What Color is My Parachute? Do You Know?

Can we just talk about personality tests for a minute? When did personality tests become so pervasive in the recruiting world? I know I have been out of the HR game for a few years now, but I have kept up with trade publications and must have missed the issue on TEST, TEST, TEST. I have taken so many different personality tests in my lifetime as a Psych major and then as an HR professional, but feel like I may be taking more as a candidate for employment. I mean, before you even meet or speak to me, I need to take 5 personality tests to prove my worth? Really. Is this cost effective? It seems that you would weed out a lot of the unqualifieds just through a simple phone screen, and save a lot of money in the process.

Let's take my most recent job opportunity (which I am hoping turns into something solid because it's a great company). A friend referred me to HR (which is pretty much the only way to even have your resume seen by actual eyeballs), she told HR she wanted me in the sales pipeline for future opportunities that she will have in the next month or so. I then have to go online and apply for a "fake" job just to get in the system. Then HR emails me a link to fill out a more in depth application and upload my references. Cool. Then HR emails me a personality test. No biggie, it's because I'm already in the pipeline so I'm getting fast-tracked. I do the personality test (which is always hard for me because my Psych brain and my HR brain are at war analyzing the best way to answer and my gut is saying "just answer it!"). After the 30 minute personality test, I email HR to let them know it's completed. HR emails me another link for a more in-depth personality test for just sales candidates. Okay. I start the test. Three questions in and there is a word problem. WTF? How does a word problem help you analyze my personality? Also, when you tell someone it's a personality test, that is timed, you should also warn them if there will be math. I needed an f'ing calculator! I grabbed pen and paper and my cell calculator and got to work. Can I tell you how much I hate word problems? I do. I'm not bad at math by any means, but I have always got the cold sweats from word problems. Whatever. I get it done. Move on, more personality questions. Crap, another word problem. But wait, this one requires me to remember the basic area of a triangle in order to answer it. No kidding. Geometry. People, I sucked at geometry. Also, I haven't had to do it or use it since early HS. I don't know how I remembered 180 degrees, but I did (please tell me that's right, I never googled after to check). Anywho, I get through it and some additional reading comprehension questions which were ridiculous. Whew! A few hours after the test, I get a call from the outsourced company that administers the test and they want to set up a phone screen for me. Okay, why isn't the company's HR doing this? Apparently the outsourced personality company pre-screens candidates that pass the personality test before they are moved on to interviews with the actual company. Weird, but okay. Phone screen is set up and I'm ready. Phone screen time comes and goes, and I am stood up. Yep, they forgot to call. I call them and reschedule. The second phone screen starts late and the person I am supposed to be speaking with (who originally stood me up) is busy so someone else is handling the phone interview for him. Okay, whatever. The chat goes well and he tells me that I will be forwarded as a candidate for sales positions at the company. But he won't reveal any of the personality test results with me....unless I am actually hired. Annoying.

Am I crazy, but doesn't that seem like a lot of testing and applications? I still haven't even talked to anyone at the actual company...and I am a referred candidate. Crazy. What happened to actually talking to a candidate yourself and making an assessment. Personality tests are great, especially when used as a tool to strengthen your interview or for leadership training....but 3 tests before even talking to the hiring manager? Seems a bit much. Lucrative if you are the testing vendor, and I would love to get in on that business. Cha-Ching.

UPDATE: My friend called me today and we spoke about setting up a meeting for next week. Turns out that there will be an opening on her team sooner rather than later, so I will be considered for a position under her purview. Fingers crossed that all goes well. Also I passed all of the personality tests and scored well for a sales candidate. Good to know...since I was a successful sales person.

Girl, You Better (Net)Work...

