13.1 – The number of miles I ran on May first when I completed my first half marathon in 2 hours and 27 minutes. I’d write about it, but I just haven’t been able to find the time. I injured my knee during training when my GPS messed up and under calculated a run by 3km (roughly a mile) and I exceeded the 10% rule. My knee hasn’t been the same since. It’s depressing and annoying. Running the race was a little difficult, and I walked a little more than I wanted, but regardless, I was still pretty happy with my time.

3.1 – The number of miles I’ve run since.

0 - The amount of weight I have lost this month.

0 – The amount of weight I have gained this month.

744 – The number of hours I have felt guilty for not running/working out. After all this work I have done, it would be stupid to throw it all away.

2 - The number of birthdays we’ve had in May.

3 – Hudson’s age. Three crept up on me. I wasn’t ready and it makes me feel old.

30 - My age. 30. Also crept up on me and I was a little more upset about it than I thought I would be.  Thirty. *sigh*

1 - The number of teeth my soon-to-be-six-year-old has lost. Also makes me feel old. My kids are growing up so fast. Again: I feel old.

6 - The number of gallons of paint I’ve put on my walls.

3 – The number of weeks my new carpet has been delayed.

10 - The number of times I’ve wanted to kill Mike when he’s asked me if I know anything about the carpet’s delivery date.

10 – The number of times he’s asked me about the carpet

3 – The number of new cars I’ve driven this month while I test drive for Urban Moms. Coming up later this summer, reviews for:  Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Ram 1500.

2,600 - The pounds per square inch of pressure in our new pressure washer: likely enough to peel the paint off a car. Completely unrelated to the previous item, just so you know.

3, 500,000 - The number of dollars worth of work I have provided estimates for just in this past month alone. Currently matching our company’s gross annual sales. Needless to say, I’ve been a little busy.

55 - The average number of hours I’ve been in the office per week.

25 – The average number of hours I’ve worked from home at night.

3.5 – The average number of hours of sleep I get.

1, 238, 438 - The number of times I have told someone to stop crying/hitting/whining/fighting/breaking things/running away from me/talking back/slamming doors.

30 - The number of times I’ve thought about writing here and then been unable to spend more than 10 minutes to string some words together. I really, really, really miss this place. I miss you guys.

4 – The average number of Tim Horton’s coffees I have in a day.

150 - The number of dollars we spent on a gorgeous hand-me-down leather couch which is currently sitting in my garage waiting for its new home.

1 – The number of hours I may have hid out in the garage, laying on said couch, on Sunday morning while my kids fought inside.

37 - The number of compostable yard bags I’ve placed at the road for collection after clearing out my gardens and backyard which were still full of last fall’s leaves.

Also, am I the only one can’t believe it’s June already? Where the fuck has 2011 gone?

Random Posts

• my pitty post
• sometimes I’d rather watch paint dry
• wanna like to bring (blog) traffic to a screeching halt? follow me

I’m kind of a laundry snob.

Okay, not really.

I’m lying.

I don’t sort colours, I wash whatever is in the basket – wools included. If the woollies make it out in one piece, it was meant to be. I dress out of the drier constantly sometimes, if it’s wrinkled? I throw it back in the drier for a few minutes. So, I’m particular about the scent of the detergent and that’s about it, okay?

I hate powder detergent. Never use it unless I have to. I remember growing up and having to do my own laundry as a teenager (deprived, I know, feel for me) and I would put too much powder and it would leave clumps of soggy, wet, partially dissolved detergent everywhere. It probably didn’t help that I crammed every last stitch of clothing in the machine so I didn’t have more than a couple loads, but that’s beside the point.

My detergent has to smell good. No. Not good. Great. It has to have a strong scent that lasts DAYS after it’s washed (that way I can tell clean clothes from the dirty ones) so when I pull it from the drawer it still smells like it has just been washed. I have tried a couple different brands but I am very loyal to a select few, so when I was asked to try out Sunlight Deep Clean Cold Water Detergent (over 8 months ago), I was a little skeptical; not because I didn’t think it would work but because of the POWDER DETERGENT. The Sunlight powder was only one my mother used while I was growing up and it scarred me! (Kidding!) (Kind of.)

I know you’re rolling your eyes now because you’ve been sucked into what appears to be a review, but please bear with me. I have something to share!

So, along with the detergent I was sent a press kit with the write-up about Sunlight and how awesome everything is, yadda, yadda…

And this gem:

“One per cent of women surveyed wait until underwear/underpants are visibly dirty before they are washed.”

