American Woman? Wonder Woman? No, just Woman!

I am woman hear me roar.
Well hear me yell because no one in this male dominated household hears me.
Sigh.

The other day I hear "Woman!, Woman!"
Now it was just myself and the 7 year old at home.
So I poked my head into the living room and there he was, sitting playing Wii.
He looked at me & said "Woman! I would like a drink please."

I don't know if it was the shocking realization that he used the word "Woman" when referring to me or that he used please.
Well I do digress, he is very polite.

So I got the little tyrant a drink, didn't say anything because I was chuckling to myself & thought well it's just once.
Ha!
A 7 year old never does anything just once, do they?

I figure he thinks I am Wonder Woman.

It's obvious why.  I'm built just like her.
Wait?
What?
I'm not?

Then why is this child calling me "Woman!"?

It hasn't stopped.
He's called me it since.
But I can't stop laughing.

It sounds hysterical.

I'm sure it won't be so funny when I get a call from the school saying he is calling his second grade teacher that, will it?

Do your children call you anything?
Remember it's a family blog,.

Best Kept Secret on the East Coast

So, got married.
Yep.

Made if official.

For those of you who have read my blog a long time or have known me through different groups or whatever know that I was married before and met Bobster quickly there after our separation.

Our courtship was short and sweet and almost exactly a year to the day that we met, our son was due.  Of course, Cheeks was a rather large baby, so he was taken 10 days early.

I digress.  We knew we would always get married but it just never seemed to happen.

So a few weeks ago we just decided it's high time to do it.
We told no one.

We picked a date.  Showed up. Got married.
It was over in about 5 mins.

I couldn't stop smiling though.
I was a very happy woman.
Cheeks told me we had to get married in a different room because the one we were in wasn't big enough.  Then he wanted cake.
He told me there is always cake at weddings.
True but not ours.

We ended up going to a quiet dinner with just Cheeks.
Tim is in Florida now & has been for quite some time.
Chris was with his mother for the weekend.

So no one knew. Our announcement was done on good ole Facebook.
A sign of modern times.

Tell me, have you ever kept a really good secret?

I highly recommend...

For those of you who have been reading the ole bloggeroo for awhile (like my mom...HI NANA!) you know I love to read.

We have a little library in our dept. at work.

I found this little gem in the box:

This is a page turner
BUT
No for reasons you would think.

It's not suspenseful, it's not romantic...it just is.

It just is an extremely wonderful emotional rollercoster ride.

The story of a man, who lives alone, runs an orchard and is getting along ok. 
Two young girl wonder into his orchard and life is never the same for him.

I didn't want this story to end.
That's when you know it's a good book...you are so involved in the characters lives that you want to k now what goes on after the book ends.

If I were you I'd check this one out.  I almost cried (but I was reading at work..shhh! don't tell).

What have you been reading lately?

Late for the party

I love to read.
Super love it.
I can read pretty quickly too.

I have read some pretty good books in my day.

So after seeing a certain movie, that I found on the floor of my 19yo's room, I decided to read:

That's right.
I finally read "The Hunger Games" trilogy.

Darn skippy happy that I read it too.

What awesome books.

I was so surprised these are marketed as teen lit.

This time around I think seeing the movie first made me want to read the books.
Of course, I usually read the book then see the movie.

Now I am bookless.
Nothing to read.

Do you have any suggestions?
Does anyone even read this blog besides the Nana?
Hello Nana.

If you do, please leave me a book selection you think I might like!

20 Things You Didn't Know About Me!

I was perusing blogs today (because I am addicted to them) and I saw this post from About Mom who got her inspiration from Fabulous Mom who got her inspiration from Dear Chrissy.

It's like that old commercial from the 70's "And they told two people! And they told two people!"

So I figured what the hey, let's get on that train & follow the lead.

Here ya go.

1.  I love changing the calendar to a new month & looking at blank sheets.  It's like a renewal of sorts.

2.  I was 36 years old and 1 month exactly when I had my Cheekers.  He was 10 days early and is born on one of my best friends birthday.

