Thankful Tuesday!

The strangest thing happen this morning that had me speechless for a second.  My son got up and said "Mom I want to take a shower"  the key word is WANT! 

But the the strangest part was this would make it 2 days in a row.  That hasn't happen since he was maybe 4 and LOVED bathes.  When he turned 5 he was too old for bathes, he told me.  So from that day on showers it has been but for the past 2 years (he is 9 now) its like pulling fricken teeth to get this boy to even shower!!  We would have outright meltdowns in the morning/night and after so many of them I just gave up...he had to take at least 3 showers a week- no ands/if/buts dude!  That was our compromise to stop the meltdowns.  He got to pick the days- I know kind of a soft mom there but I wanted him to want to do this on his own instead of me threatening bodily harm (just kidding but you know I thought it).  I would let him know he was stinking and left reminders but this was his thing. 

So WOOHOO my boy took a shower 2 days in a row and I'm very thankful!  Now family and friends don't share to him that I posted this because I know he would be sooooo embarrassed but hey isn't that what moms are for :)

Do any other moms have such a hard time getting their son's to take baths/showers?

PTA/PTO BURNOUT!

Man I am burnt!!  DONE...well done if you ask!  I've been working real hard for a couple years now and I think (KNOW) its time to hang up my SUPER PARENT cape.  The parent participation at the school is not the greatest but we get things accomplished.  We just had a read-a-thon and raised $2400.  For our school that is BIG.  The sad part is all the money we raise is going towards a Music Program that was taken away last year. 

The problem now is NO OTHER PARENT is wanting to be the Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer for next year.  Our terms are 1 yr.  Last year I was Secretary and this year I was Co-Chair.  I've been involved with every event this year and I'm wiped out and we still have several more events to plan.  We have a Spring Bazaar, Book Fair, Raffle/BBQ, Teacher Appreciation Week and the list goes on. 

This is just my whine for the day.  Now need to get ready for our Parent Teacher Corp Meeting.

Have you ever experienced PTA/PTO burnout?

12K- WTH Did I Get Myself Into?

This is a question I've asked myself every day for the past month...REALLY PAM!  12k...I barley can walk a mile, just kidden but still!  I got pulled into this project by another parent that was super stoked about this and wanted to make money for the school and now he is moving leaving me with this in my lap.

A lil bit about the 12 K- every year San Francisco holds this event called Bay To Breakers and this year is its 100th race. Our school is going to use this has a fundraiser- each runner will get a sponsor/s for $150 ($50 to pay registration and $100 goes to the school) and the monies will go towards the school's MUSIC PROGRAM.  We have about a dozen people (parents/admin/teachers) that are willing to do this and so even though its not the biggest money maker we still are going to do it!  Our goal was to get 50 people but it just didn't work out.  Also I won't be running..this body only knows how to walk :)!

Our music program was CUT last year like almost every school and we have been having fundraisers (coupon books, cookie dough, holiday bazaar, and read-a-thon) all year long to help pay for a music program to return to our kids.  Well good news this week we got a music teacher but for only one day a week- better than nothing!! We have a couple more fundraisers left and I'm afraid it all goes towards the music program.  Even though a music program is what all the families want but its just sad that our efforts all year long have to pay for this- we can't do anything else for the school. 

This is our school: http://civicorpsk5.org/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/civicorpsptc
Donation Page: http://civicorps-elementary.givezooks.com//events/team-ptc-of-civicorps-elementary (click the orange button if you care to donate- not the sponsorship button)

If you would like to donate,  I would be so elated and appreciate your kindness.


Now onto the real reason of this post...WTH to did I get myself into???? The person who hates to exercises. 

I have 2 months to get ready for this race and I kept telling myself March 15th is the DAY I start training.  That's TODAY! Now I've thought about it and what I would like to do but do I have anything planned out?  LOL...exercise is not my thing but it needs to be!  I went for a walk today and half way thru it starts raining, that was fun.  I have the Wii and a couple exercises games but I can't even do that.  I'm fighting against, myself and guess what I'm winning but not the right way.  Stubborn or just plain lazy- I say a little a both.  I've always hated physical stuff (except s*x) but this needs to stop!  I need to get in shape. Not just for this 12k run/walk but for ME and later in my life. 

Thanks for listening :)  BTW- just did spell check and misspelled EXERCISE each time LOL!

Could YOU Survive on SURVIVOR?

Well for me that would be a big FAT NO!!!  Ask my mom- she still gives me crap about camping and how much I hate it.  I wouldn't even last a day, just being honest.  Insects are the worst (for me) and to have them around me 24/7 that is so not happening. 

Reasons why I would SUCK as a survivor:

• HATE Insects...ewww
• Being outside all day..no I like my comfy house.
• Sleeping by people you really don't know...gross!
• I don't look good in a bathing suit AT ALL...I would scare everyone.
• The GAME itself would be too stressful...people are mean on there.
• Did I mention Insects??? LOL
• I could probably go on and on but I guess you get the picture...I wouldn't be able to do Survivor so my hubby needs to stop asking me LOL!  Of course he thinks he is funny every time I watch the show he points out I couldn't do it...PLEASE I know this! 

