If Only I Could Get Paid To Read
27 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment
Okay, so here’s where I am. I still have to post five books reviews for January. Then I have to review the six books I read in February. And I better get to it because now we’re into March and I’m on track with my reading: five books down already. So, what, exactly, is my problem? Is it my need for perfection? I’ll get about ¾ way through an entry and then start editing it, only to have the entire piece wind up in MacBook oblivion. I should just make a folder called “Unfinished Blog Entries” or better yet, “Shining examples of my lack of willpower.” If I could, I would add unfinished diets, knitting projects that were supposed to have two, not one sleeves and over 5000 random lists that all have the central theme of “things I need to do to get it together.” Too bad list making doesn’t represent one’s accomplishments-there’d be a lot more room on my hard drive.
It’s not that I can’t come up with topics. I could write for a year just about my schedule. Take today. At 5:30pm daughter number two, who is recovering from a nasty battle with norovirus (for those of you who know me, I love getting all medical-I could have said stomach bug or as Natalie says, yucky tummy) needs to write a huge ten-page paper on nothing so she can assure that all her hard work pays off with more college waitlists. Also, as a total aside, I think it’s remarkable that my online dictionary didn’t recognize the word norovirus, but has never had a problem with Kors, as in Michael Kors – THANK GOD! Anyhow, back to 5:30 this afternoon, Mikey has lacrosse, Dylan has a doctor’s appointment and Natalie has a Kindergarten Open House. That’s four people, one mother and one sugar daddy “in a meeting.” Just so you know, my SD has been “in a meeting” for about 15 years. People ask me all the time “How do you do it?” The truth is, I don’t. Sometimes we miss practice; heck sometimes we miss school! Appointments get rescheduled-often. As I’ve now said a number of times, Froot Loops are a totally acceptable dinner choice. But every once and a while (like three times a year) I’ll look at all my kids, assembled around the table, eating dinner out of serving dishes, not saucepans, and I’ll think “Who the hell is raising these kids?” No, sorry, I think, “I AM RAISING THESE KIDS! AND THEY’RE STILL ALIVE!” They all look healthy, they all get to move up a grade each year, they’re relatively clean, and they’re happy. So I might not be the world’s best blogger. But I’ve definitely got the mother thing down.
THE REST OF JANUARY
Before I offer you my next book review, there’s something I need to disclose. It has nothing to do with books. Okay-it’s possible that I am a teeny bit in love with my housekeeper. We are currently under siege. The downstairs is still being painted (apparently painting trim is a very precise job-especially when you are being paid by the hour.) Today he is painting the kitchen ceiling, and everything is currently covered by a sheet or stacked in my living room. I could live with this, but he’s not done in the living room, so now my couch is covered with books, toys and small kitchen appliances. And there’s no TV. So now everyone has migrated to my bedroom. It’s now the homework room, the relaxing room, the put the piles of unfolded laundry in here room…I am getting a little clutter-phobic. And as I previously stated, I have to be in five places in in about this afternoon. So I did what I always do when I’m having a crisis-I called Juliana. She’s my mother’s helper-as in she helps this mother not run away to the nearest bar. She came, she reassured me that I was not going to be screen tested for an episode of Hoarders; she organized me.
MY HOLLYWOOD, Mona Simpson, Vintage, 2010
People magazine called this “A wise…haunting novel.” Whenever you see “…” in a book review blurb, you know the words that got left out were probably not so powerful. Here’s how I would fill in that sentence. “A wise person would put this in the giveaway pile, because it is so not a haunting novel,” unless of course you are haunted by the memory of this wimpy mother with full-time help.
This book is about a mother with a new baby boy is forced to move to Hollywood because her husband has been given a low-level job as a TV writer. I know, can you imagine being forced to move to Hollywood? The book focuses on the relationship between the mother, Claire, and the woman she hires as her nanny, Lola. Both characters offer their insights throughout the book. They talk about their lives, and how they view the lives of one another.
I actually like books that have different voices, as long as I like the characters. Lola was tolerable, but I just couldn’t get past Claire’s whining. Now I am not a judgmental person. I know every mother’s battle is her own. Whether you have five kids (like me, who does this?) or one, there will always be days when you think you’re not going to make it, and think that you’ve lost your true self somewhere along the way. (Personally, I lost myself in the laundry room-or the back of my car.) But I haven’t met a mother yet who doesn’t enjoy some part of the journey. I actually thought maybe Claire suffered from post-partum depression, and I kept waiting for the book to reveal this. But I guess in the end, she suffered from never being able to choose who she wanted to be: a mother with a job or a woman with a job who was a mother. And she never became either.