Say what!?

I can’t even make this shit up. Seriously. It was in the press release.

Visibly dirty.

*Shudder*

It also mentions that 1 out of every 10 of us admit to only washing our bedding once per month.

Guilty. Sometimes.

But after reading this press release, all I could think was: Imagine “they” only surveyed 10 people; that “1 out of 10” and “one percent” could very well then be THE SAME PERSON. Talk about awkward.

Anyway, I failed miserably at posting a review of the detergent; I apologized profusely and sent them a quick message including my thoughts. But I came across the press release again and – seriously: Visibly dirty. That’s just all kinds of wrong.

But I’ll have you know, my freshly washed underpants smell wonderful.

Random Posts

• Being a Rookie Mom Ain’t So Bad: Challenge and Winner!
• A New Lease on Pregnancy
• B!tch is back!

January 12, 2011 marks the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. A country, still torn, still in ruins, rises above the their tremendous loss, creating awe-inspiring works of art which, remarkably, even brings a smile to the faces of those affected by the ravaging earthquake. Haitians not only lost their homes, but their way of life has been taken as there is, still, virtually no way for them to earn an income. With this project, Hearts for Haiti, artists have been given an avenue to share their works while earning income for them and their families: aid by way of trade.

The artisan community of Haiti salvages some of most unlikely items and, with their skills and imagination, create stunning works of art. It’s hard to imagine these bright and beautiful  items could have been created in such harsh and inhabitable conditions using such items as: steel drums, wrought iron, stones, and paper mache, but these brilliant men and women are doing just that.

(Port-Au-Prince still very much looks like it did days after the devastation. If you take a look at the images from this article featured in the DailyMail, you’ll see. WARNING: Some images are quite graphic and the content of the article often refers to sexual assault and the dangers Haitians are facing living in horrible conditions.)

By Shopping for a Better World, through Macy’s Hearts of Haiti campaign, you will be helping support some of the Haitians whom have been trying valiantly to get their feet back on the ground; to overcome the exceptional loss and damage done to their country. Without traveling to Haiti – or the Dominican Republic, we very rarely have the chance to enjoy some of their amazing work, or meet the wonderful people who create it.

Heart of Haiti Candle Holder, Fire Bird Hurricane $60.00

I will never forget the markets, along the white sandy beaches, where a number of locals where selling their handmade works of art. The resort we stayed at had a “community event” where the staff and their families were able to come and showcase some of their work on the resort in the evening. The paintings, the jewelry, the beautiful clothing, it was all so vibrant and lively. I have a ring, which I still wear everyday, that  I bought from a wonderful Haitian gentleman who had moved from the country to the Dominican. His make-shift tent was filled with wonderful colourful works of art which stood side-by-side with so many others, just trying to make a living.

If it was hard for them six years ago, I can’t even fathom what it’s like now.

:::

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

• Today
• Cure JM
• Gutted

As a teenager, my relationship with my mother was anything but pleasant. Living in a home with the two of us must have been hell. Me, constantly wanting, her, constantly resisting. Typical mother, teenaged daughter-type relationship really.

Things became significantly more harried as I began to “date” an older boy. I say “date” because well, I was weeks from my sixteenth birthday, he just turned nineteen – and already had a girlfriend with whom he stayed while we “dated”.

I know. So wrong, but I was fifteen! I blame the Whore Moans hormones, because really? Hot older boy liked me!

My mom knew something was going on even though I insisted we were just friends. No matter how many times I tried to convince her otherwise, the evening phone calls which lasted HOURS upon HOURS screamed the opposite. The conversation about safe sex really never came, though there were instances which warranted it: sneaking out at night, coming in past curfew, wreaking of alcohol and cigarettes when I came home from “watching a movie at a friend’s house”. I thought I was living the high life. Then. Now, I think she knew I was reaching and was going to be hurt by this boy, but she let me learn. She let me test the waters and only when I stepped out of line was I reigned in and given a stern talking to.

I would push all limits. I would take advantage of her generosity. I would give less and expect more. I would ignore her rules.

My mom used to tell me she wished me a daughter. She wanted me to know what it was like; I don’t blame her.

Our relationship was pretty strained until I moved out at eighteen and went away to college. I think it was a blessing for both of us – and saved our relationship. As I’ve grown, had children of my own, I’ve come to realize the sacrifices she’s made for my brother and I. In retrospect I can see just how lenient she really was about many things – disobedience not being one of them. Like any parent, she did her best to raise polite, respectful children who knew right from wrong. And just like any child, I did my best to push her buttons and defy boundaries.

