Confessions of a (Not So) Domestic Diva

Taking Chances....

2011-07-17T10:51:00.001-04:00

When someone offers you the world, what do you do? Do you allow your fear and doubt to hold you back, or do you shake it off, step forward and just be happy? I say go with the happy- it never steers you wrong :)

In Honor of Change

2011-07-17T10:50:00.000-04:00

There's Nothing Like It

2011-05-08T20:04:00.002-04:00

Sleepless nights. Worry like none you've ever felt. Cold dinners. Shared plates, beds and germs. You want to pull your hair out, they drive you crazy. And there is no love like this. Nothing compares, ever, to the fierceness with which I love them, all three, because they're ours, and because I wouldn't trade a second of seeing them become who they will someday be. Some of me, some of him, and

Not So Much Easter...

2011-04-24T11:59:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter~ and a reminder- Be You. Be Happy. And Love yourself!! The most beautiful feature in the world is confidence- never be ashamed of who you are and NEVER hide who you are, what you feel or what you want...

A breath....

2011-04-12T20:19:00.000-04:00

Pretty. Simple. Enough.

An anthem~

2011-03-03T12:42:00.001-05:00

Another Note

2011-03-02T23:55:00.002-05:00

She will be turning 11, this month. Our first baby, our first child. She met her father first, screamed then slept in his arms as he introduced her to her grandparents, aunts, uncles, as I recovered from the surgery that finally brought her to us. She was our only planned baby, our first endeavor into this game of being grown up, and she was a gift neither of us were prepared for or really

Renewal~

2011-03-02T23:46:00.001-05:00

14 years together~ 10 married next fall, ceremony this summer.... Everything we never thought we'd be. I love him :)

No Clue

2011-03-02T23:27:00.002-05:00

I think of my son with this song, for obvious reasons to some. What I try not to think of is the Alabama version of this song, sitting on the side of the road in a car, holding onto the only man I have ever loved, while his world crumbled around him for the first time, on a summer night that will never leave either of our minds. Now, you tell me again what the "reality" is. Tell me again what

One of Many.....

2011-03-02T23:17:00.002-05:00

You're going to see a lot of this guy. I swear to God, if I have a therapist, here he is. Scary? Actually listen. Stereotypes suck. Pay attention.

Why, Yes, This IS a Theme Song

2011-03-02T23:12:00.000-05:00

New, Not Borrowed, and Not too Blue ;)

2011-03-02T22:59:00.002-05:00

I have something for you, the... five... six?... people who come here. I am making you a playlist. To know me, you have to KNOW me. And I warn you- I am a contradiction on every front, which some of you know, and some of you need to know, if you want to "GET IT". Isn't that everyone's deal? "GETTING IT"? Whatever "IT" is? So, I'll let you in on the deep, dark secrets, piece by piece, song by song

Google It

2010-11-30T00:21:00.002-05:00

Let's pretend Autumn Taylor never picked up a pen..........Wait. You don't have to. She's been doing it for you. She's been doing it long enough. Sometimes the best motivation comes from being surprised. Being uplifted and kicked at the same time. Sometimes, the best moments come from the ones you have when you realize this could be it, Lights Out. And you know what? It hasn't been nearly enough.

A Little Ramble

2010-10-04T13:30:00.001-04:00

“The devil has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all.”I saw this quote on, of all things, Facebook, and it hit me immediately. How true. Lies are easy, I know that as well as anyone else. I'm not going to sit here and say I've never lied or will never lie again. People lie- you really can't say you don't. Even something as simple as trying to spare feelings about a haircut, a

Peaks and Valleys

2010-09-02T23:23:00.000-04:00

It's time for a break. Not from stress, or the outside world. From myself. No “I think” or “I guess” - no doubt in that statement. It's right in front of me, every bit of it, and I'm still sitting on the sidelines, all but waving my white flag. It takes courage- real courage- to see the reality of things, when you've built wall after wall, higher and thicker, to defend yourself, your heart, your

I'd Put Myself First, Make the Rules as I Go....

2010-07-15T08:46:00.002-04:00

I love being asked how I feel about things. Why? So I can tell you, and you can go on and do whatever it is you want to, anyway? What's the point in sharing anything with people who are simply going to use it against you? I ask “how do you feel about it?” when I'm only seriously considering an opinion, not when I'm looking for more leverage, or a different way to rub people's faces in things.

Nothing At All....