3.  Not a fan of change.  I like routine.  I thrive on it really.  Bobster doesn't, so we often have a tendency to spat a bit when he wants to change something.  I've gotten a bit better but something that monkey wrench in my routine can not be un-wrenched!

4.  My fav song ever is "Rock the Boat".


It's a toe tapper, no?
Love it.

5.  I absolutely adore the finale scene in White Christmas when the sisters come out in the red gowns.  They are, to this day, the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen.  I even had a doll when I was little that had almost the exact same dress.

6.  My first car was a '79 Chrysler Cordoba.  Oh yea, I was styling.  It didn't even have heat.  A/C yes, heat, not so much.

7.  I didn't get my license until I was 21.  Don't ask.

8.  I am licensed in the state of NJ to do nails.  I went to school for 300 hrs to learn how to do manicures, Pedi's, fake nails, etc.  I worked at it for one summer & threw in the towel.  Not me at all.

9.  I graduated Rutgers University in May 2005 with a degree in English & Elementary Education.  I work in customer service and I love it. 

10.  This is my second tour of duty at the company I work for.  I left in 2003 to go back to school. 

11.  I have been fired twice in my life. 

12.  I was asked to sign a waiver when a company I worked for closed my branch.  Their reason? I was considered a minority...I was over 35 and a woman.  If I signed I got 2 additional weeks of severance.  Worked in my favor because I had already gotten my old job back.

13.  I use exclamation points like no tomorrow!!!  Seriously, it's an addiction.

14.  I've eaten goat and ostrich.  Interesting.  Not bad although the goat did give me a little intestinal issues.  Of course it was curried goat so I guess that's what I get.

15.  I pretended to be a lesbian once to get a guy to leave my best friend alone.  It worked!

16.  I have a really good memory for names. 

17.  My birth mark is on my pinky toe.  My mom thought I stepped in poop when I was a baby.

18.  I appeared on a show called Dancin On Air a few times & one of the premiere episodes of Dance Party USA.  Yep.  That's right.  I shook my money maker at 16 on tv. 

19.  I flew to Florida to meet a guy I met on the internet.

20.  I had trouble coming up with 20 things because I think I am pretty open on my blog and facebook.

That's it.

So now tell me something I don't know about you.

The Phrase That Pays...

Phrases.
They are around us all the time.
TV.
Radio.
Internet.

We all have key phrases that we say all the time.
We might not even realize.

I know my phrase.
In case anyone in my family is reading this, it will be my favorite CLEAN phrase.

I say it & my sister cringes.
She has actually said to me "Never say that again"

Muhahahaha...I have put it in writing now.

I will shout from the roof tops.
My favorite phrase is:


Okie Dokie Artichokie

Oh, that's right.
You can get it printed on a t-shirt.  A cap.  A sweatshirt.

The possibilities are endless really.

Now I want to know what's your fav phrase.
The phrase that pays for you.

Leave me a comment.
Okie dokie artichokies?

How I know I am getting older...

July is my birthday month.
The big 43 is coming in just a few days.

I've noticed lately that I must be approaching middle age.

Here's a few reasons.

Yes, this just a gratuitous shot of Luke Bryan but he represents County Music that I have taken a huge liking to.

Why?
1.  It's catchy.
2.  I can understand the lyrics.

Sad, right?

Another reason is NJ is going through a God awful heat wave right now.
Both of our vehicles are lacking a/c because it broke.
I will run only necessary errands, bitch the entire time that's its ungodly hot, come home and not leave again unless it's absolutely necessary.

I've noticed the veins.
The varicose veins are appearing on my legs.
Like left & right.

I figured I'd get Secretary Spread before I got those since I sit on my tushie all day
BUT
I guess working on my feet all those years didn't help.

Finally, I am going to bed at like 10pm exhausted but the six year old is just getting started.
He is out lasting me at the end of the day.

I'm sure there are many more reasons but my middle aged brain isn't working properly.