I see it in my children already. At almost five and two, they push, they defy, and they test.

Even though they’re boys, I think I have seen a glimpse into my future.

My mom just may get her wish.

Either that, or Karma really is a cruel, cruel bitch.

:::

This post was inspired by the book If You Knew Suzy by Katherine Rosman, which was our From Left to Write Book Club read for July. From Left to Write is a book club which was once part of the Silicon Valley Moms Blog family.

I have received no compensation except for a free copy of the book which I will giveaway to one lucky commentator. My copy is in mint condition with the expection of a few folded pages.

Random Posts

• a little piece of heaven
• [UPDATED!] The Tale of a Loving Marriage and Shopping. Alternative Title: Who the Hell am I Kidding?
• Of Sleep and Drama: Why Does the Later Cause the Former?

I changed my design in hopes it would give me a refreshed outlook on blogging. It was a hasty decision brought on by the stagnant, putrid smell emanating from this site. Each and every time I’ve come here to try to write something I’d feel stifled by the lack of fresh content and the inescapable need to post something.

The Guilt.

Guilt that I haven’t been writing, guilt that there are more things which need my attention and the fact that writing can easily be put off.

I haven’t felt anything for this site in a long time. I’ve toyed with changing names but each time I think I have a new one that original! fun! and awesome! I find that either someone has the domain or the twitter ID has been squatted on by some 11-year-old shit disturber that has written all of four words EIGHT MONTHS AGO and has shit on a perfectly good ID that will likely sit forever until Twitter decides it is high time they started erasing unused IDs.

Also? Where are that kid’s parents?! Don’t they know only perverts, old people and bloggers use twitter?

Wait. What?

I digress.

So instead of moving on and leaving this place to rot, I’ve decided to attempt to revive it and try again make a half-assed attempt at blogging again.

There’s a couple new features to help you search for when I used to write.

I think I’m in the process of removing ads from the site.

I am not wearing any pants.

Aaaaand… we’ll see what happens…

P.S. If you’re here in any browser other than Firefox, I have NO idea what you’re seeing right now since I haven’t even opened another browser to do a check. That can wait until morning.

Besides. What the HELL are you still doing using Internet Explorer?

**Updated: Threaded comments doesn’t seem to be working with Thesis 1.7. They’ve done some changes to the comment file and now it doesn’t render the same. Hoping for a fix soon!

• Internet Reciprocation
• Defection
• I Can’t Even Glue Popsicle Sticks Together Gracefully

I remember being so intimidated by my peers who were members of the local track club and trained for running events while I would show up in my thick cotton jogging shorts and ratty runners. I stuck out like a sore thumb amidst those well-groomed track athletes and their perfectly pressed running uniforms and expensive track shoes. I would stay bundled up in my sweatshirt and jogging pants, while they sauntered around in their little cliques with matching track outfits. I was so jealous of their status, as if the fact that they were part of a track and field club made them The Elite.

Okay, I digress. They kind of were. I mean, a handful of them, over the years, were named to the National team and went on to compete in PamAm Games, and Olympic Games but whatever.

I never trained outside of gym class or our school track meets. I remember *competing* in grade nine gym class, basically just fucking around, when the coach for the track team approached me after a 100 metre sprint. He asked me to come to tryouts and see if I was interested in joining the team. Sprinting was always my forte, it was quick. Not a drawn out marathon run requiring loop after loop on the school’s crappy gravel/sand track. I figured that was something I had to train for, and I was all about fast and easy.

Needless to say, I didn’t really excel in track and field. I mean, not to brag, but I did manage to hold my own against some of those elitists, but eventually I gave up. Afterall, track wasn’t one of the cool sports like basketball, volleyball or soccer…

I think that sigma of running stuck with me: it’s a club. A club that is hard to get into and only the strong will survive. Up until a few months ago, I envisioned that track club and how little and insignificant they made me feel.

Then something sorta clicked: I wanted to run.

I wanted to train to be a better runner.

I wanted to run distance; to take those seemingly endless loops around the school track.

Okay, so I don’t run on the track. Though the one at the school near me is very worthy – if it wasn’t overrun with hot much-too-young-boys and high school track stars. Ahem.)