Can we talk about how looking for a job is a full-time job? I haven't had to work this hard to find a job since I was a fresh-faced new grad jumping into the rat race. I had forgotten what an arduous process the job hunt can be, especially now that the landscape has changed so drastically with the addition of social media. And let's not forget that employers generally prefer to meet candidates that are currently employed, not those that have been a mom for the past two years. Oh, and the recession and unemployment at an all-time high. How could I forget about that?? *sigh*

I literally apply for at least one job per day, if not more. I am stalking the top companies in the area, particularly those with openings in my fields of experience. I have reached out on Facebook and LinkedIn, and have just generally bugged every single person I know. I am particularly obsessed with one company, and recently emailed the potential hiring manager directly for an open position for which I am definitely qualified. I received her information from someone who works at the company and is "connected" to me through another friend on LinkedIn. What is the etiquette for this type of email? I just winged it, but am wondering if it will help me or hurt me. Any advice out there?

There is no point to this post. I am just really ready to return to work, and I don't know what else I can do...besides hope. Two of my good friends started new jobs this week after searching for much longer than I, so I am hoping that job offers come in three's (like deaths, births, etc.). Please let me be the third. Mama needs to use this brain for more than just negotiations with a toddler. In the interim, enjoy some job hunting humor from the web.

Not So Dewey

Can I just talk about my luck with libraries? I am a huge library supporter, and have been since I was a child. I love books, love reading, and love the atmosphere of the library. So, I was excited to go to our local library today and get my new library card (since we moved and all). I park and see that the library is huge and rather new in comparison to my former haunt off Independence in CLT. So I am stoked! I have a list of books that I have been meaning to check out (get it, library humor) and this library in Cary is so going to hit the spot. I got my card in minutes and was off on the hunt. But wait, have I been away too long? Did how books are categorized and shelved change in the last few months? Because I am looking and looking and seeing none of the authors I need. I went to the handy-dandy PC and checked, and a few of my list are "checked in" to the library so what gives? I go back for another looksy. Still no luck. Okay, now I am feeling like an idiot but refusing to go ask for help. I will not let the librarians see me sweat! So aimless wandering it is, until I figure it out.

When did we decide to start categorizing our Adult Fiction sections? Is this a Wake County thing? I am used to Fiction, Non-Fiction, Young Adult Fiction....but Romance Fiction, Mystery Fiction, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction sections? Really?? I am at a library, not Barnes & Noble. Fiction is fiction, just alphabetize it and keep it simple. What's worse is that the qualifiers (Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy) are in such small print, that it isn't noticeable off the bat when you are wandering about in the Fiction area. Very annoying. Unless this is how it has always been, and then I guess I'm just a dolt. But I swear that Mecklenburg County libraries didn't sort their fiction like that - it was just a huge Fiction section in alphabetically order by author.

In the end, I found only 3 books and only 2 from my huge list. Apparently this library, while shiny and new, is in the boonies and all of the good books are in a more centralized library in another part of Cary. So yet again, I am on the waitlist for several books. Ugh. Mecklenburg County all over again. Going forward I will just check online before heading to the library...but it does take some of the fun out of a trip to the library. On the positive side, they have a lovely children's section and I will definitely be taking Ben for future trips.

PS - I checked out the following, in case you are interested. I gotta get my GoodReads button back up.
The Gates by John Connolly
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

PPS - Thanks Beckers for the recommendations!

A Letter

I know Willow Smith is all the rage on the tween music scene, but I think that these young ladies may have something more profound to offer than "Whip My Hair."

These girls are so well-spoken and have such a good message. I would love to see the girls and their parents on Oprah, along with Lil' Wayne, for an open discussion about how the words we use carry weight and influence others. I'd watch.

Free To Be Just Three

Recently, I had a discussion with a friend over lunch about the pressure to procreate. As a person that already has one child, I am referring to the external pressure to add another to the mix. Although I'd wager that as a married couple without children, you'd face even more pressure. What's wrong with you? Why haven't you had a child yet? I remember those questions starting as soon as we returned from our honeymoon. Either way, where does that pressure come from? It's a very personal decision (to have a child or to have more children), so why does everyone that knows you or has just met you feel entitled to ask the question?

