Where Do I Begin?

My heart is so extremely heavy today; I've felt an overwhelming need to write out my feelings and to share my sadness. I can sum up my distress in one single word and most of you will understand.

Orlando.

Y'all - this fallen world we live in is so cruel. That old adage "tragedy occurs in three" is slapping us all in the face this week. 

The politics surrounding the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando  is quite frankly disgusting. We all have the right to our own views regarding equality, gun rights, or any other issue but at the end of the day, we lost people. 

People like you and me. People with families, and careers, and dreams. Things like the Orlando shooting shouldn't happen...but they keep happening. In a world so full of hate, all I can think is that we should just love one another. I know that is somewhat idealistic but honestly I don't care. 

I could spend hours ranting about gun laws, gun safety, terrorism, immigration, mental health...none of that will change what has already happened. So instead, I'm praying for Orlando. I'm praying for the victims and their families. I'm praying for the LGBT community. I'm praying for the shooter. I'm praying for peace and comfort. 

A horrific nightmare has been unfolding over the last 24 hours at Walt Disney World. A two year old child was dragged into the Seven Seas Lagoon by an alligator on Walt Disney World Resort property Tuesday night. The media is reporting that the family was on the beach area of the Grand Floridian waiting for either the nightly fireworks show or outdoor movie, both official Disney activities. The child was "wading" in the water with his parents nearby when an alligator grabbed him and pulled him into the water. 

The news of this attack is gut wrenching. My first thought is to this sweet baby and his parents. I can't even imagine the terror and torment of this happening to one of my children. I have been saddened to see attacks on the parents in the comment sections of most news articles or social media posts I've read.

I've never been to Disney World or even to Florida but being from a coastal state I know about the dangers of gators and I know that they are prevalent in Florida. However, I never once thought about the fact that there would be alligators at Disney World. I had no idea that Disney World was built on swamp land or that the man made lakes and lagoons are connected to natural water ways. I honestly assumed that dangers like that didn't exist at Disney. Ridiculous in hindsight, but it's the truth. I've also learned that while there are a lot of "no swimming" signs in the waters at Disney, there aren't so many "look out for wildlife" type signs. I have heard from 100s of Walt Disney World patrons (in Disney vacation planning groups that I'm in) that have said that they have done the exact same thing this family was doing when the attack happened. They too have let their children or grandchildren put their feet in the water or wade in just a bit. They honestly had no idea of the risk. It may seem like common sense to Floridians but for people visiting from other areas of the country or other countries entirely - they may not have a clue. 

 It is my understanding that attacks like this are very rare; I pray that moving forward there will be changes made at Disney to protect patrons and that visitors will be more aware of their surroundings. 

#prayforOrlando

Catch 22

Pouring My Heart Out Today.

I started this blog for many reasons; when I first began blogging I was a coupon blogger but I burnt out on that pretty quickly. I knew that I had more to say and share with people than just the latest deals (no offense to coupon bloggers - I give y'all HUGE props for what yo do - it's hard!). I began writing in this space to share my life, my heart, and my family. Any blogger knows that when you start a new project all you really want is for people to read what you write, to love what you write, and hell we really love it when you share what we write. Am I right y'all?

It took some time but as I continued to publish more content and engage with my audience my readership grew, and it has continued to grow. My  numbers are small compared to many standards but I have Google Analytics - I know y'all are there! I'm thankful for my loyal readers. However - it seems that I've found myself in a bit of a catch 22 here lately. 

I longed for readers in the beginning, but now there are people reading my blog that I wish would stop reading! There are people who have taken it upon themselves to lurk in the shadows of the internet to read up on me and my life. Is it curiosity? Is it jealousy? Are you just plain nosy? My God, stop torturing yourself with every tiny detail of what is going on over here because it's really none of your business.

Except for when you do.

Knowing that certain people read this space kept me from writing for awhile; I felt sorry for some of you because you were subjected to reading things that you probably didn't want to see. I felt like I had to hide my happy so that I wouldn't offend or hurt feelings. Why I felt the need to protect you is absolutely beyond me. I didn't want to share my life with you; I didn't want you to know me. I didn't want you to know my story.

I made the decision a long time ago to share my life in a public way by writing this blog. I made that decision and I have to deal with the fact that what I write here is open to anyone who chooses to read it. I can't stop you from coming here and obsessing over what I write. That's fine! If you want to torture yourself with the details of my life go right on ahead. I appreciate the boost in page views. While I don't love knowing that you've been here creeping (and I do know) it doesn't bother me so much anymore. I just smile and shake my head and go on about my day. 

So for those of you reading from the dark corners of the internet (you know who you are): I hope you enjoy your time here, and I figure you must since you keep coming back. 

Magic Mike ~ A Different View

 Don't worry y'all, I haven't seen the movie so I won't be spoiling it for you or anything like that!
I do however, want to see the movie, for...ahem...obvious reasons..

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SIDE NOTE: I have a feeling that some may be very passionate about this topic so please remember to be kind & respectful of one another's opinions.

I was catching up on my facebook news gossip feed earlier when  I saw a status posted by a lady who is prominent in  the church that I no longer attend. As in, she is the pastor's wife. Anyhow, she had something thoughtful to say and when I first read it I could see her point, although I did disagree in the end. Here's what was said:

Like I said, she kind of has a point right? I can see how some husbands or wives might not be so thrilled with this situation. However, my hubby has NO CLUE what Magic Mike is about and if he did I don't think he would mind me seeing it one bit. Before I see this movie, I will certainly let him know what it's all about because I don't believe in the whole what he doesn't know won't kill him philosophy. 