If you’re following me on twitter (Um. Hello?! Follow me!)  or Facebook, I’ve probably overrun your feed with my Couch to 5k updates as I’ve been working towards a 5K run at BlogHer this August (where I will run in a tutu for Tanner). My goal is to run the whole thing; and at first I thought I would never succeed, but I’m getting closer and closer to doing it, people! The other night I completed the dreaded 20 minute non-stop run.

I was so anxious about the whole thing, but I persevered and made it through!

(Tomorrow is the 25 minute non-stop run, I am scared. Again. LOL)

But! I am training. I am succeeding and I am so proud of myself. I can’t even tell you what this means to me.

I am more confident than ever I will run the whole 5K in August.

If not for me, for Tanner.

Random Posts

• In Love With Someone I Only Just Met
• It’s a Good Thing We Have a Hybrid Because It’s Expensive to be Fat
• all I want for Christmas…

Remember how I said I didn’t have the time or the energy to carry the weight of the internet and its our troubles on my shoulders? How I said I was thinking of letting some stupid corporation bully me into relinquishing my rights to a domain I purchased?

Ya. About that.

The more I thought about why I was willing to let Cosco Management Inc. bully me into handing over my domain, the more pissed off I became. Pissed off at myself more than them. Let me explain. The issue here is not really that of carrying the internet’s burden on my shoulders. The issue? Is failure. *My* failure. See, I have this fail-safe mechanism that kicks in whenever I’m faced with a daunting task. My reasoning is that if I don’t fight, I can’t be upset if I lose. In this case, if I don’t fight for my principles, I can’t feel guilty that I’ve taken time from my family, and spent money we didn’t have in the first place (which I found out, I don’t have to pay a dime to respond to the dispute… so YAY!). Like with exercising: for the longest time I avoided it so I wasn’t let down when I put HOURS into workouts only to see little change in the scale. Or taking years to begin the filing process for accreditation in my field…

I fear stepping outside the box for risk of failure.

Faced with the daunting task of reading the eight emails containing attachment after attachment, page after page, where Cosco Management Inc.’s (owner’s of Cosco, Dorel Juvenile Group, Safety 1st, Eddie Bauer, Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Hoppop, and trademark holders for Baby on Board – which they haven’t done a great job protecting in the first place… )  lawyer laid out – quite intelligently (Heh.), why I am a delinquent,  trademark-infringing, cyber-squatting, domain stealer, feeding upon the innocence of on-line shoppers who are deceived dumb so uneducated they don’t know the difference between BORED and BOARD, I panicked.

That’s just about the awesomest run-on sentence ever. Take it in, people.

I panicked because: 1) I just don’t have the time. 2) Legal is like Shakespeare to me: The more I try to understand it, the more I second guess what I’m comprehending. 3) BUT WHAT IS THIS GOING TO COST MEEEEEEE!?

When I wrote about my tales of woe, I was shocked to see the responses, emails and offers of help and support. Those that have offered to help know I am extremely grateful, but I had a hard time accepting that support because I feel I as though I am taking those people away from other important tasks in their lives to help me fight a losing battle.

But I took a leap of faith.

I put my trust into strangers friends, and took them up on their offers to help. I am currently working with a lawyer, Evan Brown (@internetcases on twitter) who took time out of his busy lawyer-y schedule to help me file my Response. I don’t know if it’s the accent (which he says I have, but I’m certain it’s him), but I get this sense of calm from Evan. After our conversation the other day I felt much more secure in my decision to file a response at all.

So, we’re responding. We’re fighting. Not because we’ll win or get anything out of this, but because I feel it’s important. Not for the domain itself -  neither Stef or I care if they get it – but because even though I may be fighting a David and Goliath-type battle, I know in my heart that I can’t just let them walk all over me. I know when I think about it years down the road I will be angry with myself for letting them get away with pushing people around just for the fuck of it. I mean, if they had a solid case it may be a different story, but dude? Did you see their evidence?

Goliath is taking one in the shins this time, people.

:::

Also? I am totally boycotting all those companies from now on. I am torching everything I own that is Cosco Management Inc. related (even though was I really want to do is ship it all back to them, ripe with week old diapers and my response to the dispute. Too bad I’ve been advised against it…) and telling everyone who will listen to me about this bullshit.

I urge you to stand up and fight. This is just one instance of a corporation bullying the little guy because they feel they are entitled. We have to stand up for ourselves because you could be next…

{image source}

• Sued!

Firstly: Thank you. Thank you for your support with this whole being sued debacle.

Secondly: Please do not be confused. Cosco is different from CosTco.