2010-07-08T09:38:00.001-04:00

I'm tired. I'm tired, tired of being tired, and wish I felt at least half as heartless as it's easy for some to believe. Maybe then I wouldn't be so tired. I'd be able to get mad, laugh it off and just go on without a second thought as to how things I say and do, choices I make, have a ripple effect. Maybe then I'd just do whatever suited me and not give a damn about the damages it caused, the

Independence Day? Perhaps.....

2010-07-05T09:37:00.001-04:00

We had an amazing holiday. Four days together was exactly what we needed after the rush of June. And while July may have come in unkindly, it was the usual dramatic flair of intervening before a holiday. Can I tell you how many holidays and events this has happened before, during, or directly after? Um... almost every single one? I'd say that sounds about right.But, we took our time, which we

Dance

2010-06-22T22:20:00.001-04:00

We've been doing this dance for so long, we both know the steps by heart by now. It may vary, but only a little, as we age and grow, and it stays more than it once did. You know where this goes, and I know where that does. We've been there, we've done that, and neither of us got the T shirt. What we got was experience and a

Just a Blog

2010-06-10T10:33:00.000-04:00

I have been writing off and on for the last few days. None of which I've finished, none of which I'll be sharing. It's been a mixed bag lately, and I've come to realize I'm flying just as blind as anyone else. I don't know what the hell I'm doing, either, or if it's the right things, wrong things, not my things.... the list goes on and on.You get to a point, once you've gotten some life behind

Tis the Season...

2010-06-03T17:05:00.000-04:00

Really? You didn't get that? You should have seen this one coming... ;)

Walking

2010-06-01T18:04:00.000-04:00

If you need to catch up, I'll slow down. But I can't stop. This is all too important, everything happening right now. This is what counts, all these little moments, all the in between. So, yeah. I'll slow down, but I know now that I can't stop. It just isn't an option anymore. I'm on the path I'm supposed to be, all the way around. I feel it in my bones. Life is happening, all around us, and why

Not That Complicated

2010-05-13T11:12:00.001-04:00

Last night was Girls' Night In here at Casa Diva, and we had a ball. I love getting together with my oldest, closest friends- we've been friends for 21 years now- and being able to just kick back with a glass of wine, some tunes and a good movie. We watched “It's Complicated” and loved it. What a

Perfectly Obvious

2010-05-10T12:03:00.001-04:00

I had a really good weekend. You know by now that I am always going to tell you about those moments, those “aha!” times... and whether I learn for a minute or a day, or maybe-hopefully- a lifetime, I'm going to relish every one of them. I had a lot of them this weekend. A lot of them the last couple weeks, I suppose, but the best ones came from this weekend. For the first time in a long time, I

Waiting for It?

2010-05-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

No essays or writing experiments this time- sorry. It's all me this time, folks, since attempting to go about my business and live my life is just.. never.. good enough. So, by popular demand, I'd say the bitch is back. Miss me? I'm tired of explaining myself. Explaining, finding justification for, life. It is what it is,

Words

2010-04-09T21:17:00.002-04:00

Another essay of sorts I had in my Writing folder. She wonders what it would be like. She thinks now how odd of her it was that she never really did before. Maybe it's because there never was a before. Not really, anyway. Not if she's honest with herself- and that she can be, even when she can't be with anyone else. When...

Simple

2010-04-05T22:31:00.002-04:00

In trying some new things, writing wise, I keep coming back to these essays of sorts. They aren't really stories, yet they are. It's kind of odd, and very new, but I'm going with it. This is one of the newest.. THE newest, actually... and all I could think when I wanted a title was "Simple".She wants to stand at her back door and eat a hot dog. It's really that simple. It's quiet, but for the

No Apologies

2010-03-21T10:59:00.000-04:00

I'm going to apologize one time for those that I may offend or upset with the things I say, and that's all.** I've done that enough, apologized or kept quiet. I've put my thoughts and feelings behind everyone else, I've attempted to keep from rocking the boat, upsetting the masses... and you know what? It makes me miserable.

Girls

2010-02-11T11:12:00.001-05:00

We've been snowed in here in our neck of the woods for what feels like.. forever, lol... and it's gotten my creative juices flowing in a lot of interesting ways. I'm writing a lot... and a lot I'm keeping to myself. But it's therapeutic, getting it all out. It makes a difference, having this outlet where I can be me, plain and

Perfectly Imperfect

2010-01-12T11:24:00.001-05:00

I've been on this journey lately. Well, I've always been on this journey, but now I am more aware of it, and more open to making it without the inhibitions or walls. I've slowly stopped checking what I say before I say it, stopped softening my opinions of thoughts based on who may or may not be offended. I always say I'm doing

Hello 2010 ::)

2010-01-01T12:29:00.001-05:00

I said I wasn't going to write a “wrap up” of 2009, and I'm still not planning on it. This year has seemed... bigger than about twelve months, more than just about this year. Sounds odd, doesn't it? But it is the best way I can describe it.2009 was the year of searching, looking back through several years, emotions, experiences and questions. And finding answers, even when we didn't want to, even

We Wish You...

