My Log of Other Bloggers Blogs - 2

Stellar Mommy Blog That all can Relate to:

Another AMAZING blog I recommend...

Ready or Not Mom

What can I say about Ready or Not Mom - except that it's clever, funny, well-written, and touching.  RoNM does a WONDERFUL job of relating her everyday life (with 2 boys under 2 yrs., a full-time job, a hubby, 2 dogs, etc...) and makes it a great read for even those of us who are "child-free."  She uses just the right about of TLC mixed with sarcasm, wit, and smarts to keep her blog not only interesting, but intelligent.  RoNM opens her home and heart to her readers and makes you feel like you've known her for years.  

Annnd now I guess I should write my disclaimer: I have known her for years, so I have firsthand knowledge that she is a kick @$$ writer. AND I've been waiting a loooong time for her to get to writing something - This is that something, and it's Awesome!!  (Yes, I'm slightly bias, but I do speak the truth.  She is darn good.  I wish I had her skills, but that's a whole other blog entry).  

If you are a Mother - I highly recommend Ready or Not Mom.  If you are pregnant I highly recommend Ready or Not Mom... thinking about becoming a Mom some day - I highly recommend Ready or Not Mom...  If you are a man who obviously can't have children, but is, or will soon be a father - You guessed it, this is a great read for you as well.  

Moral of this story - there are a lot of Mommy Blogs out there, but this one is a hidden gem!  Pop on over for her latest entry!  You won't be disappointed.  

XO,

AMC

Now Since it's "Throwback Thursday" - here's a fun photo of us as kiddos in Florida (we are in a hotel - getting ready to go meet MICKEY & MINNIE!!  Heck, yes!!  Note the fancy bows and such...)

I love you dearly, friend... please, don't kill me for this!!  LOL

 I will be fair - since it's close to Valentine's day - I'll add another embarrassing photo of myself (and one of my brothers) on here as well.  Another "Throwback Thursday" photo for ya.  enjoy!! 

We are adorable, and kinda dorky, but that makes it even cuter (I think).

Fitness Protection Program

Thank you, kind Sirs!!

So I ran across these two articles and I just wanted to re-post and say THANK YOU!!  

6-most-shockingly irresponsible fitspiration photos

what people really look like

I  have great friends who are really "into" fitness.  They are all responsible with their workout routines and have a great relationship with their workout pals and themselves.  I can genuinely say that I have NEVER seen any of these friends post fitness propaganda (such as the photos in the first article) to "encourage" others to get fit.  I have also seen, first hand, the damage low self-esteem can have on a person.  Take, for example, this quote below from the first link I posted:

"... hypergymnasia, was born.  It works just like anorexia and is caused by the same factors, only instead of restricting calories going in, hypergymnasiacs dramatically increase the calories going out. The benefit—if you can look at it from the self-abusive perspective of the afflicted—is that, instead of frequent, attention-grabbing trips to the bathroom, all they have to do is go exercise a lot! Oh man, easy! People LOVE exercise! Friends and family will just think they’re getting in shape, taking care of themselves, self-improving. The culturally accepted language associated with working out is moderately self-abusive anyway, so all the self-deprecation won’t raise any red flags and obsessing over exercise will blend right in to the normal cultural fabric of fitness..."

This is very real and very scary.  Don't let pop-culture and other outside pressures (this includes close friends and family) make you think you need to go to the brink just to "fit in."  If you were told by a doctor to lose some weight because of health related problems, etc - please follow their professional plan for you. Always find a professional that is certified (and can prove it) to help you in your weight-loss planning.  If you are like me, someone who needs to exercise 30-45 minutes a day, 6 days a week (as recommended by my physician) then find activities that work best for you.  Stick to a healthy eating plan (that includes FOOD and not starvation) and spend your free time with positive and encouraging people in your life.  

After you read the first article - make sure you take the time to read the second.  It is well-written and to the point.  Everyone is BEAUTIFUL because no one is "perfect." Pretty simple!! 

 

We are all berated with images of assumed reality - models who are made-up, airbrushed, and put in the most expensive clothing money can buy.  This is a tactic to get you to buy and do things that you don't need or want.  I will put the usual disclaimer here:  if you do all of these things for the right reasons - buy expensive clothes, work out, become skinnier/stronger... then RIGHT ON!!  I'm simply saying that there are lot of these pics out there basically calling people lazy and fat when in fact most people are trying the hardest they can with what they have.  (Also, what I mean by 'for the right reasons' = losing excess weight to cure health problems, staying in shape to prevent health related problems, building muscle after injury, building muscle to prevent injury, buying nice things for a happy event in your life.  NOT because someone else is telling you that you aren't good enough just the way you are - in an attempt to make themselves feel better.  OR to make others feel like they are less than you because you have a "better body" or nicer things.)