Cosco Management Inc. is a parent / holding company who draws up shitty lawsuits while Costco is a glorious warehouse big box store where you can purchase years worth of mayonnaise in one 5-gallon pail.  They also have killer poutine, but I think that may only be in Canada.

Prior to writing about this whole issue, I was quite flippant about how this would go down. I didn’t give a shit about the domain and whether they took it from me or not. I felt bad because I bought it for someone and she would be the one to lose out, but when she said she didn’t care either, well that made it all a little easier.  But, now that I’ve shared the details with the world few people who popped by for the train wreck, ate cookies and left crumbs in my couch internet, I’ve been feeling quite anxious and uncertain about the outcome.

I now feel as though I have the weight of The Internet on my shoulders.

I feel like if I don’t fight this I will have let everyone down.

But, I just don’t know that I can.

I’m worn out, I’m tired, my clients are already being ignored waiting patiently for me to get back to them and I have so much on the go as it is that I just can’t see dragging this out on a matter of principle.

Don’t get me wrong; I want to scream from the rooftops.

I want to call all media outlets who will listen.

I want to stage boycotts and petitions.

I want to pack up everything I own with Cosco Management’s name on it, add a few rancid week-old diapers to the mix and then send it all back to them with my official Response.

But I also have to consider my options and what’s important to me.

The domain? It’s not important.

Failing you, my friends, my support, is.

There have been a handful of people whom have stepped forward with offers of assistance and pro bono work. I would love to take them up on it, but I find myself feeling incredibly guilty for burdening them with my issues. I can’t help it, it’s what I do. Guilt: it’s my way of life.

Stef – who I bought the domain for – is a gem. She is a solid friend, and I love her. She’s had my back from day one and is in this with me every step of the way, providing a couple virtual bitch slaps too.

How can you argue with that?

She’s emailed the Complainant’s lawyer and stated the facts and before taking any other steps, we’re going to wait and see if he responds.

But, seriously, people. That box full of Cosco products and poopy diapers looks better and better every day.

Random Posts

• There really isn’t enough coffee in the world for this week
• a treat, for you
• Kill vs. No-kill: is that really the issue?

***UPDATED, again: Feel free to voice your concern. This isn’t just about me, it could happen to each and everyone one of us who owns / operates a website or a domain.

Contact information for Cosco Management Inc.
300 Delaware Ave., Ste. 1285
Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
(302)576-2707

Contact page for Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.: here

Eddie Bauer Customer Service
P.O. Box 7001
Groveport, OH 43125

Contact form for Safety 1st: here

** UPDATED: And so it continues…

Notification.  You are hereby notified that an administrative proceeding has been commenced against you…

I now must provide my response to the Complaint… *sigh*

I’m being sued by a large corporation who wants my domain.

Not because it’s theirs or that I’ve obtained it illegally, immortal or unjustly, but because they want it. Someone found my URL by some means – which I can only assume were they misspelled the word which they intended and accidently happened upon the domain in question.

Cosco Management, Inc., and Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc., related and affiliated companies, together own the rights of Baby on Board (yes, the Baby on Board) – and are suing me for the domain – babyonbored.net, which I own for a client / friend. Many of us parents know this company very well as they are the “go to” company for all things baby. Cosco Management Inc. are in relation to: Cosco, Safety 1st (I have two strollers, signs, safety items, toy, etc.), and Eddie Bauer (which I have two, 3-1 car seats) — all bought and paid for with my own hard-earned money.

I was sent legal documents on Monday May 10, 2010 describing the Complaint.

1. Identical and or confusingly similar to their domain

2. I am currently running ads and selling a product similar to that which they have manufacturing and selling for over 26 years.

Respondent is using the <babyonbored.net> domain name to divert Internet users to a commercial website that displays links to third-party websites, including links to direct competitors of Complainant that offer identical goods and services to those of Complainant.  Furthermore, upon information and belief, Respondent derives commercial benefit from these diversions due to click-through fees from the links on the website.

3. I am purposefully confusing potential clients and diverting them from the trademarked brand and therefore stealing their business.

The <babyonbored.net> domain name is a website that prominently features a generic search engine with numerous links to various goods and services that are identical to Complainant’s goods and services.  Upon information and belief, Respondent receives commissions for diverting Internet users to third-party websites via the search engine and links located at Respondent’s website.  Additionally, Respondent’s use of Complainant’s distinctive BABY ON BOARD® mark in the Respondent’s domain name creates a likelihood of confusion and suggests an attempt to attract Internet users to Respondent’s website for Respondent’s commercial gain.

