schools in VA. My oldest went to private school back in CO and I was worried about making the switch. As a 1st grade I am completely involved in all aspects of his life. His teacher and I communicate as much as necessary and when he gets in trouble I know about it. I hope that as he gets older this trend continues, and I hope that as my younger children start school the laws here don't change to reflect those of MA and forbid teachers to discuss certain topics with me. They are MY children. I shouldn't have to put them in private school, or worse homeschool them (hahaha! YEAH RIGHT!) in order to know what is going on when they are not at home. I'd love to know what everyone thinks on this. Did you listen to the show? Did you think I was awesome? How do you feel about what's going on in MA? Leave a comment and let me know!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-53430246736220152622012-12-17T10:56:00.001-07:002012-12-17T10:57:12.833-07:00SadnessI am still in a deep state of sorrow. Yesterday people starting posting pictures and names and birthdays of the victims in the CT school shooting. I didn't watch the news all weekend because I didn't want to applaud the media for their piss-poor (albeit expected) coverage of the tragedy. Last night I saw the pictures and birthdays, and I lost it all over again. These are babies! These were children in the same grade as Bug. There was a little girl who was born just 3 days after Bug was. I just cannot wrap my head around it. There are no words that describe the horror of this event. Nothing can soothe the parents who lost their children, and yet it seems like people are so narrow-minded that they are actually able to make this whole situation worse. News crews were interviewing children at the scene, as if living through it wasn't traumatic enough, they decided having them retell it within minutes of being reunited with their parents was somehow appropriate. I saw a picture of a woman on her cell phone in absolute hysterics. This was a woman who just found out that her 1st grader, her BABY, never came out of that school. She has presents sitting underneath a Christmas tree that will never be opened. She lost her baby that day, and the media feels that it is appropriate to splatter that moment of hers across the internet and the airwaves? This is unacceptable. This is why I avoided the news this weekend. These are people, fellow human beings, who would give anything in the world to be holding the sweet innocent child safe and sound, like the rest of us were able to do. We should not be exploiting them or condoning those who do. We should be offering our support and letting them grieve however they deem necessary. We shouldn't be using their sorrow to further our own agendas. My heart is so heavy today. I only wish there was something I could do to ease the pain. But I know that I can't, so instead, I will stay out of their way and let grieving parents be. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-77239954460829768292012-12-02T15:03:00.000-07:002012-12-02T15:16:42.395-07:00Bacon-Wrapped Brussel SproutsI've never posted recipes here; that's not what I started this blog for. But like many of you, I have recently become obsessed with Pinterest so crafts and recipes have become my life (in line behind my children, naturally), and these were really too good to not share. Charming Husband actually suggested I make these, but since I did all of the actual work I'm taking 98% of the credit. Because I can. If you don't all ready love Brussel sprouts, you will now. If you have to eat vegetables, they might as well be covered in bacon. <br />
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Here is what you will need:<br />
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1lb of bacon- I used the thin sliced<br />
30 or so Brussel sprouts<br />
30 or so Tooth picks<br />
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If you are like me and you live in the sticks, you may buy Brussel sprouts like this, still on the stalk. If this is the case, I'm sorry. Slice off what you need and save the rest for later. If you are normal and live where the sell Brussel sprouts already off the stalk, then this whole thing will take you 10 mins less than it took me. <br />
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You will want to soak the toothpicks in water for at least an hour before you use them to avoid starting a fire in your oven. If you don't mind the occasional oven fire you can go ahead and skip this step.<br />
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Cut each strip of bacon in half. <br />
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Wrap 1/2 of a piece of bacon around each Brussel sprout. Shove a tooth pick in at the end to hold the bacon in place. Since the Brussel sprouts are uncooked they will be pretty hard so the toothpick will go in just far enough to keep the bacon from unravelling. <br />
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Place on baking pan, toothpick up. Bake at 375 for about 50 mins or so. Let cool before eating, even if you are really excited to eat them like I was. Just trust me on this one. They'll be really freaking hot on the inside. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-56325611496040460422012-11-13T07:18:00.001-07:002012-11-13T07:18:48.639-07:00Winner Winner Chicken DinnerI am so excited about the participation in my giveaway!! This was my 1st one, and I LOVE the earrings that I am about to give to one lucky person! So without further ado, the winner of the Kitsy Lane earrings is....<br />
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Patti! I will be emailing her to give her further instructions shortly. <br />
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In addition, because I'm trying to grow my business, anyone of you who entered the contest will get a promo code for $15 of an order of $30 or more. The codes are only good for a few days one I activate them, so if you decide you want to buy some of the gorgeous jewelry at the <a href="https://annieandavery.kitsylane.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">Annie & Avery Boutique</span></a>just contact me first at <a href="mailto:rationalmindcrazywoman@gmail.com">rationalmindcrazywoman@gmail.com</a> and I will send you the promo code. Thanks again to all of my new customers and followers and for entering into my first giveaway!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3713824624467138622.post-31924405060164380532012-11-05T11:23:00.000-07:002012-11-09T05:37:50.736-07:00Free Jewelry, Anyone?Who here loves jewelry? Who here loves a free jewelry giveaway from yours truely? (The answer here is, "I do, I do"!). Well, my friends, you have come to the right place. Do you want to win the lovely earrings pictured here? Then keep reading!<br />
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<img alt="Mara Hoops" class="prodImage" height="300" id="mainImage628" src="https://annieandavery.kitsylane.com/general/product/listing/BER20001001.jpg" style="display: block; z-index: -10;" width="300" /><br />
I recently stumbled upon Kitsy Lane, a fabulous new online jewelry boutique. On a whim, I opened my own jewelry boutique and I am so glad that I did. I think you'll be happy I did too. Now, I know what you are thinking, "this is just like Mary Kay or Avon and those things rarely work out for the non-salesman type people". I am totally with you. In fact, I tried selling Mary Kay, and I wound up with closets full of useless makeup samples and facewash. I sucked at selling Mary Kay. Actually, I suck at selling things in general. I think that in order to be a successful sales person you have to really believe in what you are selling and you have to really want other people to love it as much as you do. That is kind of where I am at with Kitsy Lane. The jewelry is pretty and unique so I will actually use it myself. The best part about selling it is that it is completely and totally free to own my boutique. When customers buy jewelry from my website (that is all maintained for me) I get a commission of up to 25% depending on the item. I don't have to carry any inventory (so it is husband-friendly in that regard) and I don't have to host any parties where I guilt-trip my friends and family into buying the products off me. I have yet to see how I could possibly lose here. The only money I have spent is on my own jewelry that I simply had to have, and I intend to buy oh so much more (this is where it isn't so much husband-friendly). Did I mention that the jewelry is stunning and affordable? Because it so is. <br />
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I just received my 1st order and I am loving everything I got. Loving it so much, in fact, that I am sharing it with all of you. These hoops are really darling, and would be perfect for a casual or business outfit. I am going to give them away to one lucky follower chosen at random. Each person can earn up to 3 entries, and here is how:<br />
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In order to win, you must do at least one of these 3 things. Sign up to be a customer of mine by following <a href="https://annieandavery.kitsylane.com/join/b9yctkr" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">this link</span></a>. Signing up will equal 1 entry. Next, leave a comment and get an entry. Finally, tweet the link to my boutique or this blog to your followers and get a 3rd entry. In order to get an entry for your tweet include your twitter handle in your comment. That's all, I promise. The contest is open until Sunday November 11th at midnight. I will anounce the winner on Monday morning. Feel free to contact me with any questions. This giveway is only for entrants located in the US. Thanks friends!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14584526767334503803noreply@blogger.com8