The writing itself was slow. The scenes and emotions were well developed but the characters themselves seemed flat. It was just one of these books that never really seemed to take off. In the end, I didn’t really care what happened to any of the characters, Whether you can understand or agree with what the author is trying to reveal, if you don’t care, the book is just not that good.
I give this book two stars (**) Glad I tried it, but wouldn’t recommend it.
Swan Song of the Mother who is “resting”
08 Feb 2012 1 Comment
in Book Vice, Ranting and Raving, Someday I'll be a Famous Writer
Okay, it’s not Monday. But since I promised, and subsequently failed (I know, you’re all shocked!) to post my first book review three Mondays ago, I figured I’d forgo this week’s blog post, and apparently last week’s, and just get on with the book reviews. The good news is that I did read all six of the books that I wanted to in January. I made a blog promise to get this done! So now you all totally understand why I still have giant nutcrackers guarding the Christmas train that’s still sitting, well leaning, in my front yard. That’s some commitment.
It’s also finally February 8th. Which is one week after February 2nd, which is when I actually started this blog post. It’s not that I was exited because it was Groundhog Day. I’m never really on top of what season we’re in anyhow. (See previous reference to Christmas decorations in my front yard) I’m excited because Lizzie B’s last college application was due February 1st, and she got it in at 11:43pm. Seventeen minutes to spare-not too shabby. We, I mean she, of course I mean she, is finally done applying to college. I have learned one thing going through this process with the girls; it sucks. For those of you who know me, I can’t stand the expression “it sucks” so to use it in this context means this college process makes my head want to explode. I proofread her essays, and let me tell you, the colleges ask stupid questions. “Why do you want to come here? What has shaped you over the years?” (Aren’t you dying to say Oreos) or, my favorite, “What will you bring to our community?” I mean, are there kids who answer “a minifridge filled with Coors Lite?” How about this. I will bring my parent’s $50,000+ dollars, so stop asking me these stupid questions!
Oh wait-what was I talking about? Book reviews. I can finally devote some real time to the blog. No more proofreading, fretting, paying exorbitant fees to apply and send SAT scores to schools. It’s finally me time. That and the fact that we’re having the downstairs painted which of course means I cannot do anything down there, like laundry, dishes or grocery shopping. The fact that the painter is currently in the hallway, which is not even close to the kitchen, is irrelevant.
I’ve made a little pact with myself. I’m already onto my February books, but before I put the list up I will share my thoughts on the First Six. One review a “dayish” until they’re done. Then I will get myself a treat. Or make room in the yard for the Valentine’s Day decorations.
Okay, here’s my rating system.
One star* Don’t bother. My kids could do better.
Two stars** Still wouldn’t bother, but I read the whole thing.
Three stars*** Readable but predictable, a few glitches, but worth borrowing.
Four stars**** Loved it, written well, different and risky, thought provoking.
Five stars***** Will go down as one of the best books I ever read
BOOK ONE: BATTLE HYMN OF THE TIGER MOTHER
Amy Chua
Penguin Books, 2011
My rating: Four stars ****
There was an amazing amount of hype surrounding this book-and most of it was negative. So I expected to not like it, in both content and style. But I actually loved this book.
In a nutshell, Amy Chua, the mother of two girls, recounts her experiences in trying to raise her children in what she calls “the traditional Chinese way.” Most mainstream American parents are simply appalled by her methods. She is extremely strict. She wants her children to be more than successful, but to be the best at the musical endeavors she has chosen for them. This translated to hours of grueling practice, being chastised for little mistakes, and giving up what most consider the vital part of childhood; friends, play dates, sleepovers. Her methods sparked a firestorm of negative comments. How could a mother be so cruel? Her methods have been perceived as a form of mental abuse. And her children must be scarred for life. She yells at them, constantly. Well guess what? I yell at my kids constantly too. And I’m a pretty laid back parent.
What I loved about the book was Chua’s honesty. In addition to it being easily readable (I guess since she was so precise in her parenting I expected the book to be technical and boring) the book also made me laugh. In the end, I think Chua was questioning her methods, and herself, like all mothers do.
