Thursday, September 14, 2006

Not Me? Couldn't Be!

Work today was busy. It is the second week of school. Routines are starting to fall into place. All of the faces and names are beginning to become a part of my permanent memory.

Today was the first time our head of the school was not there. You could tell. Boundaries were tested and re-enforced. It seems that teen girls are less dramatic than boys. We will see as the year goes on.


I was tired going in, but even more tired coming out. I was thankful for 4 o'clock and jumped in my ride to head home. After two quick pitstops, I realized that today was Thursday. Oh no. The rabbit needs a pick up. My son joined soccer at his school and would need a ride home. No biggie. Off I went....

He was there exactly at the right time. He hopped in and away we went. I was thinking about what I would do first when I entered my abode. Would I lounge, make dinner or crash??? Then I heard "Look mom! It's Hanky." Sure enough, in a minivan next to us was Hanky and his mom. We are all friends so we waved back to them and then the red light turned green and away we went.

I commented to my son that my friend was a soccor mom. She was always running around with her kids taking then to hockey or whatever sport they were in. Definitely a soccor mom there.

Then my son said it....."But you are a soccer mom too.."
"What?" was all I could say. Me???? You have got to be kidding.

There was a pause. We were at the next red light. My son clearly pointed out that I drive the minivan, am an active parent in his life and that I had just picked him up from soccer practice. Yep, he was right about those things.

"Well, at least you won't have to worry about me putting one of those 'I'm a proud parent of an honor roll student' bumperstickers on the back. No need to lower the value of the minivan than it already is." Then, the light turned green and off we went.

Within 15 minutes, I was snuggled in my jammies on the couch eating cereal with my kids. How divine.

Since I have no worries of the title, I did decide to wikipedia it up......just in case you don't know what on earth I am talking about....

Soccer mom
In North American social, cultural and political discourse, soccer mom (and less used soccer dad for the male equivalent) refers broadly to a demographic group of women with school-age children. In general, the term "soccer mom" refers to the concept of American post-feminist motherhood as an amalgam of traditional domestic values with modern feminism (1960s-1980s), and is associated with modern material conveniences such as the SUV and cell phone. A soccer mom is typically imagined as upper middle class, probably college-educated, most often suburban or exurban, and typically white. The "soccer mom" typically indicates a single income family, where the husband works while the wife is a homemaker. Since the 1980s, two incomes are widely considered to be "requirement" of the typical working class family in the U.S., and in this context single incomes symbolize both affluence and a disconnect from the working and lower middle classes. The term can carry pejorative connotations, where the soccer mom may denote a woman who is aloof and has little responsibility or occupation, other than providing basic transportation for her children. In feminist circles, the soccer mom may refer to a woman who has given up on a promising and successful career, particularly after having some early aspirations and achievements. In this context this may carry the meaning of someone of diminished individual character. However, the word is not entirely negative, those described as soccer moms sometimes take pride in the term as affirmation that they are dedicated to providing attention, recreation and positive social contact for their children.

Defining the soccer mom

The term is thought to have been coined by a woman running for city council in Denver, Colorado. When asked for her credentials, she replied: "soccer mom." It came into widespread use in the 1990s, notably during the 1992 U.S. presidential election and 1996 presidential campaigns and since.

Literally, soccer moms drive their children to play soccer. At once, the soccer mom is associated with encouraging, if perhaps overscheduling, their children with activities, and with making personal sacrifices for their children's benefit (taking them to play), while perhaps remaining somewhat overprotective.

The term has found a life as shorthand for a stereotype, or set of stereotypes, far beyond its literal meaning.

Most widely, perhaps, they are associated with driving Volvos, minivans, or SUVs. Active pride in their children may be displayed, for instance, with membership in a Parent-Teacher Association, or with a bumper sticker boasting that her child is an honors student at their school. They may also have drinks and snacks in the car, for when the children finish school and/or soccer.

As you would see if you truly knew me that "that" could never be the real me......but it is a little close, but no cigar!

Stay sweet 'n smile............................Mz.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

My Inspiration

I can hear that Chicago song in my head now....."you're the meaning in my life, you're my inspiration..." I loved that song back in the 80's. It still stirs up the warm fuzzies in me. It also reminds me how important it is to not only inspire others, but to have that inspiration in your own life. I guess it goes back to self-care, which at times I lack as a single mother. Not today though. Today is a time to reflect, recharge and inspire. I looked back in my archives and found something perfect. I wrote this on my blog long ago, but I thought today would be appropriate to repeat it. I think we could all use a little inspiration in our lives.

Saturday, March 01, 2003

Every so often, people need inspiration in their lives to keep them moving on. Inspiration comes in all forms too. For me today, it was a presentation I saw on a website. I have been to other presentations on the sister sites. I have enjoyed them all. But for all the things going on in the world, this one was pretty perfect for today. Please take the time and view this presentation. It is short and just amazing to watch.

Click here for the presentation!

If you would like to view the another presentation, click here!

I hope you are inspired too.

Stay sweet 'n smile............................Mz.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Tag Me. No, Tag You!

I got tagged! Thanks Mon. It is a word association. Here are my answers.

1. Auto.....pilot
2. Spy......wear
3. Wind....hair
4. Loud.....tv
5. Sexy.....back (Damn that Justin Timberlake!)

Finally.....now to tag others. It is the fun part of all this.