So, in our case, I am happy being a family of three. I love our son very much and I enjoy being a mother, but I'm just not sure that adding another to the mix is necessary. I know it is not something we are ready or interested in doing at this point in our lives. And yet when I say that I am happy with just one child, it's like I am an oddball. As if because I became a mother, I am now committed to having those 2.5 kids. And hey, there are times that I *think* that having another kid could be nice...maybe. But they are just gut reactions to seeing a cute little blonde boy running around and wondering what a second child would look like. This is not a reason to have a kid. And then I think, am I doing Ben a disservice if we decide that he should be an only child? There are definite pro's (hello, we could not stress so much about money), but you rarely hear an only child say that they loved being the only one. My mom was an only child, and I heard all my life about how much she wished she had had brothers and sisters growing up. And I like the *idea* of Ben having a sibling to rely on when he's older, especially when dealing with the stresses of potentially caring for aging parents. Again, not a great reason to have a child.

At this point, I am firm in my enjoyment of being a family of three. Maybe one day we will change our minds. Either way, stop questioning me about when I will have another. Just because I am a mother does not mean that I want a gaggle of children. And if I choose to have just one, it's just as valid as your choice to have five. And for those married folks out there who are happy without children (gasp), good for you. And for those married folks out there that want kids but just haven't been able to yet, I really, really apologize if I ever contributed to that constant questioning.

What 'Chu Watching?

What's up folks! Are there any of you out there? I am so random in my postings, I wouldn't blame you all for turning the page. Anywhoodle, what are you up to? I have been applying for jobs, still, and just being a bit of a lazy mom. If I were Ben, I'd fire me for not being more fun....but he's 2, so what does he know? He'll figure it out later, and can go to therapy to complain about how his mom didn't do enough art projects and such with him when he was a wee lad and stunted his creative growth. In the interim, I am proud to say that I have introduced him to the wonders of old school Tom & Jerry cartoons. He is addicted! What, you say? He shouldn't be watching so much television at his age? Yes, you're probably right. But mommy really needs to not build with blocks, race trucks and read book #984 about Thomas - so cartoons it is. And honestly, I am so glad that he likes something that I can watch and not want to poke my eyes out. Tom & Jerry is great folks, but only the classic episodes. And my kid, he is an efficianado - he knows the new crap isn't as good as the originals, and will not watch the slicker Tom & Jerry eps that Cartoon Network offers up. I take joy in passing this love of the classics on to my child. Next up, Bugs Bunny.

I have also had some free time to invest in new programming. Is anyone else out there a Fringe fan? Thanks to the lovely Beckers, I am now a total Fringe geek (or Cortexa-fan, inside joke). I troll message boards and fan blogs just to get a fix in between episodes. I haven't been this obsessed with a show since Gilmore Girls. Yes, odd reference since they are complete opposites in genre (but I digress). If you aren't watching Fringe, then shame on you! For me, Fringe is a mix of X-Files, Bones, Torchwood, Dr. Who, Lost, Inception, and so much more. The ensemble cast is amazing. And did I mention that Pacey, urh, Joshua Jackson is fun eye-candy? The writing is so intricate and layered, much like Lost, but it is just so much better. I just cannot express fully how great this show is. It is currently in its third season on Fox, Fridays at 9pm. I caught up on Season 1 and 2 via Amazon VOD, but you can find it many other places as well. In fact, you can watch the first 10 episodes of Season 1 here. Check it out!

My other recommendation is to watch An Idiot Abroad on the Science channel, Saturdays at 10pm. It is from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and is hilarious. If you have listened to any of The Ricky Gervais show on radio or HBO, then you are familiar with their favorite moron, Karl Pilkington. The show sends Karl to the seven wonders of the world and follows him as he tours the sites and the cultures. It is seriously hilarious, and honestly very telling of how many people view world travel (including me at times).

Okay folks, gotta run. Hope all is well in your worlds!

I Is Alive

that is all. also, we have moved. so, lots of stuff that i should be posting about. i'm lazy. but you knew that, right?

happy holidays.

Converting

I am taking this house selling business to a higher power. Oh yes, I am burying a St. Joseph statue tomorrow! Have you not heard of this little ritual? Just google it, and you'll get tons of sites and sellers. I am burying my little Saint tomorrow and saying my prayer. What can it hurt?