Tell me, how do you know you are getting older?

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

I realize this morning, July 1st, 2013 that I have a few days left.
In just a little over two weeks, mere days, I will be leaving something behind and entering into something new.
Something unknown.
Something I am not looking forward to.

It only happens once in life.
It took me awhile to get to this stage in my life.

I've been through ups and downs.
Life hasn't been easy but it hasn't been horribly hard.

Others will celebrate and want me to partake.
I'm not sure I will.
While it's new, do I really want to celebrate?
Do I want to put it out there?
Really?

Hmph.

I guess I will.

In just 15 days from today I will be


43!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you freakin stand it?

How did I get to this age?
Seems like yesterday I was still in high school...wait, wait, nope I just act like I am sometimes.
You know, try to get my parents to pay my bills & give me money.
It doesn't work like it used to.

That's the new stage in my life.

Am I mid 40's or still early 40's?

I'm confused.

Help!

Circus Freak

I had root canal done.
It was like my 7th or maybe 8th. 
I've lost count.

I've only had 10 more teeth than you are supposed to.
I had 8 pulled, not including the wisdom teeth.
Oh, I had those pulled...one at a time.
Good times right there.

Did I mention braces?
Had them.
Not once.
Not twice.
Three times.
Yep.
Three times a charm is what they say.

I'd believe it had my teeth not slightly shifted and are a bit crooked.
Gives me character.

So imagine my surprise when the dentist says to me today...(while my rubber dental dam is in my mouth rendering it almost impossible to speak or swallow)

"That tooth there normally has three canals in it, occasionally four.  You, my young lady, are one of the lucky ones.  You have four canals"

Oh, yea me!

I'm thinking of joining Denny's Demented Dental Dames Circus.

Whaddya think?

Wann Know What I Did Saturday Night?

I got wild.
I got crazy.

I got rid of the mom jeans

That's right.
I broke out the capris & went out.

Wait!  That's not the best news...I was sans kids and husband.

I know, you are thinking "Say it isn't so Meghan?"
It is.

I went out.
ALONE.
It was glorious.

Wondering how I partied?  I know you are so I won't keep you in suspense.

See, after spending the entire day by myself...I know, now you know why NJ is getting slammed with storms this week, my sister asked me to go to dinner and a movie.

Dinner!
Where I didn't order for anyone but me.
Where I didn't have to refer between kids or listen to my husband ref.
Where I almost ordered alcohol...almost...I didn't.

Then we hit up the movies.

Saw...

Very, very funny!
Then again I love me some Vince Vaughn.

Know what else?
I didn't have leave the theater once to take someone to pee.

Honestly I didn't know myself.
It was fantabulous.

Most of all, while I appreciated the time to myself, I realized that I miss my family when they aren't around.

There wasn't any chaos, no one asking me as soon as I sit to get them a drink, tie a shoe, look at this.  No one randomly giving me hugs and kisses.

I almost didn't know what to do with myself.

Almost.

It Hurts

I'm Meghan.
I take prescriptions.
Two.
One for the tummy.
One for the mental health...Celexa if you will.

I am not ashamed to take the latter.
I need a little mood boost.

Last Tuesday I called my dr's office to get a refill on both meds.
Without going into a long drawn out post, it only took them until Friday to call it in.
I was out of both Tuesday morning.

It's Sunday.
I only have my tummy med.
My dr's office never called the Celexa in.

I am not happy.
Either is my family.

I woke up this morning.
Came downstairs and my stomach immediately was in knots.
I am having a hard time dealing with the mess...which I did manage to clean but it's a wreck again.

Bobster is putting up with me BUT I get extremely sensitive and it causes me to get nasty.
Yes.
I can be a b*tch.
Tis true.

I am trying not to take it out on the kids.  I am succeeding so far.
Bobster, not so much.
I snapped at him...a few times.

I feel like my stomach has a knot big enough in it to pull the remains of the Titanic up from the bellows of the deep.
I want to cry if you look at me wrong or say something I deem the wrong thing.

