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Diana Marie
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Di's Dash
Mom Blogger Celebrates Anniversary
Wow!! My mom
blog, Di's Dash and I just celebrated our first anniversary this Mother's Day!!I extend a
heart felt thank you to all of my readers! And extra thanks to those
who have written comments, or answered the survey on my mom blog. I even thank the lone reader who offered a "dislike" response on my March for Life post. (Yippee! You know you've made it to the big league when you ruffle a few feathers!)
To date the most popular posts are:
My Western Comedy , Hen Pecked , Ode To Betty Crocker, and To Honor My Dad . If you haven't read those, check em out for a quick chuckle. To help me celebrate my first Anniversary, let me know your favorites, and leave a quick comment! Comments on the blog page are a huge pick-me-up for us lonely bloggers! Thanks for being a great audience!
A year in review... and a quick glimpse into the mind of this mom blogger. My name's Di. I'm a Jersey girl living in Pennsylvania, an outdoors woman, and the mother of 6. I'm a firm believer in active mothering, and spend my life in perpetual motion. I steal pens, rather gleefully, since I have determined it is a lost cause to try to stop.
My life is made up of quests, obssesions, and lots of laughs. My lifelong quest is to live a happy, fun, healthful, faith-filled, balanced and organized life. Wow, that's a mouthful! I continue battling the bulge (My now you see it now you don't muffin top!) Chocolate remains my ever-present obsession. My current obsession is blue cheese, which I add to practically everything edible, burgers, omeletes, pretzels, and for dipping pepperoni pizza crust. (A future post will feature my favorite recipe for homemade blue cheese dressing made with yogurt...Don't miss it!)
More often than not, my obsessions derail my quests. I talk fast, write quick, and do not know what slow motion is. My main mission with this blog is to celebrate motherhood with joy and life with passion, by sharing laughter, my adorable charm, and tips to help my readers simplify stuff so they have more time for fun!
I'll be updating Di's Dash as I go. Look for Funny Friday featuring my quick humor post. Tippy Tuesday for Di's 3x3 tips and product reviews, and Savory Sunday for quick, healthy, budget friendly, and yummy recipes! Need I say more!
I'd be happy to have you tag along for the ride! But, hang on, I move fast...cause it's funner that way!
Gotta Run,
Di
PS Enjoyed a post? Don't forget to click share! You're the best!
To date the most popular posts are:
My Western Comedy , Hen Pecked , Ode To Betty Crocker, and To Honor My Dad . If you haven't read those, check em out for a quick chuckle. To help me celebrate my first Anniversary, let me know your favorites, and leave a quick comment! Comments on the blog page are a huge pick-me-up for us lonely bloggers! Thanks for being a great audience!
A year in review... and a quick glimpse into the mind of this mom blogger. My name's Di. I'm a Jersey girl living in Pennsylvania, an outdoors woman, and the mother of 6. I'm a firm believer in active mothering, and spend my life in perpetual motion. I steal pens, rather gleefully, since I have determined it is a lost cause to try to stop.
My life is made up of quests, obssesions, and lots of laughs. My lifelong quest is to live a happy, fun, healthful, faith-filled, balanced and organized life. Wow, that's a mouthful! I continue battling the bulge (My now you see it now you don't muffin top!) Chocolate remains my ever-present obsession. My current obsession is blue cheese, which I add to practically everything edible, burgers, omeletes, pretzels, and for dipping pepperoni pizza crust. (A future post will feature my favorite recipe for homemade blue cheese dressing made with yogurt...Don't miss it!)
More often than not, my obsessions derail my quests. I talk fast, write quick, and do not know what slow motion is. My main mission with this blog is to celebrate motherhood with joy and life with passion, by sharing laughter, my adorable charm, and tips to help my readers simplify stuff so they have more time for fun!
I'll be updating Di's Dash as I go. Look for Funny Friday featuring my quick humor post. Tippy Tuesday for Di's 3x3 tips and product reviews, and Savory Sunday for quick, healthy, budget friendly, and yummy recipes! Need I say more!
I'd be happy to have you tag along for the ride! But, hang on, I move fast...cause it's funner that way!
Gotta Run,
Di
PS Enjoyed a post? Don't forget to click share! You're the best!
Thanks Mom-Happy Mother's Day
This post is dedicated to my Mom (The World's Best Mom and my number one fan!) And to moms everywhere...Happy Mother's Day!
Mother's Day is the day our kids shock us with appreciation by giving cards addressed to-- The World's Best Mom...Number One Mom...One-In-A-Million Mom--From the World's Luckiest Kid. It's the day our kids capture our hearts and reduce even drill-sergeant moms to tears by giving us art work made from little hand prints. It's the day our grown kids call home with good wishes and sincere gratitude.