I've heard this actual advice from my doctor (and a few times around the internet):  If you eat a healthy, well-rounded diet, you will have proper energy and nutrition to keep your body fueled for the events of the day.  One of those events being a 30-45 minute trip to the gym.  The old "you can't out exercise a bad diet" quote comes to mind here.  There is a lot of truth to it, just make sure that you keep a well-balanced variety of food in your daily meals. DO NOT put any dietary restrictions on yourself unless otherwise instructed by a certified professional.  (i.e. never eating carbs, or dairy just because some actor/actress does it).  You're only human.  All things in moderation!!  Simple and true.  

Let's try and uplift each other in positive and healthy ways.  Stick to what the professionals say - and most of all - be happy with who you are on the inside!!   

All above images are via http://triangleofawesome.wordpress.com/category/uncategorized/

and Tumblr - fitnessmotivate

My Log of Other Bloggers Blogs

Some Neat-O Blogs to Read

In my very humble opinion...

Just wanted to keep track of a few blogs that I like to check in on every once in a while.  So, I figured why not keep a log of them on my page.  If I ever get a follower, or maybe I should say: If I never actually tell anyone that I am writing a blog, they can check it out too.

monkey see blog - NPR

The Monkey See blog - by Linda Holmes is pretty awesome.  It's a Pop Culture blog that is self-aware and well written.  She does great interviews that touch on current social behaviors/norms.  I really enjoy how Linda makes an almost sociological study of our reactions to pop culture.  She  touches on a bit of everything, so if you are into movies, news, fashion, etc... it's all there.  Hope you check it out!!  

AND NOW... for the PHOTOS OF THE DAY!! 

I have a new camera and wanted to be able to share a few of the pics that I have been able to snap in the past few months.  I think I'll lead off with some of the photos from our trip to Scottsdale, AZ (for a friends wedding).  I took about 100 million, so I'll try take it easy on you the first time.  :)  ** NOTE - if you want to post my photos on your pages - all I ask is that you give me credit & add a link to my blog. **  Thank you for respecting my art!!  :) XO!! 

Glass instillation in the garden.  There were some great glass sculptures all over the facility.  

Beautiful red flower <3 

I love the lines these cacti make in the photo.  All of the vegetation is so beautiful there! 

We found a little friend high up in the trees  :) 

Brilliant flora!! Love the colors on this flower - and I caught a little fly on a petal as well.  :) 

A couple of Monarch buddies - hanging out!!  :) 

These are the branches of a twisted tree.  Lots of little critters
seek out these trees for a break from the sun.

Careful!!  I like perspective on this photo.  Looks like
you might get poked if you lean in too close!! 

Another view of our avian friend :) 

Beautiful monarch - love it's unique wing patterns.  Haven't seen any like it before.

Another view of the glass art instillation in one of the gardens.  So pretty.
I  love the contrast!! 

So I Started Watching Parks and Rec. and other Netflix gems...

An episode a week

Reflections from one of my new favorite TV shows

To begin - my boyfriend and I recently picked up a new habit - binge watching Netflix shows.  I know, join the club, right!?  We are catching up on some that fell by the wayside (The Walking Dead), there are some that we skipped while they were popular back in the day (Dawsons' Creek), and the Original series of course (Orange is the New Black, Lilyhammer, etc...) all helping us get our "fix."  One of the best viewing choices we made = Parks and Recreation.  I'm a fan of Amy Poehler, and basically the whole cast now.  While watching, there have been a few episodes that had some "lessons" that rang true/coincided with events going on in my life.  So I thought - maybe use this as a starting point for one of my "sections/blog topics."  This being my first entry of this type, I will try and stay on track as much as possible, but please forgive me if I go of on any tangents (I do it more often that I would like - OR the reverse - I  have lots of ideas swimming in my head... they then try and come out all at once, and I get a bottleneck effect.  Wham.  Stuck).  <-- Tangent!!  

 ** I apologize if you haven't seen Parks and Recreation.  If not, you should at least try the first 5 episodes.  I will try and touch on different shows when possible.  :)

Episodes 2, 3, & 4 - Season 1:  When Leslie and Ann become friends.  Leslie (Amy Poehler's character) is trying to better her community, and during a town meeting, Ann (Rashida Jone's character) brings up the fact that there is a pit pretty much in her backyard.  Ann's boyfriend, Andy, has fallen in this pit and broken his legs.  So, she is trying to get the city to take care of it.  Classic tale of how two awesome people become friends, right!?  Yeah... Not so much.  ;-)  Over the course of the next few episodes, Leslie tries to help Ann out with her problem while Ann simultaneously helps Leslie with hers - fill the pit and create a park on the land.  Yayy!  