She definitely generalizes the two methods of parenting. Either you’re doing it her way, or you must be a liberal Western parent. The traditional Chinese method focuses on practice, practice, practice with the goal being perfection. Be the best. This is done to give the child strong work habits, inner confidence, all to give children the best possible future. Western parenting focuses on creativity, exploration and play. Do your best. What she never mentions is that the goal of Western parents is also to give our children strong work habits, inner confidence, and to give them the best possible future.
So which way is better? I believe that I parent somewhere in the middle. I won’t ignore my kids if they get a B in math, but I’ll punish them if they don’t make the honor roll. I’m okay with them choosing what sports to play, but I expect them to get to practice, give it their all, and no one is quitting. (You may however, skip practice once and a while if I just ant get back in the car for the millionth time that day.) And if you don’t play a sport, you’re doing something other than sitting around all afternoon. (Unless you find my iPhone that you lost the last time I said no electronics.) I also advocate for my kids, and I’ve been known to pull a few strings to get them noticed. But…I’ll admit that the more I parent (remember, I’ve got one out the door and one still sleeping in my bed) the stricter I’m getting. Chinese parenting demands respect, for elders, rules and for oneself. I would imagine that children raised this way don’t feel so entitled to everything. Is it so bad to expect our children to be the best? I can admit, there have been times when I have not called my children out on doing less than their best. I know that a grade could have been higher, or they could have volunteered for something instead of watching TV on a Saturday afternoon. And there are many moments when my kids are not respectful. That will not serve them well in their futures. On the other hand, I am amazed at least once a day by what my kids can do. From college to preschool, there’s always that moment when I say “well, I didn’t teach them that.” So something must be working.
Chua parents her daughters like she was parented. What I found most interesting was that her parents try over and over to get her to ease up. Perhaps, now that they are watching from the outside, they see how much stress everything is causing for both their granddaughters and their daughter. It’s like they finally realize that these people they love have personalities that need to be nurtured, not controlled. And she never gives herself a break. I’ll never be a tiger mother because every once and a while, I put my needs first. I’m sure Chua would cringe if she knew that I occasionally give my kids Froot Loops for diner. In the end, Chua relents. One of her daughters rebels and seems to still love her mother anyhow.
The book was informative, interesting and her writing was clear. It sparked debate, and will be remembered. This book is Chua’s story about the ongoing evolution of trying to be a good mother. Agree or disagree, I could relate to her desire to do what she felt was best for her children.
And the Books Came Tumbling Down…
13 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in Book Vice
So on the to book reviews! For those of you who know me, I have a little bit of a book problem. In some other life, I was supposed to be somebody famously literary, instead I’ve become one of those people who thinks might actually be getting a little bit high off of navigating around amazon.com. I am actually quite an avid reader; even with this crazy life I’ve created for myself I still manage to read five or six books a month, which is probably more than the average mamma bear. The problem is, I’m bringing in five or six books a month…you see the problem. Mix into that all the self-help, parenting, nutrition, autism/adhd books (which don’t really count because these are bought for the better of the family, not for me for crying out loud!) and the shelves are getting a little full. Oh wait, then there are the kids books, and the girls books, and oh yeah, all those scholastic book fair/book order books that seem to multiply themselves (we have three copies of Tiger’s Windy Day and Five of Flat Stanley mails himself to Egypt-two of which were bought at the same book fair.)
Then, there are my collections. No, I don’t mean Nancy Drew first editions or anything as lofty as that, (although I do have all my college textbooks in the attic that are probably reaching some stage of vintage by now) I mean my collection of writing books; how to write, how to get published, examples of great writing, musings from authors, how to tap the inner, procrastinating, get off your ass and stop buying books and actually write something already books. (Okay I don’t have that book. The Sugar Daddy wants to buy me that book though.) And then-hear the angels sing-I have my collection of religious books. Everything you ever wanted to know about comparative religion, christianity, ministry, catholicism, angels, Jesus, Mary, praying, meditating, faith, miracles, devotions…I probably have it somewhere. Oh, and I have seventeen Bibles. One of them is in Spanish. But I’ll cut myself some slack on those books. I mean, “sorry honey, I decided not to buy a food processor and bought another Bible instead?” Plus I do still teach and speak at the church, so I’ll write those off as a business expense. But the other 2000+ books in my house? Not so much. I’m not a hoarder. I’m the crazy mother that throws away perfectly good toys from birthday party treat bags and occasionally just tosses half of the crayons because I can’t stand all that stuff around the house. (I’m also the mother that quietly removes toys that have been opened but not played with from under the Christmas tree and saves them for the Easter Bunny to deliver.) But books? I simply cannot bear to let them go. Or let them get lonely, thus my constant trips to the bookstore.