It's a great day to thank my mom for the countless ways she has enriched my life. My Mom who ran a household and a Girl Scout troop, was an active church member, and always my biggest fan. My mom raised a son, and four daughters...just being a mom to, yikes, four teenage daughters at one time, is worthy of a medal!
How do you thank a mom for the gift of a wonderful childhood? I recall happy memories of fresh baked goodies for after-school snack, and popcorn with Kool-Aid for our backyard full of summertime friends. She handled noisy sleep overs, endless carnivals in our backyard, and a house full of Barbies, with amazing grace. She didn't squash our enthusiasm...even when we, all her girls, would sing at the top of our lungs from the front porch, The Partridge Family's I Think I Love You.
She never yelled at us for climbing her apple trees. But taught us how to make the best homemade apple pie, along with a wonderfully flaky crust. Mom creatively dealt with whining kids looking to visit the baseball field candy stand next to our house, by paying us a penny for every dandelion that we pulled up from the lawn. Wow, what a brilliant way to keep us busy on those long summer days and teach us the value of hard work, while getting her weeding done! Mom taught us the fun of camping and how to pitch a tent. She organized cool scout trips to the dude ranch that sparked a love of horseback riding.
Mom didn't ground me the first time I took the car with my new driver's license and showed up an hour past curfew because, seriously, my watch had stopped. (She was sleeping on the sofa with a rosary in hand. What a mom!) Mom was there through it all, from first crushes to Mr. Right. From prom dress to wedding dress.
Mom was the one who followed my husband and me to the hospital while I was in the throes of labor with my first baby, and the first one I spoke to after the delivery. In fact I had barely given birth, when the nurse handed me the phone, "It's, um, your mother."
"Mah, I just had the baby!! I'm still in the delivery room!!" I shrugged to the medical staff, "Yes Mah, it's a boy!" My mother worked at the hospital where I delivered my son, and although she wasn't scheduled, came in to work to be near. Very near...she called me from downstairs in the hospital. Is that a great mom or what?
Mom shared in my joy of motherhood, and my heartbreaking sorrow of miscarriage. She's taught me to look for the silver lining on every cloud, to be grateful for life's blessings, and to have faith, hope and love. On top of all that, she's shown me what it takes to be a good parent, and has been there for my kids' milestones as well.
Mom has always been there with a much needed hug, or just to listen. Only now, as a mother myself, do I understand the time she spent car-pooling, attending school meetings, doctor appointments, and sporting events, and cooking every night. However, I am I still puzzled how she managed to iron our school blouses everyday! Everyday!! (I don't iron...Just smooth it out kid , it's not that wrinkled!) Mom, how'd you do it?
If anyone deserves recognition, love, and endless gratitude, it's my mom. Happy Mother's Day to --The World's Best, One-In-A-Million, Number One Mom....from The World's Luckiest Kid." Thanks Mom, Love You, Happy Mother's Day!
Gotta Run,
Di
Mother's Day is the day our kids shock us with appreciation by giving cards addressed to-- The World's Best Mom...Number One Mom...One-In-A-Million Mom--From the World's Luckiest Kid. It's the day our kids capture our hearts and reduce even drill-sergeant moms to tears by giving us art work made from little hand prints. It's the day our grown kids call home with good wishes and sincere gratitude.
It's a great day to thank my mom for the countless ways she has enriched my life. My Mom who ran a household and a Girl Scout troop, was an active church member, and always my biggest fan. My mom raised a son, and four daughters...just being a mom to, yikes, four teenage daughters at one time, is worthy of a medal!
How do you thank a mom for the gift of a wonderful childhood? I recall happy memories of fresh baked goodies for after-school snack, and popcorn with Kool-Aid for our backyard full of summertime friends. She handled noisy sleep overs, endless carnivals in our backyard, and a house full of Barbies, with amazing grace. She didn't squash our enthusiasm...even when we, all her girls, would sing at the top of our lungs from the front porch, The Partridge Family's I Think I Love You.
She never yelled at us for climbing her apple trees. But taught us how to make the best homemade apple pie, along with a wonderfully flaky crust. Mom creatively dealt with whining kids looking to visit the baseball field candy stand next to our house, by paying us a penny for every dandelion that we pulled up from the lawn. Wow, what a brilliant way to keep us busy on those long summer days and teach us the value of hard work, while getting her weeding done! Mom taught us the fun of camping and how to pitch a tent. She organized cool scout trips to the dude ranch that sparked a love of horseback riding.