I started getting worked up when other people began chiming in on this status:

Okay ladies & gents, I'm sorry if you don't agree but here is my take on this: A movie and a set of books are  a threat to your marriage? Really? Honey, if a set of racy books and a couple of shirtless actors are creating speed bumps in your marriage you've got bigger fish to fry. Sickening? Raise our standards? I'm sorry y'all but just because I enjoyed reading the 50 Shades Trilogy doesn't mean I have low standards. Also, I'll be reading them again for a second time. Also again, I will be first in line to see that darn movie. Who's going with me?

Then I saw a post by a friend of the pastor's wife that about had me coming unglued:

Wait, Wait, Wait a damn minute. You are seriously going to try and tell me that my husband going to a strip club, where there are real live naked, NAKED women who can reach out and touch him is the EXACT SAME THING as me going to a movie theater to watch actors, on a SCREEN, dance with very little clothing on???? Am I missing something? Is Channing Tatum gonna jump out and give me a lap dance? Oh please tell me it's true!! 

Give me a damn break y'all. Books and movies are just that: books & movies. They are entertainment and are not meant to be taken so damn seriously. If you don't like the popular books and movies at any given time, that is fine because you have the right to your own opinion and free will. Just like I have the right to read or watch any smutty novel or movie that I want. That doesn't make me a bad person and I don't think that it makes me a "bad" Christian. I have a personal relationship with God and really that relationship is none of anyone's business. 

What do you think about Christians & Magic Mike? Is it okay for a married or single Christian woman to see this movie? Why or why not?

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Boiled Over

Cancer 

Car Accident

Doctor Visits

Unruly Kids

Insurance Companies

Incompetent Auto Repair Shops

Finances

Unruly Children

Messy Houses

Snappy Husbands

Big Dreams

Uncertainties

Crappy Work Schedules

High Expectations

Rude Cashiers

Junky Rental Cars

These are just a few of the things that have been stressing me out lately.

I'm an avoider. When things get yucky I ignore them to the best of my abilities hoping like hell the issue at hand will disappear quick fast and in a hurry. What? That's not how it works?

I know..I'm just making it worse on myself!

Today, all of my stresses boiled over. And I cried. One phone conversation with my also stressed out, ticked off, trying his best, yet still getting snappy with me husband sent me over the edge and I cried like my 2 year old at nap time. THREE TIMES. 

I wish I could say I felt better because usually a good cry will do the trick but that was not the case today. So tomorrow, I get to wake up and try again and pray for a better outcome.

How do you handle stress?
I'm thinking I should have bought that bottle of wine I was eyeing at the grocery store!

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012. 

Today's PSA: Don't Be A Crappy Neighbor

 

I like to consider myself a helpful kinda gal. Friends call or write asking for advice. I listen and try to give them some perspective and honest opinions. 

So today, I'm going to give you some advice. A public service announcement (PSA). Heed my advice!! Your neighbors will thank me, er, you.I just wish the people this advice is actually intended for would have a chance in hell at reading this post! (My  neighbors).

TODAY'S PSA: Don't Be A Crappy Neighbor!

First, a little background information.

I live on a quiet street, in a cul-de-sac. There are 5 houses in my cul-de-sac so I consider myself to have 4 immediate neighbors, three on the right and one on the left. I've got other neighbors (both great & crappy) across the street and down the road, but today we're focusing on crappy neighbors in the cul-de-sac. 

I've only got one crappy neighbor in the cul-de-sac so 3 outta 4 good neighbors ain't bad. One bad one is enough though!

This my front yard. Yes, I know, the lawn needs to be mowed, now hush! Do you see anything wrong with this picture? Let me help you out. The back tire (the tire that is ALWAYS flat) of that truck there, it's in MY yard. The front tire of that van there, it's in MY yard. There are 4 cars in this driveway. Typically there is an additional car parked in the cul-de-sac right in FRONT of my yard. All 5 cars belong to the 3 adults that live in this house. Now, it's important to mention that according to HOA regulations for my neighborhood, all homes are to be inhabited by SINGLE FAMILIES. Honey, this is NOT a single family residence. I really don't think it is any of my business how many people are squished into that house. However, when you have a miniature car lot in your driveway that is overflowing into my yard and blocking my house, making it look like I HAVE A CAR LOT, there is a problem!

My 2nd issue is that the car that is typically parked in front of my house blocks the back end of my mailbox. The lovely postal worker who delivers mail in my area refuses to remove himself from the mail truck to put my mail in my mail box. If he can't drive right up to it, he just passes right on by. I get that he feels as though he shouldn't have to get out. HE should get that it isn't MY DAMN CAR blocking my mail box. Anyhow, Monday & Tuesday of this week I didn't get any mail. I KNEW why I wasn't getting any mail and Tuesday afternoon I let my neighbor know too!! Here is what I found in my mailbox when I finally got mail on Wednesday:

 So, here are my tips on how to NOT be a crappy neighbor:

1) Don't keep a miniature car lot in your driveway.

2) Don't park cars in your own yard.

3) Don't park in your neighbors grass, even if it is just one tire, and subsequently break their water meter  cover.

4) Don't block your neighbor's mail box.

5) Don't block your neighbor's mail box and then act completely surprised when he/she is pissed off at you for it. 

6) Don't block your neighbor's mail box, act surprised that he/she is pissed at you for it, then invite said neighbor over for a birthday party that weekend.

Bonus Tip: The pissed off next door neighbors are NOT coming to your damn birthday party!!

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012. 

Crapplebee's

My husband and I decided to take the kids to dinner at their favorite place tonight, Applebee's! We've been going to this specific Applebee's location for about 2 years and sadly, the place is really on the decline. Our experience in this "family" restaurant tonight was just down right AWFUL.

 

 

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