2009-12-25T16:28:00.002-05:00

...a Merry, Merry Christmas from our house to yours! And... have a funky New Year! :)

Perspective

2009-12-21T00:11:00.001-05:00

Have you ever just had one of those days where it feels as if time has slowed to almost a stand still and no matter what you do, you just can't get it to move any faster. You can't concentrate on reading, TV, music... You've cleaned, baked, put the kids to sleep. The evening just stretches before you, and all the things you complain about never getting to do? You don't want to do.Because,

Ahhh 2009

2009-12-18T21:02:00.001-05:00

I spent a little time last night and this morning reading over the past year or so on my blog. It amazes me to see the difference a year makes. Going into 2009, I felt so many things that I'm struggling with as we head into 2010.I think I spend a lot of time worrying what to write, for a blog, a status, etc... when I should just be writing. For me. If I never post it anywhere, I'll have it to

Stories

2009-12-14T22:40:00.002-05:00

So, I'm sitting here with an open Word document, and somehow, the words are flying. There's a fresh pot of coffee in the kitchen, and at the moment, it seems that I could type for hours. I suddenly have so much to say, and it just won't stay hidden anymore. I have to admit, hearing the sounds

Family

2009-11-07T09:28:00.002-05:00

When life throws you a curve ball, you have to learn how to swing. You also have to learn what sort of curves are acceptable, and which ones are potentially hurtful to those in your life, or to yourself. When it comes to family, I suppose I'm a strange bird- I'm a firm believer that blood is not always thicker, and family doesn't always mean those who share it. The people who share your life,

Um.... Yeah....

2009-10-11T23:37:00.003-04:00

Since it may be awhile before I post something even remotely interesting, and even longer before I post any actual "writing", I send you all to this creative writing post I did ages ago. Like I said then, the story itself had nothing to do with the article posted, or anything even remotely in common with the actual events. The rest of the explanation was almost 100% true. I DO have a manuscript

Seasons

2009-10-02T19:31:00.002-04:00

It is definitely fall, Internet. The season I am named for, and a season of change. My favorite season, with holidays just around the corner. I am a sucker for the leaves turning and falling, and then the kids' laughter when they jump into the piles of muted reds, oranges and yellows. It makes me smile, the crisp air and evenings made for stews and soups, chili and warm tea.It's been quiet, which

The Way I Am

2009-09-22T22:11:00.003-04:00

First off, for any unanswered emails, unreturned phone calls, etc., I apologize. I have been on the internet only to play mindless games on Facebook the last few days. LOL You are not forgotten, I am simply taking a moment to collect myself and have some space.I think if I were to have a "group response", if there was such a thing in the varying circumstances I'm dealing with right now, I would

Eye of the Storm

2009-09-19T09:14:00.003-04:00

In the center of the chaos, life is still going on. The kids are as busy as ever, and I find myself wanting to make more memories, take more pictures, do more with them, for them. I want them to enjoy the minute between dances, so to speak. There are no questions, now, just getting on with life, and for a minute, it's like it never was.I can't let that give me time to relax though. There is no

Battlefield

2009-09-16T08:48:00.002-04:00

I have always known that eventually this would come. While I stilll feel it isn't my story to tell, I don't really understand why I feel that way. This is my family's story, after all, and there is that extension there. This story runs through my husband's veins, my childrens veins. This story has always been there, waiting to be told, and the last few days have proven that the main two "

Pushing Down on You, Pushing Down on Me

2009-09-13T20:15:00.002-04:00

OK. This is the one where I'm going to rant a little bit, so be patient.The pressure I'm under right now, that my family is under right now, is unexplainable. I can really only speak for myself, and right now, I'm doing everything I can to keep myself busy, keep my mind occupied, and push forth on the path life has taken right now. Do I know what the future holds? No. This is a fine line I'm

Uhhh.. What?