I know a goofy post but it was next on my TO DO posts! 

My Son Turns 21 Today!

First off...Happy Birthday to Nick for turning 21! 

Now on to me....man I feel OLD!  I remember the first time holding my baby, it was such a rush but so scared too!  I remember all the smiles and love. When he was placed in my arms my life changed forever- for the better that's the day I got the title MOM! 

What a beautiful gift I got 21 yrs ago!!  He is now a dad and a good one too!

My Knock Me Down Shoes

These suckers are so hard to walk in...wow!  They are hella high though.  I've been wearing flip flops, tennis shoes, ugg boots for probably last 12 years.  I used to be a shoe lover when I was single and clubbing but that was a decade ago.  I need to practice more before I attempt to go out in public again....almost broke my neck the 1st day I got them. 

Why did I buy them you ask (or maybe you didn't but oh welll LOL)...I had a horrible Vday so I ordered me some shoes to make me feel better...LOL (got to love my reasoning) and Steve Madden was having a 50% off sale and that was I all needed to pull the credit card out.

I feel so sexy wearing them but they fricken hurt.  I guess the price of beauty huh!  I warned you all I was doing 2011 different...its about ME.  Also my hubby LOVED them, even texted me later in the day telling me all he could think about is me in the shoes.  Woohoo! 

Ronnell-Brass Monkey

My Lil Beastie Boy

Stork Brokers- New BzzAgent Campaign

NEW BzzAgent Campaign:



Forget the garage sale. Join StorkBrokers and get paid for your kids’ old toys, clothes, accessories and more right from your computer. Plus, when you sign up for up StorkBrokers your first three sales will be commission free.

Why else do we recommend joining StorkBrokers?

It’s a simpler way to find and sell the toys, clothes and accessories you and other parents are looking for — there’s no need to wade through unwanted kid-related content like you may on auction sites
Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? You can request it!
As a BzzAgent, you’re among the first people to check out and try StorkBrokers — show them how you can help get the word out!
StorkBrokers isn’t just about selling and buying — it’s about learning, too. That’s why the site also offers tips and advice to help you grow as a parent within a community of other parents

Oxy Clinical Freebie

Today's freebie~ Oxy Clinical Freebie

Facebook Friday

I got mentioned on Chronicles of a Crazy Mom blog- woohoo!  Please go check out the other blogs/facebook pages she suggested we take a look at:



Now on to Facebook Friday Blog Hops:

Blogger Organization- How do you do it!

I'm not an expert at this at all so that is why I'm writing this post.  I feel like I'm all over the place- here and there and around that corner too!  I struggle with this day to day in just my life so thinking I would be an organized blogger is FUNNY! 

My search came up with these useful tools:

The Niche Blogger Blogging Organizer Workbook: Keep Track Of And Organize Your Blogs  WOW sounds like winner here. 
*******************************


Cool online ToDo list: http://todo.ly/
Easy to do and I set up some projects on it so lets see if this helps. Also you can color code it! So far I likey!   I got this info from http://www.bloggingot.com/blogging-tools/become-an-organized-blogger-with-todo-ly/.  Besides finding this cool site on there- Blogging OT is filled with some incredible info for bloggers.  Wow, looks like I might be spending some time on this site!  See this is why I don't get stuff done- distractions always get me.

********************************

HOLD ON...found a really cool site that might work better than the above because I can get it sent to me by email: https://www.rememberthemilk.com/  It also has some bells and whistles that I'm loving.  The one thing I really like it has a weekly planner that can be printed...AWESOME! 
********************************
During my search today I came across some great tips and some well I just didn't understand but hey I've only had one mocha today so maybe its not their fault.  Anyways this is what I learned:

1. Planning- list of topics, keywords, have a notebook just for blogging
2. Prepare- write blog post in advance (you know that day you have nothing going on but writing posts :) )
3. Schedule/Routine- calendar when/what/where (I have a couple blogs)

Well lets see if this works!  If you have any other suggestions please let me know. 

Wordless Wednesday-My Favorite Snack

Civicorps Elementary School - Bay to Breakers Fundraiser

Okay so this is yet ANOTHER event I got myself involved in for the school.  I've been trying real hard saying that word NO but its difficult when I know it will help my kids. 

Bay to Breakers is a BIG 12K RUN that is held in San Francisco and this year it is the 100th race.  A parent got a great idea to use this event as a fundraiser.  So we are asking each runner to get a sponsorship of $100 plus $45 to register for the event.  Our Music Program was axed last year because of lost funding.  The kids and parents really miss not having a music in their curriculum.   
Our Parent Teacher Corp (PTA) wants to support the school by helping with the funding for the music program.  We have held a holiday bazaar, read-a-thon, and now this event to help raise the money.  We got maybe 15 runners/walkers (hoping for more) but hey its fine because its better than NOTHING right! 