I'm smart enough to know it's the lack of medicine BUT I can't help it.

First thing in the am, I will call my doctor's office & after my appointment at the end of the month, I will look for a new doctor.  This isn't the first time something a long these lines have happened.
It is the first time I've been without my meds for an extended period of time.

Tell me, do you take anything?
Just to help.

FlipFlops & Other Quirks

It's here.
Spring.
Summer is just around the corner.

Toes will be making an appearance.
Time for me to get my 1st pedi of the season, break out the sandels & slides.

Notice I didn't say flip flops or thongs.

Yes...these...

Are my mortal enemy.

Have been since I was a little girl.

I can not stand flip flops.  Or thongs.
Anything that goes in between my toes.

Gives my the chills.

I'm sort of sad about it really.

There are some too cute for words thongs & flip flops out there.
My tootsies balk though.

I take 2 steps and I'm dying...dying to put them in the trash & run free.

Not barefoot though because that's another no no.
I despise shoes but I love my socks.

It can be 90 degrees outside & I will put shoes on just to walk out back.
CAN.
NOT.
STAND.
BAREFEET.
OUTSIDE.

Come to think about it, I also wear socks around the house.
Not slippers...my feet get hot...just socks.
Sometimes to bed too.
Although most times, the cool sheets on my warm tootsies is just too good of a feeling.

Ah...coolness.

Tell me are you a flipflop/thong type of person?

I Thought I Lost You!

I have been having major issues with my computer lately.

The tip off that I needed to get help was when I went to sign in to do a blog post & I couldn't.
EEK!

I thought I lost you all & my blogs.
I was panic strickened.
Anxiety ridden.

Actually felt just like a normal day really.
Hmm..there could be something to that.

Well, the computer seems fixed...thanks to a lot of $$ later & the husbands ingeniuty.

So I have found you all & hopefully you have found me...well you never lost me...let us hope.

Tell me what have you all been up to???
Hmm???
Do tell.

Guilty Pleasure...

I have a few guilty pleasures.
Somehow they all revolve around reality tv.
I totally love it.
From America's Next Top Model to America's Worse Cook...I can't look away.

My #1 top reality guilty pleasure show.

The Rachel Zoe Project.

I am just unexplicably drawn to her.
Love her.
And Rodger her husband.
And the baby, Skylar, OMG...What a cutie.

She's a great stylist & designer.  I love watching for the accessories & clothing not to mention poor Rachel when she gets upset.

I can't help it.
When I heard it was coming back on I was like a little girl, all happy & joyful!

Now tell me, what is your guilty pleasure tv show?
Come on...be honest.

What I've Been Reading

Where have I been?
On the blog?
Apparently not since my posts are sparse.

I’ve just been.
Haven’t really thought anything was exciting enough to blog about.
You know besides the menopause moans.

I have been reading though.
Recently I just finished “Night Road” by Kristin Hannah.

I think she is my new favorite author.

I’ve read a few of her books and she always draws you in as if you are the main character.
This book had me on the verge of tears quite often.

Family loss and family renewal.
Some of us go through that often.
Kristin Hannah has managed to eloquently spin a story that you can not help but get caught up in.

Breathtaking at times, joyful at others.

Best book I’ve read in such a long time…so good I finished it in under 3 days

What have you read lately?
I am open to suggestions.

Meghan's Menopause Moans

Seriously I should rename the blog.
Something catchy.

Like Meghan's Menopause Moans.

Not that I am in menopause.
Although I'm not using it, so really they can take it.

I think I am perimenopausal.
Yes, I am only 29, 32, 39 Ok FINE! Over 40 & that's all your getting.

Let me tell you about the hot flashes I've been having the past year...Holy Mother of God, it's ridiculous.  I can go out in 20 degree weather with a light hoodie.  Don't even get me started about the temp at work.  Ugh.

Of course, this is where the men readers of my blog may not want to continue...or in other words "Dad...stop. reading. now!"