2009-09-07T22:50:00.003-04:00

I turned thirty-one last Tuesday. I can't complain, I had a good b-day, and September has, so far, been a good month. The kids are flourishing in school, Miss T is enjoying being the sole attention getter during the day, and aside from the allergies that roll around every year, we're all in top form.I can't complain, like I said. And yet... I'm sitting here, enjoying some (rare!!) quiet, and

School Daze :)

2009-08-26T22:16:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was the first day of school here at Casa Diva. 4th grade for Miss Lyss, 1st for Jake. She, of course, was beyond thrilled to be going back- school is one of her favorite things on the planet. Where she gets it? No idea! LOL He was reluctant, and after last year, who can really blame him. But, we were positive and encouraging, preparing him for the changes in advance, and we made it into

Unsinkable Ships

2009-08-05T22:06:00.002-04:00

I had a conversation this evening that I wish, now, I'd had ages ago. But like everything else, maybe it just wasn't time before. Maybe I needed, personally, to have the emotions I did and the thoughts that I did so that when everything started to unravel, or come together- it's all in how you see it, and some situations are both- it would all happen at the same time, piece by piece.It's odd to

Breaking the Habit

2009-07-30T09:05:00.002-04:00

I keep opening my Word program, or coming here and clicking "Create"... then I just sit there. The paper in my Word program isn't touched. I type a couple lines here, get disgusted with it, and just move on to something else. When I'm not writing, there's a problem.I have been shaking my head a lot the last two weeks at people. I've seen the ugliest sides of myself and have questioned myself, J,

Tunes

2009-07-27T13:05:00.002-04:00

Been awhile. Again. Summer is winding down... but I'm thinking it won't be going out without a bang. I may be absent (again) for awhile as things unfold, or I may ramble here and make no sense to those of you not living this with me. either way....Right now it's all about the music. I figure everyone can use some new tunes once in awhile, so I've complied a list of what I'm listening to right now

Summer Fling

2009-07-06T11:08:00.002-04:00

Hey there Internet! How's the summer been treatin' ya? How was your 4th? And wow, you look so tan! And your hair.. don't tell me, but I know you've done something different with it... lookin' good, Internet, lookin' good!Summer has been a madhouse over here at Casa Diva. My blogging is almost non existent, and it crosses my mind at like, two in the morning, in an "oh, dammit, I didn't blog

A Piece of Childhood

2009-06-25T20:24:00.003-04:00

I just had to take a moment. I just heard about the death of Michael Jackson, and I'm in complete shock. Regardless of the oddities and accusations, I remember Michael as a key part of my childhood. I had the cassette tapes, and even had Thriller on VHS. My friends and I imitated his moves in our own dance routines, and later on, I introduced myself to The Jackson Five. This is a sad sad day for

Unleashed

2009-06-14T19:07:00.003-04:00

**Warning** This may not be PG. This may not be PC. This may cause me to lose readers, gain readers, or cause nothing at all. This is what I've been talking about- the start of something different.I'm sitting here with a glass of wine (**gasp**, she drinks!!) contemplating things that you can't even imagine, Internet. The carpets are shampooed, the kids are fed and bathed, the cats are sleeping,

Beautiful

2009-05-21T21:26:00.004-04:00

I've got a song for ya. I have a passion for music, especially lyrics. Grab me, pull me in, make me think. Make me RELATE. I want to hear something and say- yes, I've been there, absolutely. This week, it happened in a big way. I think that this is one of the best songs I've ever heard. I don't think anyone could hear it without it hitting home. It's deep... but it has the attitude I can't seem

School's (Almost) Out For Summer!

2009-05-21T11:59:00.002-04:00

Alyssa announced somewhat gleefully to me the other day that there are around 11-12 school days left until they are out for the summer. I'm already in summer mode, so I'm ready. We're going to be busy, that's my goal. We're going to have many adventures, this summer, and crash out at night happy about the day and excited for the next. We're going to get sunburnt and tan, drink Kool-Aid and eat

Through My Kitchen Door...

2009-05-14T21:56:00.003-04:00

Well, I've done it. I think. LOLRather than adding recipes to this blog, I've simply made another just for recipes, photos and everything to do with being in the kitchen! Through My Kitchen Door is where to see all my culinary exploits, good, bad and ugly! I'm still "Under Construction" but stop by and see what's cookin' over there. And if you have any recipes that I simply cannot miss, feel free

A Note...

2009-05-11T14:45:00.002-04:00

I wanted to say hello to my new readers. **waves** If you're trying to post a comment, all comments are moderated/approved before posting. That stops the spambots and internet trolls from junking up bloggers' pages, and keeps things nice and happy for us and our readers.My email is on the right over there, as well as everywhere else I may be, so get ahold of me if you choose. Have a good one...