By the time you get to episode 4 of season 1, Leslie and Ann are pretty much friends (instead of acquaintances).  They work well together. Leslie invites Ann to be on the committee to help get the park up and running, and they end up becoming a great team.  Sounds like a fairy-tale to me.  1. Woman meets other woman at random event.  2. Woman decides to help other woman with her problems.  3. Woman finds they have similar goals and can fight for them together.  4. Other woman accepts - and they take on the world while getting to know one another - AND even though they aren't much alike to begin with, they honor and appreciate their differences... and build a lasting friendship.  Now, that might have came off as a bit sarcastic, but honestly, it would be a dream come true if I were able to be either one of those women.  

I have fabulous gal pals, don't get me wrong here.  BUT - pretty much 95% of them were formed from bonds created while in Grade School, High School, College, or Long hours on the job together.  The other 5% were made through my already good friends, so I guess I should give them most of that credit; for having cool friends.  :)  To be clear, I believe that the way I have formed the relationships with my gals is awesome.  Nothing "bad" about it.  I think it's amazing that I am still friends with my girls from 3-year-old Pre-School (no joke).  They kick some major butt, and I am honored that they have put up with my crazy @$$ for all of these years.  (I'm 31, so that's 28 years).  I am merely stating the fact that I think it would be a miracle if I were to meet a new gal pal in the way Leslie and Ann met.  This is because, I believe, most of us are not open to it anymore.  

First, Leslie and Ann had no idea who the other one was before the meeting - barrier #1. If I don't know you - it just became exponentially easier to ignore you/your problems.  Where did the empathy go?  It's lost somewhere in the time space between The Real Housewives of Wherever and The Bachelor.  I'm not saying stick your nose in every ones business, but when you can help, why not try?  There are tiny things we can do for each other that can make a great impact.  Most of the time, it's just listening to another person get something off their chest (hence the millions of blogs that you can read), or helping someone make a decision.  Being a friend.  Common sense mixed with caring can go a long way.  :)  My best friend just met another "mommy friend" as she calls her, and had a great "mom date" while their kiddos played and they were able to chat about life.  Totally awesome, and exactly what I would love to see more of.  Spontaneous giving a crap about others.  JOY!!  :) 

Second, I don't work for a company that allows the public to hold a forum and discuss where we can improve.  I got one nasty e-mail in three years and it was actually meant for someone else.  The fact that Ann was upset with the city, and Leslie represented the city, and they were still able to get past that second "barrier" and work together is practically unheard of.   We like to brand each other B*****$ so quickly.  "She works at the phone company?  WELL, I was overcharged on my last bill, I'm mad at that company, so she must be a horrible person."  Craziness.  A gal you know had too much to drink and slept with a weird dude at a party?  What a hooker... right?  WRONG!!  Just because it's not something that you would do, doesn't mean it becomes your business to judge.  So many times in life, you hear of other women talking behind acquaintances backs because they did something they don't deem "normal."  They lose out on who that person really is because they don't "agree" with one or two small behaviors of the other woman.  Supporting other women in the event of a one night stand, sad times, happy times, whether it be large or small, only makes us all better.  Not judging someone by a few of their behavioral blips (behavioral blips:  an action a human being committed once or twice out of temporary loss of judgement, nervousness, surprise, etc. that actually doesn't describe their character at all) makes you a better person.  Have a heart.  You can know equally juicy info. about someone that's POSITIVE.  

Third & Fourth, Leslie and Ann's interactions begin by canvasing the community together for the park, doing an interview with the paper to promote the park, and finally bonding over a few brews in episode 4, while hanging with the guys in the courtyard.  Note: I leave out episode 5 because by that time, Ann is Leslie's "date" to a banquet (where Ann is jokingly called Leslie's "trophy wife" great inside jokes arise - boom - they are friends) <- there's one of those tangents.  Back to the point.  I don't see women doing that much anymore these days, and at risk of sounding like a total sap, it makes me pretty sad.  You don't have to start having sleepovers and braiding each others hair right off the bat - it can be at a meeting or bettering your community, and why not, over a cold one. What's that you say... you don't drink and she does - well all the more reason to hang out...  Allowing the other person to be different or imperfect (often seen as flawed - which is bogus) can be harmonious too - it's how we learn from each other.  Accept each others differences and quirks to get to know the actual person underneath.  Taking a chance on someone is worth the effort.  