Aunt Flo visits with a vengence anymore.
Not to mention I get cramps...haven't had those since my teens
AND
Now my lower back aches.

Really?
It's just unnecessary.

There should be a pill.
Just dry it up when it's no longer needed.
A girl can dream, no?

Let us not mention the mood swings.
I've always been a moody bi-atch but holy cannoli, now...watch out.
The fangs come out & no one is safe.
Well really just Bobster.
In reality, he was never safe.

Sigh.

It will have to come to end quickly, right?
I mean how long will I have to suffer with this unnecessary process of Mother Nature?


Tell me, are you experiencing any fun perks from getting older?

What I've Been Stuggling With

Some of you may have noticed I have not been blogging here much.
Lately, it just seems like nothing worthwhile has been going on.
Although a lot has been going on.

At least in my head it has.
I've been having anxiety attacks left & right, all day & all night.

They started on the weekends back in the fall.
Especially on Saturdays.

It seems like if I don't get up, jump in the shower & get started on the days chores & errands I will get an upset stomach, my heart will start racing a mile a minute and my head starts to hurt.

Gets worse once I am at the supermarket, as well.  I feel like I am not going fast enough for people so my heart will start to race while checking out & then bagging.

The anxiety has started to affect me during the week.  Not too bad at work, yet, but my the attacks will hit after dinner...I think to myself "Do I have enough time to do this? that? Will I get enough sleep? How will I get my stuff done in the morning?" 

Our financial woes are at a all time high, so I know that has a lot to do it with it.  I just worry all the time. 

The worse part is about 3 days after my little monthly friends disappears.  People can't talk to me without me wanting to cry. 

I try not to let things bother me or to let it go but the anxiety just isn't going away with those thing.

I already take Celexa and I'm not going to lie, I've been known to take a Benadryl or two when I need help going to sleep.  Although the last time I took one, it didn't make me tired at all...although my nose was clear!

Worries just seem to always be there.  The anxiety has gotten so bad now that I am trying to use breating techniques to help calm me down..so far...no good.

Perhaps sharing that I have anxiety will help. 

Do you have it? Do you have any methods to help you cope? 

It just seems to be getting harder day by day.

I promise my next post will be more uplifting.  I swear I am not a Debbie Downer just wanted to share.

#1 Post of 2012 is:

I feel so honored.

So liked.

Almost as if I won an Academy Award.

It's so humbling to see that all you all like this post the most: My Take: Pinterest Crockpot Italian Chicken .

 

Tell me, did you make this?
Did you like it?

Do you make stuff off your Pinterest food boards?

LMK & leave me a link & I will check it out!

It all Depends

(Disclaimer: so not me!)

While that is not how I am built...it is how I feel.

Since I turned 40, it's been downhill.

My most recent ailment...if I sneeze, laugh or cough..I pee a little.

Tis true.

I don't get it.

Sure I had an 11 pound baby but that was 6 years ago.  Would the bladder just now feel the effects?

It's a little annoying.
No wait...it's a lot annoying.

Why is it that you only hear about women experiencing this little inconvenience?
So not fair!
Of course, I don't have to get a prostrate exam so I guess it's even, right?

Tell me, are you experiencing things you didn't experience when you were younger.

Competitive? Meh

Are you competitive?
Me?

Not so much.

I think it drives my family of men cray cray (impressed with my street lingo? I know, I know!)

I don't ever remember a time in my life when I would get the rush of trying to win.
Winning?
Yes, that's a rush.

But if I don't win, then I just shrugg my shoulders & call it a day.

Even betting.
I like to bet.
Gamblers anonymous here I come.

Not money bets as much as chore bets between me & Bobster.
If I lose, I pay up.
If Bobster loses...well he bet me a foot rub a few years back.  I think Cheeks was 3.  Cheeks is 6 now & I am waiting for my tootsies to be pampered.

Will I play a game to win & gloat?
Not really.

I just am happy to play.

How about you?