Ya Know it's Monday...

2009-05-11T12:55:00.003-04:00

Happy Mommy's Day to all the super moms out there. a little late (as usual) but I was with my family all weekend doing a whole lotta nothing and enjoying every minute. LOL I hope all of you were pampered and spoiled this weekend, lavished with homemade cards and stories that you will keep forever, and didn't have to lift (barely) a finger!I have to tell you, I am so excited by one of my gifts

And Then, Her Head Exploded

2009-05-07T09:31:00.004-04:00

I sometimes sit back and listen to the kids talk, and wonder how it's possible for things to change so much in, what seems to me, so little time. And then I wonder- has it changed that much, or are you just seeing it that way because you're the parent now, and the things you know are a lot different that the things you knew when you were their age? Personally, I think it's a little of both. Times

"Twisted Helena"

2009-04-24T19:04:00.002-04:00

I'm not exactly sure where this is leading, but I was told to watch this video a couple times, then send it to three people. I've watched, but am posting it here. Big things are happening with my favorite guys, I'm hearing... but I've NO idea what those things are... or what this is about. LOL Any ideas??Twisted Helena

Fast, Cheap,Easy School Night Supper

2009-04-22T15:54:00.002-04:00

I've seen this recipe around in various forms and have just now gotten around to trying it. It was super quick to throw together, even easier to change around and make it my own, and smells super yummy cooking in the oven! I'll definitely let you know how it turns out, but I'm betting this will be a kid (and Mom) favorite from now on.Cheeseburger Bake4 boxes mac and cheese- yep, with the powder

A Spring In Her Step

2009-04-20T18:15:00.006-04:00

**Apologies to everyone getting this via mail- the first one published a blank post**What is UP, Internet? I feel good, for the first time in almost three weeks. No chills or fever, no congestion, and almost no cough. I'd almost forgotten what it felt like to feel... good. My energy levels are climbing, I feel like doing something other than hovering under a blanket with a cup of tea , tissues

Blerrrgh

2009-04-16T11:56:00.002-04:00

Long time no see.. again. I know. It's been awhile since I really felt like I had much to say, and it seems like the hours in a day are becoming less and less. The kids have less than 40 days left of school, and honestly, I'm relieved. Then maybe we can relax, have more time, maybe even have some fun. Between school, holidays and this weather being so back and forth, it feels like all any of us

One of These Days..

2009-04-02T22:27:00.002-04:00

One of these days, maybe you'll understand that not meeting your eyes isn't me being rude; it's part of who I am.Maybe you'll see that I'm not deaf, dumb or blind to your emotions and thoughts- I don't understand why you ignore me, avoid me or think less of me... but I know when you do, and it hurts.One of these days, you may realize my routine is what keeps me functioning, and when you surprise

A Cleansing Breath....

2009-03-23T13:51:00.002-04:00

AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!OK, that works SO much better than a deep breath. For me, anyway. I've been taking a self imposed hiatus from the net lately, mainly because we've been battling these God awful chest colds that seem to have no intention of going anywhere, and by the time the rest of my coughers are asleep, I want nothing more than a hot bath, hot tea and bed.But, I've also been spending more

It's a Cat House, Everyone....

2009-03-06T21:26:00.004-05:00

I don't even know where to start. With my lost (and now replaced) cell phone? With the light in the microwave suddenly deciding to die? (OK, that's not a big deal, but for some reason, it freaks me out). With the loss of Internet for days due to non-working anti-virus software, leading to malware, Trojans and other lovelies taking up residence on my beloved PC? Or with the cat setting himself on

Books and Stuff

2009-02-27T10:12:00.007-05:00

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. Same for reading. I have always had an appetite for fiction, and some non fiction, and I've always loved making my own little worlds where my characters live. I would love nothing more than to be published. That, so far, has not happened, and the self publishing route has been satisfying, for the most part.I previously had 2 novels on one site for

And You SO Knew This Was Coming.....