It has occurred to me that 2000+ books equals 166 reviews a month. I can’t imagine that you, dear eight readers, want to read 166 book reviews a month. So I’ve reworked that resolution, and least here in blog land. Instead I will read and review six new books a month, which will also help me meet my goal of reading 75 books in 2012-up from 62 in 2011. Plus it justifies me buying these 75 books. For the record, I only buy paperbacks, because I’m nothing if not thrifty. Poor Sugar Daddy-I do love him!
Stay tuned for Book Review Mondays-first up: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. Here’s a preview. Since I just let my entire family play hooky yesterday because it was really rainy, I am so NOT a Tiger Mother…
HERE WE GO AGAIN
02 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
in How I got here, Someday I'll be a Famous Writer
So here I am, one year later, and absolutely no wiser. I could go on about unrealized hopes and dreams. I could make two thousand and twelve excuses for why I didn’t accomplish anything I set out to do in 2011-how I (God, as I write this I realize how pathetic it sounds) I didn’t realize ONE of my resolutions! But rather than fill these pages with woeful tales of laundry, strep throats and one appendix removal, I’ll offer up the real reason nothing got done. It’s not because I’m lazy, or unorganized, or can’t seem to give myself permission sit down at the computer if there’s something more important to do-like clean out the pantry or take advantage of the never-ending sale at Old Navy. It’s not even because I’m still watching Law & Order reruns or Hayley die, again, on Criminal Minds. It because:
2011 is an odd number. Just look at it. It’s, well, odd. Nobody can really get anything done in these odd years, waiting for time to balance itself out. So that’s it. I’m completely off the hook. Things will definitely be happening in 2012. The number starts and ends with a 2! Complete balance and harmony! And I’m already off to a great start. I don’t even have to write any new resolutions. I can copy and paste the year from last year! See there’s a reason why nothing got done. So, my dear readers, all is forgiven. I have a good feeling about this-and for those of you who know me; I’m nothing if not the eternal optimist!
RESOLUTION REDUX-I JUST KNOW THEY’LL BE DONE BY 2014! (Just in case I run behind-can’t get anything done in 2013-it’s odd and a 13!)
1. Lose 50 pounds and run 3 miles.
2. Write anything. Every day.
3. Dress better.
4. . Organize all the photos and keepsakes. Learn about wine.
5. Eat well. Shop well. Feed my family well.
6. Keep God in this family.
7. Read and review every book in my house.
8. Make all my kids dreams come true.
9. Be on time.
10. Create and stick to a budget. Buy a Louis Vuitton travel bag.
ADDENDUM: For the record, I did accomplish some parts of the list. All the kids are CCD this year (apparently little Michael has gotten over the “who does God think he is, Santa Claus?” issue.) Now I need to actually get everybody to Mass. I did manage to read 72 books in 2011, so maybe 2012 will be the year of the review, if I can remember what any of them were about. And I think my kids are happy-I mean Phoebe is in Costa Rica right now-how sad can she be? And in my effort to learn about wine, I did drink a lot it. I’m still here, my family is happy and healthy, and I’m still convinced I can write. And if I do, I’m buying myself that bag!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Blog or Bust (and get that Bag!)
21 Sep 2011 3 Comments
in Getting Dressed, How I got here, Ranting and Raving
I’ve just read a line from a book that I have “resolutioned” myself to review. It’s a simple line, and even repeated here, totally out of context, it stops me dead in my life-is-moving-at-freight-train-speed/I-could-win-awards-in-procrastination tracks.
“My friend Courtney had recently moved to London to write a book…”
This line is from a memoir. As in there is an actual Courtney who committed herself to writing a book. And I can’t even write a freaking blog entry. Pitiful. Pitiful. I’m just going to pray that as I continue to read the book, I discover that Courtney is single, as in no kids pecking at her all day long with inane requests like, where is the milk, where is my underwear-oh never mind I peed on the floor, can I please quit Cub Scouts even though you are the Den Mother, or can you please buy me tickets to Costa Rica today for a trip I must take for my Christmas present, or can my curfew change from 12:30am to 2:30am (or better yet mom, just go to bed and I’ll be home when I get there!) because I am apparently the most unreasonable mother on the face of the earth? I am also at this moment going to assume that Courtney does not spend 75% of her awake time with her head inside a major appliance (which would explain why I am still showing strangers how my new dishwasher rocks my world!)