“Evidence” presented to show that I am willfully diverting Internet users to third-party websites via the search engine and links located on my site is this:

Exhibit A is apparently a representation of *my* website and *my* ads which I am was using to deceive my fellow bloggers, online shoppers, and internet users. This, my friends, is, in actuality, a screenshot of who.is, which is a search engine-like website for those looking for domain availability. This is not my website – as you can see on the top right corner of the page which displays the URL of the actual page. The ads in question – which I’ve enlarged for you – do not belong to me, but to who.is. The search capabilities – which allegedly divert Internet users also belong to who.is.

I am under the impression that the person who found this “website”, created this lawsuit and entered said “website” into evidence is of limited Internet knowledge based on the fact the page they were presenting did not even point to the domain in question.

The domain is was vacant prior to it being taken from me and placed in a “holding account” by Name.com, who claims that:

Per ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) policy, registrars such as Name.com are required to lock the domain name till the conclusion of the UDRP proceedings.

and the domain still points to a page similar to this:

This page is simply a placeholder for which I receive no compensation.

The Complainant is merely trying to take the domain and is not currently looking for any monetary compensation (unless the Panel does not vote in their favour as their lawyer has informed me):

Of course, if for some reason the Panel does not transfer the domain name to our client, we reserve the right to take any action or demand which may be made on behalf of our client in the event that further action is required to terminate infringement of our client’s rights in its mark, including seeking relief and damages in a court of law.

But get this: ”babyonboard.com” is registered, and has been since 1998, yet has never had a website affiliated with it in relation to Cosco Management Inc. (only a pregnancy p0rno site shows up). “babyonboard.com”, “babyonboard.net”, “babyonboard.org”, “babyonboard.info”, “babyonboard.us”, “babyonboard.biz”, “babyonboard.in”, “babyonboard.mobi” are all registered but are not active which makes me question how I am diverting traffic and potential consumers.

The irony of it all is that I’ve been a HUGE supporter of their products. I have played them up to just about everyone I know. I have purchase countless Safety 1st items for myself and friends, I encouraged my parents to buy a similar car seat to the ones we have, and I have even used their damn “Baby on Board” signage.

And, you’re probably wondering, Why make such a big deal over this? Let them take the domain and be done with it!? But it’s not about the domain. This is about being cyber bullied by a big corporation just because they feel they have the right to something: the proverbial school yard bully taking what they want, using intimidation tactics to boot.

It upsets me that a corporation of this magnitude would take these measures. I mean, I would understand if the domain I owed had a similar name, sold baby merchandise and made a substantial income, but babyonbored.net is really none of those things.

At this point, I just have to sit back and wait to see what happens; there’s really nothing to do until ICAAN responds to the Complainant and it’s decided if the domain is taken from me and given to Cosco Management Inc.

• Kicking Goliath in the Shins
• Pants Optional
• DreamHost and Me (Read: Why My Blog is a Hot Mess.)

I’ve always found myself to be mediocre. I never excel at one thing, I never find that niche, I never perfect anything. It’s just who I am. I’ve always been jealous of those who are really great at something – be it math, basketball, styling their hair, essays – blogging!… I feel like I just get by.

There have been many instances where I could have sat down and written a post about the funny things my kids have said and done, a play-by-play of Mike and I trying to figure out how to open our pool for the very first time (for us) this season or even the HOME RENOVATIONS THAT HAVEN’T BEEN HAPPENING – but I just can’t find that writing groove. I am seriously struggling.

The thing is, personal blogging jumped the shark long ago and only the strong seem to be able to keep the genre alive.

I am not The Strong.

I feel like everything has been said ad nauseum, granted, we all have our own story to tell I feel like those who can tell it better have and will continue to, but me? I feel like the expectations of writing online have far surpassed my abilities to weave a story, to captivate a crowd, to make someone laugh until they pee, or tug at one’s heart-strings. I just don’t find that I have that capacity. Maybe it’s my fault for losing interest, for not trying harder to transcend myself to the next level…

Don’t get me wrong. I WANT to be great at something. I want to be The Go-To person for something, I just don’t know what or how to get myself there. I don’t know how to kick-start my determination to make that happen.

Maybe, just like with everything else, I am over thinking this blogging “thing” and not just enjoying it like I used to.

I need to find my mojo…

Random Posts

• Because farts are the only thing keeping my stress level in check
• are you talking about moi?
• It’s Okay, We Can Totally Pull Off Martha Stewart-ness Too!