2009-02-23T11:56:00.003-05:00

Watch more The Block videos on AOL Video2 In The Morning- NKOTBOk, you knew it was coming. Regis and Kelly Thursday, Today Show Friday,(he didn't wear jeans **sigh**) and video released today. Yes, I'm still speaking in complete sentences and forming coherent thoughts. Ha.I love this song; it's been one of my favorites since the first time I heard it. We've all been there, had those fights,

Pieces of Me Part 1

2009-02-19T11:07:00.007-05:00

So, I had started this post and been writing on it off and on all morning. For almost two hours, I was back and forth, putting together a semi "25 things", because I keep getting tagged on Facebook and MySpace, and on a couple of the blogs I follow. I had decided to do it in parts, because I'm a rambler, and figured 25 things would end up taking up an entire page, so why not break it up. And in

Facebook and TV

2009-02-18T19:06:00.003-05:00

So, I went to Catholic school growing up. And yep, I wore a uniform. I was ten, you pervs, shut up!Two different schools, two different states. Two completely different worlds. One in St Albans, WV, 4th and 5th grade, that was wonderful, and one here, 6th -8th grade. It was my decision to go to the school here; at the time, I was seriously thinking of Catholicism. Going to school here was...

Some Pink Fluff

2009-02-17T20:08:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd pop a recipe on here, since I'm an avid food blog reader. It's nothing complicated- no cooking involved at all! Basically, it's a summery, desserty "salad" I grew up eating, and I really really enjoy it.Pink Fluff1 can cherry pie filling1 tub Cool Whip1 can mandarin oranges, drained1 can crushed or chunk pineapple, drained1/2 cup to 1 cup walnutsMix together, chill, and voila! A

New Look, New(ish) Outlook

2009-02-17T19:44:00.002-05:00

I've been wanting to change things up over here for awhile. Not just the look- I do that all the time, because I doubt I'll ever find a "look" to have permanently. Nothing ever screams "keep me", ya know?What I'm talking about is changing up the content some. I've said (repeatedly) that I won't be guarded on here. And to a degree, I'm not. On some things (uber personal issues, friends-relatives

Tantrums and Teeth Marks

2009-02-10T11:51:00.006-05:00

OK, we're finally back in business! Seriously, when it rains, it pours. Cliche, I know, but oh so true! Things are finally looking up... did I mention finally? LOLIt's going to be 60 today, for starters~ yay! Windows are open, there's fresh, spring like air-complete with that rainy day smell- drifting through the house, airing it out. I hate having to be closed up through the winter. I think that

Back to (Semi) Normal

2009-02-02T15:05:00.005-05:00

**I am removing my previous post. I'm not changing my opinion, but my blog isn't supposed to be about the drama, it's about my life, thoughts and other stuff. Not shit that doesn't really matter. We all deal with/meet people we don't care for. I unfortunately handled it much like those I complain about. I apologize to my regular readers for sounding like a ten year old for a minute. Back to the

And Before I Forget......

2009-01-21T11:49:00.002-05:00

My boys are heading to the Suuuuuuuper Booooooooowl!!! Sorry this is your first time, Arizona- you're going home without a ring. Big Ben and the rest of my Steelers are going to have to hand your asses to ya. Sorry. Heh.Shame about NE not making it this year, right? Karma's a beotch sometimes!Let's go Steelers! Let's go! On the menu for Super Bowl Sunday- homemade meatball subs,my not so famous

Everything, Nothing and In Between

2009-01-21T10:57:00.003-05:00

I am interrupting the beginning of our regularly scheduled (ok, sporadically, when you least expect it, cause I'm too cool for schedules, if "cool" means held hostage by snowed in children) post to mention that today, I am filled with hope. There is change on the way for our country, hopefully positive. I feel it will be, but I'm not in the business of guaranteeing people will follow promises

I Was Gone For a Minute....

2009-01-13T09:52:00.002-05:00

Hey there Internet! Long time no see, right? Life has taken over here at Casa Diva, and by the time I can sit down to blog, it's usually close to midnight, and I'm too tired to think of anything to say. Or make sense of what I could say.We're covered in snow right now, with more coming down. The kids return to school was short lived- they've had two snow days already with more on the way, I'm

NYE Baby!

2008-12-31T13:36:00.003-05:00

It's the last day of 2008 (duh). Resolutions anyone? And don't tell me you want to lose weight, stop smoking, eat better.... give me something besides those every year, broken after a couple weeks resolutions. I'm guilty of breaking some of those myself, as well as the cutting back on caffeine, junk food, etc. I've learned resolutions, much like rules, are made to be broken... or at least

From Our House To Yours

2008-12-24T11:44:00.002-05:00

It's Christmas Eve! the cookies are made and ready for Santa, the stockings are ready to be filled. The New Year is just around the corner, and I'm excited to see what changes 2009 will bring. 2008 brought more than a few, that's for sure.Tomorrow will be the flurry of wrapping paper, dinner (lasagna here for Christmas!) and that cozy feeling of "after"- you know the one. When it's all said and

What's in a Name?