I will also assume that this Courtney person didn’t spend 3/4 of this past year with a headache, fighting off the daily urge to just crawl back into bed every. blessed. moment. And that if Courtney did feel like this, then most certainly her doctor didn’t tell her “it’s definitely not your thyroid. Oh wait, it definitely is your thyroid, I think. Hmmm-you still feel like a complete train wreck? And you’ve noticed that most of the women at Stop and Shop your age are look, well, slightly alive compared to you? Maybe we should get that MRI after all. Oh look at that mass in your head. No wonder you don’t feel good!”
Okay, okay. Maybe we’re a little off the subject of Courtney now. And before you all panic, my seven readers, I am going to be fine. Nothing that a little trip to Mass General and a few hormone adjustments won’t fix up. Needless to say, I have managed to completely NOT accomplish pretty much everything I set out to do this year, and pile up a nice list of excuses along the way. I mean really, people. I have a mass in my head that is messing with my metabolism. Of course I can’t lose weight, or be on time.
So why now? Why today do I finally feel ready to wake up and tackle life again? Is it because my neurosurgeon is finally going to grace me with his presence? Is it because I’m feeling that inspired “back to school” feeling of September and I want to set a good example for my children? (If that were the case, I’d buy these poor kids some milk.) No, it’s deeper than all that. I’ve had a rough year and I need to pull myself together and appreciate my talents. I need to accomplish at least one thing on that list!
I must have that Louis Vuitton travel bag. I am going to Hawaii next month, and for those of you who know me, you know that I obsess over what my “travel” outfit is when I fly. I need be comfortable and look chic. And Hawaii is a really long flight. I really need an appropriate travel bag. And according to experts, even crossing one thing off a to-do list can make a huge difference on one’s outlook. And one’s outfit! So I made a little deal with myself. I’ll let the sugar daddy buy me the bag for my birthday if I keep up with the blog. Aren’t I a peach? (For the record I’m also taking a writing class so maybe I’m killing a few birds at one time here.) So I’m back. I have four weeks to “earn” my bag so, dear seven readers, start praying to the God of “used, and in good condition E-bay items.”
Now, I’m also thinking that since the flight is so long, that last year’s shiny new MacBook might be a bit heavy. I’m thinking that I might need a shiny new iPad with a berry colored leather cover. And it’s 3G: no hotel wireless connection fees. I’m always thinking of that sugar daddy!
Resolutions 2009, 2010, 2011…
02 Jan 2011 5 Comments
One of my first Facebook posts of 2010 read “Writing New Year’s resolutions is easy. I just need to copy last year’s list.” And now as 2010 comes to a close, I realize that I am a very consistent person when it comes to procrastination. Obviously 2010 was not meant to be my blogging year, so bring on 2011. I mean if Julie Powell can write a book about what she cooked for dinner every night and have it made into a movie, I can certainly write something about my escapades into trying to pull myself together. Thus to title of the blog: Diary of a To-Do List. In it I hope to chronicle, in no particular organized fashion, what I try to accomplish in my everyday life to meet the expectations I have put forth for myself in my New Year’s Resolutions. I am not having a mid-life crisis. I still feel like I can accomplish anything. I’m just starting to get that nagging little feeling that it’s time to hurry up and start doing “anything”already. So step one in to come come up with a reasonable list of Resolutions for 2011. I’m going to focus on things that will make me feel like I’m growing as a person as I enter this next phase of life, and hopefully a nice side effect will be that I finally feed my kids breakfast every day because I actually have milk in the house. I’m one of those people who comes up with really great ideas and loves and good project. I’ve just never been really great at follow through. I am what you might call a “dabbler.” (Or a professional might use letters, like ADD.) As in I have knit a lot of sweaters that have just one sleeve. (In my defense, sleeves are really, really boring to knit.) I have shelves of half-read books, (yes, including the ones about blogging) drawers of filled memory cards with pictures to be printed…you get the idea. So after much soul searching, I have narrowed the list down to ten broad categories, since the 157 original resolutions that I came up with for this project seemed a bit overwhelming. I also finally scratched two of the items that have, quite frankly, been on the list for way to long to really matter to me any more, and replaced them with things that seem much more attainable and rewarding.
