What's in a name

So I changed the name of my blog to the antonym of what it used to be. I guess I kinda liked to think of myself as idealistic and in some ways - I am.  I love the imaginary (see my post about Dan's grandpa). I'm always writing mini stories in my head and allowing myself to get caught up in the fantasy of it all. I love fiction. Creative nonfiction is the actual term, I believe. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that makes me a dreamer, not an idealist. In my real life, I am definitely more of a realist. Keepin it real.

And so, finally at thirty years old, I can admit who I am. Someone who hates facades. Fronts. Pretense. I feel like I've spent a lot of time "walking on eggshells" and trying not to offend others and sadly, that makes me feel kinda...fake. At work, I often wander off when people start certain political and religious conversations and honestly, it's making me bitter. So this needs to be my space to be me. Me without filters. And filters. And filters. (Although I probably won't bust out the F-word very often because, hello! I'm a mom!)

I vow to be more authentic. When I look over and think Charlie is the most-beautiful-creation-ever-put-on-this-wonderful-planet it might resemble a little bit of idealism (probably at least ten times a day). But---- when I feel like cussing out the giant SUV with the "Not of this World" stickers plastered like wallpaper all over the rear window, I'm probably going to voice my opinion (I know you got my back, Vic).

So, my version of confession so that I can start a freshly authentic blog about me and the cutest little boy ever and my strappingly handsome husband and our plans to conquer the world through love, honesty, and recycling.

1. I don't believe in god (little g, sorry but writing it with the capital letter makes me feel like I'm conforming and, like I said, I'm kinda over that.

2. I carry a book with me at all times. Literally, everywhere. You never know when you're going to get an extra two minutes to read. You're waiting at the dentist office and suddenly you're in Kingsbridge, England in the 12th century (Pillars of the Earth, anyone?).

3. I'm vain. Yes, it's true. I care about what I look like and the hardest part of pregnancy (even worse than the four months of continuous barfing and the end when I couldn't lay down to sleep because the acid reflux) was getting fat. I was excited to have a baby but at times (like when feeling my thighs rub together) I wished I could just have a baby show up on my doorstep. I love to feel pretty!

4. I have a degree in English and SUCK at grammar. I hate when people turn to be and say, "Oh! You're an English major. Let me ask you a grammar question..." Uhhhhhhh, I probably don't know.

5. I love my husband more than anyone in the world, but have a new crush-of-the-week, well, every week. Not real crushes, but you know, it's fun to dream! This week: David Bechkam. I may steal this game from Laura Cane and post my crush every week. Let's be honest, there are some BEAUTIFUL men out there.

I could go on, but these are the top flaws I feel especially self-conscious about (see, ended that sentence with a preposition). Hmmmmm, I feel a whole lot better. Maybe those Catholics had it right - the truth has set me free!

Until next time - I think I'm going to lay in the sun and read for awhile. Charlie's napping and I'm on book 9 of the year...

I'm a loser, baby

I'm kinda missing the Bachelor. When Bach is on, I feel like I fit in.


Top 5 Reasons why I feel like I'm a leper. Or a loner. Or Cady in "Mean Girls" when she dresses up like a half-dead witch when everyone else is wearing slutty Halloween costumes.

5. I can't get into country music. To be more specific, I actually hate it. Everywhere I look people are heading to "Stagecoach," sporting cowboy hats, and buying the new Brad Paisley album. BARF. Doesn't anyone care about lyrics anymore? What happened to people like Cat Stevens and Bob Dylan? Reeeeeal music with real lyrics and meaning and instruments. The whole scene (boots and all) makes my skin crawl. Over it.

4. The Real Housewives of _______________. No thanks. Spoiled older women arguing about their privileged, upper class lives?! I'd rather sleep.

3.  Being domestic. Okay, sure it makes you look good when you cook dinner every night and have it waiting for the hubs when he walks in the door BUT I really hate it. Deciding what to make is the biggest headache so we eat the same few items every week (and it usually involves a crockpot). Sure, I wish I was Julia Childs (is that her name?), but I'm not. Santana's anyone? I don't want to feel guilty anymore!

2. Dogs. I feel bad saying this because I know people love their dogs like they love their kids but I have ZERO interest in getting a dog. I know how cute it is to include your dog in your holiday cards and how American it looks when you walk them around the block BUT I can't stand dog hair. Or that dog smell. Or a sad face always wanting attention. Or slober. Or jumping all over you when you just want to relax. Or what to do with the dang thing when you want to go on vacation.

1. THE ROYAL WEDDING. Who. the. hell. cares?! Coverage for months. The ring. The dress. The kiss. I don't know anything about either one of them because I'm too busy LIVING MY OWN LIFE. Man, I just can't get into it. Every channel, every magazine, every conversation. I'll be so glad when this whole hoopla is over and done with. Plus, is William even cute? Ew.


Since it really sounds like I'm being negative (I guess I have been), I'm going to end with 5 more reasons I'm an outcast by listing my 5 favorite things lately (which most people have zero interest in).

5. Reading! I know, I know, get over it already, but if you aren't a reader you are missing out on the most relaxing, stimulating, life-changing experience you can have while getting ready to snooooze. My goal for 2011 is to read at least 25 novels - and according to my GOODREADS page, I'm right on track. At least an hour of reading a day makes this gal happy.

4. Kobe Bryant. Yeah, I know, he's a rapist and uses gay slurs (seriously, I was SO on board when he got fined and so stoked that he was punished as harshly as he was) BUT he's an amazing athlete. Watching him (and those niiiiiice arms) dunk make my heart pound. Kobe is one sexy Laker.

3. Stuff You Should Know podcast. If you aren't already a fan, become one! The hosts Chuck and Josh are hilarious and soooooo uber smart. I put on my makeup while listening to them and I really can feel myself getting smarter. I've learned SO much about the most random topics and have become slightly obsessed with those two nerds. Amelia Earhart, Mummies, Sherpas, the Mafia. I'm an expert on all!

2. NPR. I can't remember the last time I listened to music in my car. True, I have no idea what the "kids" are listening to these days but I know everything about Libya and Egypt! Tune in (and donate) to the best radio station in town.

1. Book Club. All my favorite things (reading, drinking, girlfriends, eating, gossip) come together in one magically themed night a month. We call ourselves "Vagiant."

Daddy at Work

On our way home from the zoo today, Charlie and I stopped to visit Daddy at work.

He wasn't really into the headset (but neither is Dan).

Charlie got his first haircut. Well, his first OFFICIAL haircut. The Trump just had to go.

 The kid's hair salon was closed so we gave good old Supercuts a shot. Dan ran in to see if they would cut his hair and the girl asked, "Is he going to cry? Will he stay still?" Uhhhh, who knows?!? BUT, they said they would give it a shot and Charlie loved it!

                              
                              BTW - that's MY boy with the BLOND hair and BLUE eyes...

 

He was very proud of his combed and styled hair. So happy in fact that he learned to comb his own hair.

All we have to say is, "Comb your hair, Charlie" and he picks up the comb and starts brushing.

                                       Man, I love this little guy more than anything!