Not funny.

(Okay, I've been meaning to post this since this past weekend but flu-like symptoms got in the way! Also, it's late and my brain is half-asleep, so this may be a bit disjointed...)

I cannot tell you how many radio stations I heard this past week making fun of Chelsea Clinton and her upcoming nuptials. I was driving home from a visit home this weekend and listening to one station go on and on, and I was seething. How immature and inconsiderate are people? You are on the radio mocking a young woman that you have never met because maybe you don't agree with her parents political views? Or is it just because it makes you feel like a better person to compare her to a horse? So irritating. This is a girl who was quite awkward looking in her teen years, which she had to live in the public eye, and yet she weathered it all with class. I think she has grown into quite an attractive young woman. But either way, who are you to throw stones? You are a radio dj. You are obviously not attractive enough to have made it on to television, and yet you think you can sit in your booth and play the Mister Ed song. Hilarious. It's like no radio dj ever matured past their 13 year old self. How would you feel if someone, and I'm sure it was dj's all over the nation, was making fun of your daughter on one of the most special days of her life? So disgusting.

I think she looked gorgeous and happy on her wedding day. Congrats!

Spartina 449

A friend of mine had an adorable wallet from a brand I'd never heard of before, but now I am in love with them! Have ya'll heard of Spartina 449 before? I hadn't and I think they're adorable. It's a bit like Vera Bradley, which I like but can only handle in small doses.

I think a cute wallet would be fun - like this one in Island Ferry print.

And I am in love with this large, pocket tote in the Melrose print. I think it would make a great diaper bag too!

So, if you're on the hunt for a new bag, wallet or tote - check them out!

Grown Ups

I just have to take a minute to vent about how immature people can be and how sick I am of it! I am involved in planning a baby shower for my bestie, and I am working with another few of her besties and her sister. The sister and I were meeting tonight to go over all of her wonderful ideas, since she's really creating the vision and we're helping her achieve it. During our discussion, it basically came out that the old HS bestie doesn't want to work with me and other college bestie in the planning process and would prefer to only deal with the sister. Are you f*cking kidding me?! People, we are 30 years old. This is your alleged best friend since high school and you can't bother to email or converse with me about the planning of her first baby shower? Really mature. It is taking all I have not to send her a nasty "grow the hell up" email.

This isn't the first time I've encountered her immature and selfish ways. She pulled the same crap when it came to the wedding showers and bachelorette party. It's not just that she wants to be the leader and center of attention, but it's that she also complains to the mom-to-be about everything. For example, we were originally doing two showers - one hometown/family, one home of the mom/dad-to-be. My friend and I were hosting the home of the mom-to-be, and the sis and HS bestie were hosting the hometown/family shower. Well, HS bestie emails mom-to-be and complains that she "didn't know she was getting stuck with the grandmas" and that she wished she was throwing the fun party. Are you serious? First, why are you complaining? If you are the best friend, do your job and act like it! Second, you live in the hometown. Why wouldn't you be hosting the family party? And you grew up with her family, so why would "being with the grandmas" be so bad?

So this sparked an upheaval and now we are doing one big shower. Honestly, I am fine either way - I am just happy to be participating and be involved in the shower. It's just beyond annoying that HS bestie won't deign to speak to me or the other college bestie, and yet she feels like none of her ideas are being heard. Hello!? How can we hear your ideas if you won't bother to speak with us. Needless to say, I am not to happy about this person and am not looking forward to seeing her at the shower. However I will keep it to myself and keep the mom-to-be out of it! She should be enjoying these last few months of pregnancy and not dealing with useless drama.

**UPDATE**
So apparently HS bestie spent the weekend with mom-to-be and yet again brought up issues about the shower planning. WTH? On Friday, I sent out the invite preview and she replied through her intermediary (i.e. mom-to-be's sister) that she didn't want her name on the invite. Seriously? And then she grumbles to mom-to-be about this and told her she didn't feel the need to be included on the invite because her sister clearly has the shower planned out and she's just going to be bringing a few dishes of food. So then mom-to-be emails us and is paranoid that her sister isn't working well with us as a team. This is so not an issue and honestly if it was, it's not something that mom-to-be would need to know about anyway. Us college besties know how to work as a team and are not having major issues like this, why can't this chick grow up? Argh!!