So many people have been burned in the past and it hinders then from trying.  There are too many shows on TV where Jr. High and High School girls (let alone grown women) undercut each other, spread false rumors, and work at keeping one another down for their own personal gain - or worse - for their own amusement.  Then we watch, or our nieces, daughters, sons, aunts, whoever, and emulate it like that's what life should be like. Well, I'm here to say I like the Leslie and Ann way MUCH BETTER!!  I've been there, and I can tell you that you're only hurting yourself more by doing that.  They took a chance on each other and over time it paid off.  You only need one thing to build a great friendship on, and everyone has this one common goal, happiness.  

To conclude, I'd like to say THANK YOU Parks and Rec. For giving us a positive example of how we can meet new people, expand our horizons, and take a chance on another person.  No vindictive behavior, no icing each other out after one fight, no BS, just plain old BFF love.  Showing us that being ourselves is so important and allowing others to be themselves it just as awesome!!  So, one of my new years resolutions is to reach out more to people in my community and see where I can help.  Then maybe, just maybe, I'll find an Ann or Leslie out there to pal around with.  :)  Here's to new friends and relationships in 2014!!  Yayy!!  :)  

I jazz it up a bit - decided to use some pics of the BFF's the article is based on.  
Leslie and Ann.  

Their motto.  LOL

Camping/Hunting Pals

                 And since I mentioned a Happy New Year - A pic of Me being goofy on NYE.  

HAPPY 2014!! Here's to new gals pals
and being nice to one another.  Awww!! 

Some cool women...

A good read... 

Glass ceiling? What glass ceiling?

By NATALIA HAWK

"You probably don’t give a shit about astronauts. And to be honest – I can’t really blame you.

You’re probably too busy with your everyday life to worry about NASA and things like missions to Mars and what the International Space Station is planning.

Because when you have three children/uni assignments/work deadlines/sick parents/a grumpy partner to contend with, outer space understandably might take a backburner on the list of Things To Care About.

But you need to care about astronauts.

More specifically – you need to care about what NASA just did, because it’s pretty amazing..."

Large Amounts of "Un-Girly" Knowledge...

I think it's cool to know about sports and other "manly" things

I should note - this first part might seem like a rant because I just need to get it off my chest... but the rest is about taking small steps to equality in life... small but helpful (hopfully).

I was at a BBQ over the holiday weekend and I was part of a conversation about whether the NHL was better/more exciting than the NBA.  It was a fun debate - esp. since the Hawks just won the Stanley Cup - and Derrick Rose had to sit the whole season because of his ACL (both were points used in said debate).  Anyway, I jumped at the chance to give my 2 cents.  How did that turn out?  Lets just say they knew I was there and speaking, but that's about it.  One guy looked at me when I was talking about coaching in the NBA like I had 5 heads.  I'm sure, like most of us, I played basketball as long as you did pal... was your career over after you graduated high school?  OK, same here.  I watch a lot of sports (all kinds) and I think that should have been enough to help me qualify because I'm pretty sure that was everyone elses qualifying knowledge (I don't recall any of the people in the debate being Duncan Keith or Luol Deng).  So I figured, I watched every Hawks game preseason to the final game... along with almost all of the Bulls season... I'm good.   When I was brushed off a few times, only to hear my same point be made by some dude about 2 minutes later, naturally, I felt it was kind of bogus.  

Silver lining -->  After the debate was over everyone broke off into their own little conversations and one of my boyfriends friends pulled me aside and wanted to know my opinions about a few others things.  He told me that he agreed with a lot of what I was saying and that it was refreshing to have a gal pal with similar interests.  Now... was that so hard!?  I'm not used to that happening when I express myself about "non-girly" things and I was just so excited to be able to have someone (outside of my boyfriend/family) not be creeped out or feel intimidated by my love for sports and talking sports with friends.  

Should I have felt that happy about the continued convo?  I think so.  It's a step in the right direction.  One guy gets it, and isn't intimidated by a womans knowledge about sports... Does this matter in the big picture?  I don't know.  I'm only writing to say that I was thinking on how it shouldn't even matter at all, but I know it does.  A man should be super happy that his lady (or sister, or cousin, gal pal, so on...) has knowledge of things he enjoys (and visa-versa).  Sadly, a lot of them are more freaked out about it and even go as far as labeling women with this knowledge as "butch" or the like.  