On a personal note...because of this event I learned how to set up a donation page, also a  FBML page on Facebook, and plus signed up to do the race myself.  Those are some cool skills to acquire. I will not be running because my body is made for walking the 12K!

If you would like to support me (the kids really) please go here to donate (orange button)- anything helps!
http://civicorps-elementary.givezooks.com/events/team-ptc-of-civicorps-elementary

Thanks for listening to yet another one of my projects!

Waitress Rant

Our cafe has been very busy the last couple weeks, which is AWESOME but with busy you also get those crazy customers.

90% of customers are just fine waiting because they know its worth it! Yesterday, we were jammed packed with no tables available plus about 8 people waiting to be sat when this one lady came in and when I told her 15-20 minute wait and she got irritated at me. She didn't understand I wouldn't be able to sit her in 10 minutes. She tried to get bumped up in the waiting list by asking other customers if she could have their spot. She kept saying how hungry she was. Lady... everyone waiting was hungry. I tried my best to smile and be nice but she was getting on my last fricken nerve! It took about 20 minutes for a table to open, she even wouldn't wait for us to clean the table she knew she was next and so when the couple left she sat right down, they weren't even out the door yet. I cleaned the table and gave her a menu and she told me she was ready to order. I told her it will be a couple minutes because we still have other people that need to order and to give us just a couple minutes. I brought her some coffee and she told me her order- w/o me asking because I just told her it would be a couple minutes. I took her order but I put it in after the others who was before her- she wouldn't know right. After 5 minutes she was asking me where her order was..LADY please give them some time they have to cook the other 10 tickets before yours. This is NOT FAST FOOD...they make each order individually and that takes time (I said this in a nice way). At this point she was just a joke and we all tried our best not to get pissy with her but if I was a major bitch I would have kicked her crazy butt out!

So what I'm saying is please be patient with waitstaff because majority of the time if there is a delay its NOT OUR FAULT and we really don't deserve attitude because I know we are trying our best!!!

Five Question Friday

1. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, I can but don't like to! Learned on a stick (poor car-sorry). Can I do it now...driving is like bike riding right?

2. What are two foods you just can't eat? Spinach...ewww hate the taste and texture. Mushrooms taste like dirt. Don't tell my kids mom doesn't eat her veggies!

3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind? Do I buy girl scout cookies, heck ya! I track down the girl scouts even before they come knocking. Thin mints all the way but those coconut carmel ones are the bomb!

4. How do you pamper yourself? Well for several years I didn't, it was all about the kids but this year, I'm getting a pedicure every month, I'm buying shoes, and book store trip every couple weeks.

5. What is your nickname and how did you get it? Well Pami was my nickname growing up and HATED IT! My mom still calls me it (ummm I'm 42). I have a couple customers at the cafe who call me RED.

Well that was fun!

Bad Mom Confession

Is it bad that I'm jumping up for joy (in my head) that my family is going away for the weekend?   Darn I work on Sat/Sun so I can't go...can you tell I'm sooooooo disappointed ??? 

They are going to visit my hubby's mom.  It's the oldest cousins bday so the kids are looking forward to seeing him.  They will be gone until Sunday night. 

I get to watch what I want on TV plus be on the laptop all at the same time w/o someone telling me "that's not fair", my house will stay clean for 2 days straight, I won't have to cook big dinners- I can have whatever I want (chili and chips- oh yeah!), and the quiet- no fighting!  I love all these things but a day or two is nice to enjoy every so often. 

What will I do????  I have friends who will want to go out but you know just being at home in a quiet clean house is all that this MOM will need!  Did I say how quiet it will be LOL!!!

I wish I had some time to go to the book store but I do have Kindle on PC/Laptop so I do have something to read I think :)

I will find things to do but cleaning, cooking, refereeing, negotiating, and all the rolling of my eyes won't happen for 2 1/2 days.  Countdown is happening in my head for sure but I won't let them know that.

Okay done with my bad mom confession.

AllYou.Com- Cool Site

I really enjoy this site because you can enter giveaways, get freebies, coupons and just all around cool info!

http://www.allyou.com/
Just had to share :)

Thursday Blog Hopping

On Thursday morning I spend about 2 hrs visiting, commenting, reading some awesome blogs from these blog hops! Please click on button and it will take you to the hop!





I couldn't get the button to work on this one but go here because she has some great blogging/business info: http://jodishomebiz.com/

8000 Emails....REALLY!

I broke down the other day and went through my emails, it was up to 8000 so about time, right?  I couldn't believe all the emails I get in a day (over a hundred) and maybe about 1/4 of it is important.  Guess its time to unsubscribe to some... you think! 

I did it though and made more folders to keep the emails I need or want (not sure which is it).  It felt good until the next day and I'm up to close to 200 again.  What I need to do is do this on a daily basis (dreaming Pam) but to be organized and on top of it I will need to do that!!!!  GO THRU YOU EMAIL DAILY PAM! 

Let's see how this works out for me...tell you next week how many emails are sitting in my inbox next Thursday :) 

Any other suggestions on how to conquer EMAILS?