2008-12-19T23:40:00.002-05:00

This, Internet, is one of my favorite songs. And it has been so for about fourteen years. I'd heard it before this, of course. It was simply a sad song that may or may not been about the ultimate ending for all of us. I have to say, even though Daniel is not the name of my friend, this is a post in remembrance of a dearly beloved and missed friend-for some reason,( these lyrics have always

Let's Pretend This is a Catchy title, 'k? Thanks

2008-12-17T11:32:00.004-05:00

Well, the Christmas play was canceled last night. Due to bad weather we did not get. Yeah. It started snowing, we had an advisory out, all that hoopla. Freezing rain, sleet, icy roads, blah blah blah. So it started snowing, they immediately rescheduled the program... and it stopped snowing. We didn't get the ice, the sleet, the bad shit. Basically, it was canceled for nothing. J took last night

Caffeine Fueled

2008-12-16T11:23:00.003-05:00

Whew. It's nice to sit down with a cup of coffee (I'm way past one too many cups at this stage) and be able to chat with you for a minute here. This time of year is insane, which I'm sure all of you know already. There are too many things to do, on top of every day stuff to do... and the hours in the days just seem to speed past. I'm up to my ears in school plays, cookies, and wrapping paper

Pretty Paper....

2008-12-11T19:36:00.004-05:00

I watch my kids watching me prepare for Christmas. Alyssa, especially, is taking it all in, soaking it up, mentally filing the things we do away in her memory, so she can someday incorporate these family traditions into her own family. They are all still young enough for Santa, reindeer and cookies, but I have a small ache in my heart at thinking this could be the last year Alyssa believes. She

It's Not Different, Mmmkay?

2008-12-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

We've covered a few bases here on music. By a few I mean a vague mention of the music we listen to around here, and then the few (several) posts about those Boston boys I have a little like for (yeah, yeah, it's a sickness, k? thanks) But we've never really talked about the fact that while I may have a slight obsession with those guys, I have a complete obsession for music. Always have.I love

Google of the Day

2008-12-07T18:41:00.003-05:00

I'm going to start posting some of the quirkier ways people find my blog. I've done this a couple times before (heh heh) and some of this is pretty funny!Today's top google search? "did Joe McIntyre invent sloppy joes?" I don't believe he did, but I suppose that could be debated. **snicker**Top search/visit of the weekend? JP, Mass. Period.

Christmasy

2008-12-06T12:39:00.002-05:00

Happy weekend, Internet! What's new?Well, the house is decked out, the Christmas lights are on, and it's snowing outside. I'm making a stew pot of my taco goulash (which is my own recipe, and not traditional goulash... but oh, so hearty, spicy and yummy!) for dinner and decorating the kids' area with their tree and lights. We spread the Christmas out here at Casa Diva- that's what keeps the fun

Getting It

2008-12-02T16:55:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it's almost 2009? This year has flown by... I know, I've said that before. But it's so true! It's been an interesting one, too- to say the very least. It's been unusual. It's been beautiful. It's been downright ugly. But it's been an adventure- which is what keeps me going.Let's see. In 2008, hell froze over. I know, that expression has been sorta used for another album and group,

Some Random Ish

2008-11-28T09:53:00.002-05:00

We survived Thanksgiving! Seriously. this is the first year in I don't even know how long that no one has been sick. Everyone ate, enjoyed and looked decidedly full and content afterward. Other than the cats milling around and being a huge pain in my ass, it was a pretty good day. The kids were all pleasant, there was a minimum of the usual fighting and "Mom, he/she did THIS" (which is usually

On Being Thankful

2008-11-26T09:19:00.003-05:00

Yeah, I know. I know. I totally blew NaBloPoMo. I have no real excuses other than just being busy, and having too much on my mind and not enough hours in the day to get everything finished. I get this way around holidays, so tackling a new project was a bad call on my part. That and I don't always have something to say.... ok, that's not true, LOL. Maybe it's that I don't always have something to

Dear Internet

2008-11-20T08:54:00.002-05:00

I am not dead. I've skipped a couple days here and there in my NaBloPoMo. It isn't you, Internet, it's me. It's a zany little thing called life and its love of throwing curve balls at my congested head. It's sleep deprivation due to sick child. It's never ending piles of laundry and dishes. It's opening Word and tentatively tapping a few sentences, then a paragraph, then another... and feeling a

Oh The Weather Outside is Frightful...