Still Lost

Can I just say, there are only like 3 episodes left until the series finale of LOST. People, when the f*ck are they going to explain what the hell is going on?! Am I just dense? I feel like this final season has just opened up more questions (hello, new sideways world?!) and when are the answers coming? I know its inevitable, the show will end and I will be disappointed that I still have so many questions from all the seasons of confusing-ass shit they've thrown at us. I knew I should have stopped watching two seasons ago.

Post

It's 2010, so are hand written thank you notes passe? Here's why I ask. I have recently sent several gifts out for various occasions (wedding, baby, etc.) and have only gotten thank you's via Facebook (if anything). And not even a Facebook private email, but like a "hey, how are you? thanks for the gift." type of comment. Am I old fashioned to expect an actual thank you note? Sometimes I think so, and I am blaming all the Edwardian and Victorian novels that I've read.

Of course I didn't give the gifts expecting adulation, but is it really that hard to write a note and pop it in the mail? Am I the only one that does that anymore? Believe me, I'm not perfect, I'm sure I don't always send one for everything. But for the most part, when someone sends my child a gift or goes out of their way for me, I try to send a personal note of thanks.

Seriously, hand written notes are lovely. Does no one else get excited about personal mail anymore? I did notice a significant decrease in my Christmas cards this year. Sigh.

(And I fully realize that I am writing this and owing a few people some of those notes...I have a list and am working my way through it. Ahem, CindyLooHoo, Tara and Beckers, you are on that list!)

Smile

Here's the thing about motherhood, it's uncharted waters. Sure there are tons of books, magazines, websites and blogs on parenting, but it's all just advice. There is no proven equation for perfect parenting. So as mothers, we're all just doing the best we can. So why are we our own worst enemy? As a mom, I am always second-guessing myself. I may seem confident, but internally I do wonder if I am doing everything I can to make sure Ben becomes the best he can be. There's a lot of self-pressure, guilt and worry - so do we need the judgement from other moms? I have found that other mothers can be the best and worst for advice. There can be a dash of judgement thrown in, especially when it comes to different styles of parenting. And believe me, I'm not excluding myself from this list (see previous comment re: the name Jacoby).

Last week I posted on Facebook that I had survived Ben's first dental appointment. Yes, my son is 13-months old and I took him to a pediatric dentist for a check-up and cleaning. This is something that I had done the research about during pregnancy, as one of my favorite former clients is a pediatric dentist with a great practice. He recommended that the baby should come when he has his first tooth and at minimum by 1-year. So, I was already feeling a bit guilty taking Ben in over 6 months after his first teeth. However, what I didn't expect was that people on Facebook would have a mini-debate about it and that when I would mention said debate to other moms at Gymboree they would chastise me too. I kept being told "Oh, my doctor said there was no need until the child is 3." And then, "Yes, yes, my doctor said that too. Besides the doctor checks them at the visits anyway. Why would a child need a cleaning at that age?"

So, while I was confident in my initial decision to go to the dentist and the visit went well. Afterwards I felt like a bit of an idiot. Did I do something wrong? And seriously, it's silly. My decision was mine and your decision is yours. Why should I now feel like a "bad" mom for doing something proactive about my son's dental health? I mean, baby teeth are tricky. How do you clean them properly? When should they start really brushing and using toothpaste? How can you be sure to avoid cavities as best possible? These are all questions that my pediatric dentist answered for me. As well as alerting me to the fact that Ben's first molars are popping through, and which teeth should come next. And let's not mention that it was fun for Ben to see the dentist's office and play with the tools. Sure, he didn't love the cleaning but it took 45 seconds and then we were done.

There's really no moral to this story, just a little thought - you do what works for you, and I'll do what works for me.