GWYNETH K. WALLACE, NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS 2001-2011 FINAL DRAFT (I think)
1. Lose 50 pounds and run 3 miles.
2. Write anything. Every day.
3. Dress better.
4. Organize all the photos and keepsakes. Learn about wine.
5. Eat well. Shop well. Feed my family well.
6. Keep God in this family.
7. Read and review every book in my house.
8. Make all my kids dreams come true.
9. Be on time.
10.Create and stick to a budget. Buy a Louis Vuitton travel bag.
So there you go. Ten years of hopes and dreams condensed into ten items. Of course if you saw my notes, you’d know there were a few “between the lines” items, like speak at church, serve a protein choice at every meal, write New York Times book reviews, and keep my nails manicured. And of course start a blog. It’s actually kind of exciting. If my goal is truly to chronicle my accomplishments, then I just made it my job to reorganize my cookbooks, sit around reading and go shopping to update my wardrobe. And I already feel like a writer, thanks to the shiny new laptop. Now all I have to do is figure out how to pay for the Louis Vuitton travel bag.
God Bless The Sugar Daddy
01 Jan 2011 1 Comment
in How I got here, Ranting and Raving
So this is my first blog entry. Again. I’ve actually written and posted a “first” blog entry a number of times now over the past few years, yes years, but since I never seem to get to the second entry, I just keep going back and changing the first one. Becoming a “blogger” has been on my to-do list for years now. So why the long wait? For starters, I really needed a new laptop. I know, I know. You don’t need a laptop to create a blog. But cool people have blogs, and really cool people have laptops, and possibly Louis Vuitton travel bags to carry them in on airplanes, but I’ll save that discussion for a later entry. And all of a sudden, without me really noticing, the whole process of getting the laptop has somehow taken years. It’s kind of like how every once and a while I look up from life as the mother of a college student to realize that there’s a three-year-old running around my house, and she’s mine!
I actually got my first shiny white laptop from my husband/slash/sugar daddy before Little Miss was even on our radar. I spent most of that first year browsing blog templates (and Baby Gap) until one day my shiny new computer was just gone, having been assumed by PK. (Teenagers will do that. Watch your stuff.) So after another season of whining my husband bought me a shiny red net-book which was fully functional for everything I needed; on-line social networking, shopping and blogging. But, well, it wasn’t a shiny white laptop. So even though it served its purpose well for the shopping, (I never seem to have a problem figuring out how to get that done) it never quite fit the bill for the blogging. So the blog remained unwritten for what I convinced myself were technological reasons, because it definitely had nothing to do with the fact that I had spent most of the last three years catching up on every available episode of Law & Order SVU. So after yet another year of whining I was able to convince my sugar daddy/husband/saint that what I really needed to realize my blogging dream was a shiny new aluminum cased laptop with backlit keys (so I can shop, I mean write, in bed of course.) Thank God I always have these epiphanies of what I need to reenergize my life right around the time he is absolutely panicked about the fact that he once again has no idea what to get me for Christmas.
So now here I am, four years into the process, pathetically rewriting Blog entry Number 1. And here I am, following pretty much the same routine. Put kids to bed. Get through various stages of negotiation, chaos, yelling and tears and finally allow all small people to sleep in my room. Sit on floor outside my room with laptop poised and ready to be the blogger I know I am. Clean bathroom. Refold all sheets in linen closet, even the ones for the queen bed that we no longer own. Contemplate blog. Bring water to small people. Check for just a second if anything new has popped up on piperlime.com. Finally, because I can tell that the kids may actually be sleeping and I don’t want to feel pressured to go do the dinner dishes, I start on the blog. I begin with the search for the perfect template. And then I go to bed. Usually about three hours later. I literally became so “blogged down” in the process of creating the blog that I never actually write anything. Which is funny because for those of you who know me, I actually have a lot to say! But 2011 will be the year to change all that. Call it mid-life reflection, but in this last gift-giving, laptop go-around, I’m actually feeling a little guilty. My husband keeps my dream alive because he actually believes in my dream. He wants me to be a writer. So the least I can do with this laptop is write something. And if I happen to find a really great deal on a used Louis Vuitton travel bag on e-bay, saving the sugar daddy all kinds of money, then all the better, right?