2008-11-18T08:33:00.005-05:00

We've started snowy season here in Small Town Ohio. There was a little white on the ground yesterday morning, but it melted by afternoon. Last night, it snowed off and on throughout the evening-night, and man did it look impressive at times. Wind whipping, flakes flying. This morning it's icy and snowy... and the kids have school. On time, no delays. That's weird, because usually, they get the

Party Pic-a-palooza!- The Cake

2008-11-17T12:43:00.000-05:00

Taylor definitely wasn't too sure of the cake. She did, however, make one heck of a mess!

Party Pic-a-palooza! 2

2008-11-17T12:30:00.002-05:00

A few more b-day pics!

Party Pic-a-palooza!

2008-11-17T10:13:00.007-05:00

Here is the first batch of party pics. I kept the cake pics for a seperate post, because seriously? they do deserve their own post. LOLeveryone had a fantastic time, especially the Birthday girl. She lasted a lot longer than I expected she would- even after cake, she was raring to go for another couple hours. She was a little baffled by the whole thing, but once she really realized all this stuff

Sunny Day, Sweeping the Clouds Away....

2008-11-14T16:34:00.005-05:00

It's almost party time here at Casa Diva. Tomorrow, Miss T turns the big 1. She is, of course, having a party revolving around her favorite thing of the moment. I'm a theme junkie, I can't help it. With Lyss, it was Bear in the Big Blue House. Jake was Bob the Builder. These were steady, all encompassing loves for each of them, easy to pick, easy to plan. As always, Taylor has been a different

And Now, The News

2008-11-13T12:21:00.003-05:00

Doctors say marrow transplants may have cured AIDS. This would be.. a miracle, I suppose. I'm not going to give you stats and numbers. I don't know exactly the amount of people affected by, living with, or who have lost their lives... but I know it's staggering. A cure would be an amazing thing, something I honestly believed would never happen.Here's to hope- in all of it's packages!

Tired Doesn't Cover It....

2008-11-13T00:03:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm like three minutes late for my every day posting deal I have going on. In my defense, I have a first birthday to plan, the school situation that never ends, and my brain is fried.So, I'll give you another edition of the top searches leading to the blog here.Autumn (insert last name here) Diva - thanks for knowing it, man!And yet again, a similar to last time- "Joe McIntyre wife". Man,

Ebb and Flow

2008-11-11T17:45:00.002-05:00

I got my inspiration for this in the oddest of places. Sometimes, someone says something- not to you in particular, but to the masses, basically- and it really makes you stop and think. At least it did me. I read, re read, and then read again. And it made sense.. not just for a certain way of life, but for just... life. You can't hold on too tight. Life is what it is- not every moment of every

A Note

2008-11-10T10:55:00.004-05:00

Just a word of advice for those who read, or comment on my blog. If you don't like what I have to say, state your opinion and leave it at that. Or, to sound like a cliche- don't read what I have to say. No one forces you to come here. Your choice. But, don't come on my blog, read my words, twist them to suit you and then take it another step. What I do with my blog (sit around and decide how to

Summertime Wife?

2008-11-09T17:32:00.012-05:00

I like checking over my stats sometimes. I'm not obsessive about it, but when I see a new place, new search engine, etc., has popped up, I like to see where you're coming from. Sometimes the places themselves raise an eyebrow. Sometimes the key words that lead here are weird, or funny... and sometimes? They Crack. Me. Up.Like today. Most of today's hits are Google Reader or direct links.

Award Time!

2008-11-09T10:19:00.004-05:00

I'm finally getting around to passing out a couple awards... ahh, procrastination may really be my only talent.I got these from Whiney Momma- go check her out. and following her lead, I'm passing these out to everyone on my blogroll-I never can choose who to hand out awards to!

Proving My Point

2008-11-07T11:30:00.002-05:00

Dear Principal of Elementary School My Son Currently Attends,Thank you so much for taking the time this morning to prove me right about you, your school, and the horrible situation my child has endured since he stepped foot into your building. He has been assaulted by another student, falsely accused of sexual behavior when it was actually another child (who, by the way, got punched in the junk

Interesting!

2008-11-06T12:10:00.003-05:00

As a writer myself (though of nothing profound, life changing or earth shattering!) I really enjoyed this article. It gave me a new perspective on the way people see the ones they vote for, or endorse, or what have you.And, to clarify what may have seemed to be a post about race earlier this week, while Obama winning is a historical event that leads us closer to equality, tolerance and the like,