Sidenote: Check out Parenting Magazine's January article "Give us a Smile!" - it's all about your child's dental health. "Take your baby to the dentist by her first birthday" per the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Dental Association. Sure, let's judge each other less...but for a moment, vindication is mine. :)

Moving the Cheese

Hi all, just wanted to let you know that I've added a new section of links for my friend's who have an online business.

So far, I've added a friend who makes the most delicious quiches - fresh and delivered within the CLT area. Interested in some great Javis Davis for your baby's room? Then Make Room for Style is the site for you! And if you are looking for handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts, check out the Pink Crocodile's Etsy store.

So, if you are selling, making or distributing goods on the internet, let me know and I'll add you to my sidebar under "Friends in the Biz"...provided of course that I know you and can/will vouch for the products! :)

Shark Test

Is anyone else disappointed with the new seasons of returning shows this fall? I feel like a lot of great shows may have jumped the shark, so to speak.

House: I loved the 2-hour season premiere when House was in the nutter. I really wish that they would have played that out a bit longer into the season. Now that he's back at the hospital and being "nicer," it's just boring. Something is missing. And I am so over the 13 and Forman "on-again, off-again" love story. I honestly don't care if they date or don't date, just make a decision and stick with it. And even though the old gang is back together for a bit, they've lost their spark. They need to introduce a love interest, not Cuddy, for House - how about 13? That would spice it up a bit. Overall, I'm bored.

Law & Order SVU: Does everyone look a lot older this season? Maybe it's the HD, but folks are looking rough. And what the hell is up with Christine Lahti, the new DA? God, she looks the worst of all. She is so irritating, bitchy, and angry. And why does she have a hard-on for Stabler? Thank goodness her last episode was tonight. The storylines this season have been weak as well, which is odd because SVU is usually the strongest of the Law & Order franchise. Also, whatever happened to the Benson/Stabler love interest from 2 seasons ago? Benson just got over it? Come on, you know she's still carrying a torch. Gimme back my old SVU!

NCIS: Okay, we get it, Ziva is a bad-ass and she has issues with her dad, with trust, and with her feelings. Can we move on now? Also, can we just cut the tension and have she and Tony get it on already? And why have the episodes so far had so little Abby? Hello, she's only the best character on the show. Get back to the basics NCIS.

Ghost Whisperer: We all know how much I love Jennifer Love Hewitt and this show, but this season is a little lacking. First, why the speed forward on the kid? Last season she was preggo, and then this season flash forward to a 5-year old? I get it, it's hard to do stories about the kid's special powers when he's an infant - but still it's odd to all of a sudden have this 5-year old wandering about. I guess it would have been nice to have seen more before the flash forward. Second, so is Jim just Jim again? Melinda is calling him Jim in front of everyone and in public and there have been no more "Sam" cameos. So, does everyone just think Jim came back to life (not likely) or is Jim still Sam but she just calls him Jim and no one outside of her circle thinks it's odd that she calls her new hubby by her dead hubby's name? Third, where's Camryn Manheim? She's been on so little and I miss her!! Fourth, Melinda is rarely at the store anymore - who's minding the store? Fifth, if we have jumped 5 years would Camryn's kid really be in college? Wasn't he like 15/16 last season, so this season he should at minimum be a senior in college not a freshman...right? Sixth, the storylines have been a little weak. I mean the big reveal last week was that Jamie Kennedy's mom was a lesbian. Really?

Dollhouse: I was looking very forward to the second season, and so far I've been disappointed. It's just boring. Thank goodness for more Topher and "whedon-isms" but the storylines have been so formulaic. Echo has an assignment, something goes wrong with assignment, Echo goes quirky and yet still fixes it, Echo gets wiped but isn't forgetting anything... Where is the meat Joss?? Where is the action?? I'm holding out hope that it picks up this week.

I have been watching Flash Forward, and was very impressed by the first episode. However, the last few episodes have been a downer. So, I'll give it a season but it needs to get back to the first episode awesome-ness. And Nip/Tuck is back this week, so I can't wait to see what craziness they serve up this season. Nip/Tuck always delivers!