Bigger picture - I'm still waiting for more female announcers at all ball games and just one all female "garage" show where they flip the coolest cars.  That may seem small, but it should help girls realize that they are more included,  it's "ok" to be sporty, and be smart about it.  If you know everything about the Kardashian's, why not know just as much about the White Sox!?  But really - it would be GREAT for women not be intimidated to lift the hood of their car - on the side of the road - and check to see what is going on w/out having to wait for a guy to pull up.  How about not having to wait around for her dad to fix her computer?  If we saw more examples of other women being sporty, tech savvy, etc... we might just take that next step towards publicly ruling the world.  :)  I will be that teeny tiny trail blazer that will at least force guys to hear me while talking sports - even if it's just because my 6 year old niece is listening to me be heard and treated as an equal.  That's all that really matters to me  :)  I want these little gals to be able to be into whatever activity they want and not be intimidated by their male counterparts.  That goes for building cars, sports, tech... to cooking and designing.  This convo. was just a small example of what it's all about.  You could replace sports with architecture, glass-blowing, or MMA fighting and I'd feel the same.  

So - here is a good article on feminism (read it today - sparked this post).  I think that this tiny stepping stone, but equality in expressing knowledge and equal representation in/about sports, cars, tech, science, strength, etc., can help empower women.  Let's destroy the Blue vs. Pink culture one conversation at a time!!  

'Why are people so reluctant to say they're feminists?'

Give a Little... Get A LOT

Helping others for a great cause...

Since December I have been working on recruiting and promoting for our next team to participate in the "March For Babies" on April, 27th.  We have been fundraising, informing others on the "March of Dimes", and having fun!!  We have been touched by so many peoples lives along the way... the stories and personal triumph (and heartbreak) will astonish you!!  

We first decided to walk in the "March for Babies" for my best friend Gina.  We have known each other since Pre-K and I was over the moon when I heard she was expecting.  When things took a crazy turn, and she ended up in the hospital after having her water break 2 months early, no one knew what to expect.  I remember getting a message from her that said she was in the hospital and that they were going to try and keep her there as long as possible.  I received that message on March 17, 2012... the next day, her son Colten was born.  He was in the NICU for 2 months and it was a very trying time for Gina, her husband Andrew, their families, and friends.  

Today, we are happy to report that Colten just celebrated his 1st birthday!!  March, 18th 2013 - Colten is one, happy, and healthy!!  :)  Yayy!!  

This year we decided to participate in the "March for Babies" again.  This time it's for our cousin Kathleen and our good friends Mindy & Neel.  Both were put on bed rest after showing signs of labor VERY early in the pregnancies.  Kathleen was on bed rest for over half of her pregnancy and was only able to leave her hospital bed for restroom breaks.  As of right now, our friend Mindy is still on bed rest and her little girl is still holding on strong.  (she is almost at 28 weeks).  

Happily, Kathleen's little girl Brooklyn, was born healthy and only a few days early.  We are praying for the same happy outcome for Mindy and her family!!  

There are so many others that have been effected by premature birth, babies being born with illness or disease, and major complications during their pregnancies.  The March of Dimes is working hard to combat all of these painful experiences and more.  Their "Campaign for Healthy Babies" across America can be strengthened by awesome people who give their time to help promote their cause and help raise money for the groundbreaking research they are conducting.  

We felt we needed to help fight the good fight (so to speak) and walk in the "March for Babies" each year.  Here is the link to our team page:

http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/Supremes

Please feel free to check it out and see what the walk is all about!! <3   

We can always use more teammates - whether you are walking with us side by side, or participating in one of the other walks around the country.  :)  If you cannot walk - there is always room for another cheerleader!!  :)  Also, if you are feeling charitable - follow the link - there is a super simple process for donations.  All of the proceeds go straight to the March of Dimes!!  Thanks for your support and for reading!!  :)

Here are some photos from our walk last year:

Here I am with my (now) boyfriend, Matt.  We made a sign to thank all of those who donated  to our walk!!  We carried the sign so they could walk with us " in Spirit."  

Here is our AWESOME 2012 "March for Babies" team.  "The Supremes"  :)  The little ones are holding pictures of Colten and everyone wore buttons that read "We are walking for Gina, Andrew, and Colten."

Here is my super awesome brother holding our "donor" sign for all to see!!  Thanks again to all who have donated in the past and those who have donated again this year!!  Yayy!!

The 2012 "March for Babies" had a pretty good turn out for our "smaller" town.  We walk in the Illinois "heartland" division.  :)  You can't see too well because of the hill, but there were so many teams out walking!!

The wind took the sign a bit in this photo, but it reads "THANK YOU FOR HELPING BABIES" - the March of Dimes
Well... you're very welcome!!  :)