The following five people are officially tagged:

Nea, Betty, Jess, Amber and Johnny.

Here are the 5 words for these bloggers....

1. Light
2. Dog
3. Rusty
4. Success
5. Flowers

Much love to you all!

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

I’ll Show You Mine

This comes from Jess at O Mama Mia! She wants to know about our toys.......

"Ok, I’m pretty sure that this will be one that anyone can play. Are you ready? You know you wanna….

Show Me Your TOYS! Just because we’re grown-up doesn’t mean we can’t have toys of our own. Are you a go-go gadget girl? Do you three-wheel your weekends away? Are you a shopping junkie & have something new to show off? Are you a scrappin’ crafty chic? What about playdates? Do you have a great friend that you enjoy playtime with? Show Me! Let your inner child shine! Play on!"


I’ll Show You Mine….



Lately, I've been loving my bongos. I love Donkey Konga on my Gamecube, but only until my hands get sore.

















Now You Show Me Yours!

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Crikey Steve Irwin!

"I have no fear of losing my life - if I have to save a koala or a crocodile or a kangaroo or a snake, mate, I will save it. "

-Steve Irwin

I just learned that Steven Irwin passed on. He was killed by a stingray while filming an underwater documentary by the Low Isles Reef near the resort town of Port Douglas. As many of his fans and supporters know, he leaves behind not only his legacy at the Australia Zoo, but his wife, Terri and their children, 8 year old Bindi Sue and 2 year old Bob.

I loved watching "The Crocodile Hunter" on Animal Planet. I believe it was his easy-going personality and the passion he showed toward the animals. Although he looked at every animal with enthusiasm and childlike fascination, he spoke with knowledge and respect. I connected with him even if through the television. I loved his passion for the animals, especially his beloved crocs. Steve inspired me to watch and learn more about animals. Eventually, his passion reflected in my own passion.

I remember when Terri joined Steve. He looked as if his life was complete. He had his crocodiles, his zoo and now his wife, but that changed as Bindi Sue came. And then eventually, with Bob's arrival, you would think Steve would finally settle down. But not the Crocodile Hunter. There were still animals to care for, causes to be supported and animal education needed to be spread. And that was what Steve Irwin did. He lived his life the way he believed he needed to. He wore what he wanted to wear and spoke how he felt. Steve was who he was. Although he died in the process of living life the way he wanted, most likely, Steve would have it no other way.

I send my deepest condolences to the Irwin family and the Australia Zoo staff. Steve will always be a part of us and may he memory live on to inspire another generation to love crocodiles like he did.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Workout in Dreamland

I woke up today in pain. I am not sure as to why my body aches like I had the workout of my life yesterday....

Yesterday was fun. I called one of my really good friends, Shanbob, the day before. I haven't talked to her all summer. She assumed that I made my annual summer journey to Ohio. This year, she was wrong. I was actually here all summer. It has been a summer of doctor visits and trying to get better. I'm still not "better", but I think I am faced in that direction now. My personal goal is to reach my birthday (April 18th) and feel normal again. I miss that feeling of just feeling like the average me in my skin. The normal feeling left last March/April and hasn't returned yet. I'm still hopeful. Anyways, I only saw Too Cold, Minnesota this summer.

Well, Shanbob was happy to hear from me and actually heading to Too Cold on her way to see her husband. It turns out that she needed help from me and the rugratz. Shanbob's husband is running in a local election and was participating in a parade north of here. She wanted me to ride in the truck with her so we could talk and let the rugratz throw candy to the kids watching the parade. Her hubby and friends would walk behind us greeting people and passing out flyers. Well, it all turned out as planned and everyone had fun. The rugratz enjoyed being in their first parade.

The rest of the day was spent back in Too Cold shopping. The rugratz start school Tuesday and we had to finish our school shopping. I am a bargain hunter and managed to find seven tops for $26. Baby girl got three top and two sweaters. Baby boy got a Starter jersey and a Tommy polo shirt. I guess you have to be at the right place and time for this to happen. Yesterday was my day. Other than the shopping, I did limited physical activity. I came home tired and headed to bed. When I went to sleep, I was not achey at all.

As I was starting to awake, yet still in dreamland, I saw a hand place a letter on my chest. I was in the laying down position still. I got up and opened it. It was four pieces of notebook paper with writing on them. The first page said for me to finish my homework. The second said to take care of myself and get healthy. The third paper said to live life and have fun. That's when I realized it was my deceased grandmother's handwriting on the paper. I got up to look to see her and turned to the fourth page and I couldn't read it because it was fading. Then, I woke up. And then, the pain hit me.

Maybe, I worked out in my sleep. It sure feels like it. Maybe it is just the weather cooling down and the bones getting older. Maybe I slept in some strange positions that was not good for the alignment. Anyways, I know I have things to to. I am happy to have connected with my grandmother if just for a few minutes, I understand her purpose. Grandma's reminders were just what I needed....guidance from a loved one and then a trip to the bathroom for a few motrin for pain.

Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Brain Gender

MzAriez's Brain is
47% Female, 53% Male


Your brain is a healthy mix of male and female
You are both sensitive and savvy
Rational and reasonable, you tend to keep level headed
But you also tend to wear your heart on your sleeve


Stay sweet 'n smile.....................Mz.