Thank goodness for new shows like Glee and Modern Family. If you're not watching Glee, then you suck. Seriously, watching Glee just feels my heart with joy. And Modern family is great, well the gay couple on Modern Family is great...the rest is just filling. I honestly wish the whole show was centered around the gay couple because they crack my ass up.

Book It

Do you ever have a great idea (at least in your mind), but no know-how on how to make it happen? That happens to me all the time, especially when I'm kicking around business ideas with friends. I have decided that a lot of my enterprising problems could be solved if I had a) unlimited capital, and b) access to a website engineer.

Yet again, I have been beaten to the punch! For years I have been wondering why there wasn't a booksite like netflix. Seriously, why don't I ever invent these things!? I've been thinking it for years and years. Well, of course, it already exists. It looks cool, and I'm thinking of trying it because the CLT libraries never have the books I want unless I'm willing to be #52 on the waiting list. BookSwim seems like a great idea especially for a voracious reader like myself.

I've also started clearing out my bookshelves using SwapTree - it's an online trading community, all you pay for is the shipping when you make a trade. I had a lot of books, cd's and dvd's that James hadn't been able to sell yet on Ebay, but this way I get a book I want, and get rid of one I don't need anymore. Gotta do what you can in this crappy economy.

(Oh, and since I'm on a book themed post, I think everyone should join online communities like Shelfari or GoodReads. It's a great way to recommend books to friends and family, and to learn about books that you should read. I'm a member of both, so friend me.)

Avert Your Eyes

Is this what fashion has come to? A replay of the 80s and early 90s? Seriously?!



I mean, Katie Holmes has access to stylists and money -- but she's dressing like this? Acid washed jeans with pre-fab holes and tight-rolled!? Jesus. If Hollywood is embracing this style, there is no hope. I have already seen the god awful plaid shirts at Target. What else will they be rolling out to the masses? The 80s and early 90s were the worst fashions for women, IMHO - especially if you aren't model-thin. I guess I should have saved my doc martins - my mom always said that they better last me for the rest of my life since I paid so much for them. Guess she was right.

Cut + Paste

Oh yeah, the whole reason I wanted to post was to share some of the fun online photo sites I've found for creating scrapbooks, cards, etc. I swear, pregnancy brain was bad, but mommy brain is worse!

Fun photo sites:
http://www.snapfish.com
http://www.shutterfly.com
http://www.mixbook.com
http://www.picaboo.com
http://www.myphotoalbum.com
http://www.lulu.com

I have literally printed off 2 pictures of Ben since he was born. Thank goodness for grandparents! Let's not even mention that there are no photo albums (yet) and I haven't completed his baby book. I could say I am too busy, but that'd be a lie. I just hate doing stuff like this. Luckily my guilt has kicked in, and I have decided to get it done before his 1st birthday (less than a month people!). We'll see if I hit my deadline, or if it gets pushed back to Christmas.

Right now I'm playing on Mixbook to create a scrapbook for Ben using their "Baby Boy" template. It's nice because if you're a non-scrapbooker like me, it will totally do the pages for you and you just drop in photos, add quotes, etc. So quick and easy. Or you can just start from scratch, if you're cool like that.

All of these sites allow you to create online and share, and then order an actual album based off of the online creation as well. Great idea for gifts for the grandparents, newlyweds, new parents, new grad, etc.

Enjoy!

Remember Me?

I'm alive. I wish I had a good reason for being absent for almost a year, but I don't. Let's chalk it up to a mix of new motherhood, some depression, and just plain laziness and avoidance. It's not you, it's me. I still love you, and hope you love me - but I've just been in a fog. But, I'm trying to get back into some of my old habits, like blogging, in a hope that it'll help pull me out of my funk.

Right now I am multi-tasking while Mr. Ben takes a nap - blogging, online scrapbooking, and reading gossip. So, I must run but wanted everyone to know I'm alive and well and returning to the blogosphere. Let's hope I have something to say, and not just "today ben pooped a lot" - cause you know that just gets old (or at least it does for me).

Love!