Mom didn't ground me the first time I took the car with my new driver's license and showed up an hour past curfew because, seriously, my watch had stopped. (She was sleeping on the sofa with a rosary in hand. What a mom!) Mom was there through it all, from first crushes to Mr. Right. From prom dress to wedding dress.
Mom was the one who followed my husband and me to the hospital while I was in the throes of labor with my first baby, and the first one I spoke to after the delivery. In fact I had barely given birth, when the nurse handed me the phone, "It's, um, your mother."
"Mah, I just had the baby!! I'm still in the delivery room!!" I shrugged to the medical staff, "Yes Mah, it's a boy!" My mother worked at the hospital where I delivered my son, and although she wasn't scheduled, came in to work to be near. Very near...she called me from downstairs in the hospital. Is that a great mom or what?
Mom shared in my joy of motherhood, and my heartbreaking sorrow of miscarriage. She's taught me to look for the silver lining on every cloud, to be grateful for life's blessings, and to have faith, hope and love. On top of all that, she's shown me what it takes to be a good parent, and has been there for my kids' milestones as well.
Mom has always been there with a much needed hug, or just to listen. Only now, as a mother myself, do I understand the time she spent car-pooling, attending school meetings, doctor appointments, and sporting events, and cooking every night. However, I am I still puzzled how she managed to iron our school blouses everyday! Everyday!! (I don't iron...Just smooth it out kid , it's not that wrinkled!) Mom, how'd you do it?
If anyone deserves recognition, love, and endless gratitude, it's my mom. Happy Mother's Day to --The World's Best, One-In-A-Million, Number One Mom....from The World's Luckiest Kid." Thanks Mom, Love You, Happy Mother's Day!
Gotta Run,
Di
Mom Blogger Family Portrait
And finally for those of you waiting ever so patiently to see the family portrait for this mommy blogger...here it is!! Yippee! (..courtesy of my 14-year-old artist!)
1) My handsome hubby, sleeping while pretending to read. (Do you hear snoring?)
2) You guessed it, me your mommy blogger with my signature ponytail and stolen pen! (Glad my son left out my muffin top!!)
3) My oldest married son, along with his wife and their puppy. ( I am way too young to have a married son!)
4) My lively grad school daughter. (Yes, I still have your pen!)
5) Air Force Cadet son (complete with his skinny calves!).
6) Animal lover daughter & new driver ( Can you say gray hair?)
7) Artist & writer teenage son. (Maybe he'll be my guest blogger while I'm juggling stuff!)
8) My enthusiastic (Sure I''ll chop wood and clean the garage!) youngest son.
So there we are... inspiration for this mommy blogger! Enjoy and stay tuned.....
Gotta Run ,Di
1) My handsome hubby, sleeping while pretending to read. (Do you hear snoring?)
2) You guessed it, me your mommy blogger with my signature ponytail and stolen pen! (Glad my son left out my muffin top!!)
3) My oldest married son, along with his wife and their puppy. ( I am way too young to have a married son!)
4) My lively grad school daughter. (Yes, I still have your pen!)
5) Air Force Cadet son (complete with his skinny calves!).
6) Animal lover daughter & new driver ( Can you say gray hair?)
7) Artist & writer teenage son. (Maybe he'll be my guest blogger while I'm juggling stuff!)
8) My enthusiastic (Sure I''ll chop wood and clean the garage!) youngest son.
So there we are... inspiration for this mommy blogger! Enjoy and stay tuned.....
Gotta Run ,Di
Real Moms Do Not Ski Bunny Hill
Dedicated to skiing moms everywhere...especially those of the human snowball variety!
Since winter is slipping away, (Yeah yeah, I see the tulips coming up. But it's my mommy blog and I can write about skiing if I want to!) I thought I'd treat you to a blast from my past, with a post that appeared in the East Penn Press, yikes...winter twelve years ago!
Real Moms Don't Ski the Bunny Hill
Being a teenager's mother, I have the uncanny knack of embarrassing my son, just by being with him in public. If you want to really humiliate your teen, try my all time favorite
"how to embarrass your teen" stunt.
A few weeks ago I went "skiing" (I use the term loosely), with my husband, 11 year-old-daughter, and 14-year-old son, in New York's Adirondacks. My husband went off with my daughter to teach her the finer points of skiing, and my son, well, was stuck with me. I've been skiing a few times, but an accomplished skier I'm not.
After one practice run on the bunny hill, we headed up in the gondola because, "Heck, how bad can it be?" And what better way to prove to my know-it-all teen that hey, his mom is pretty cool after all. Well, "cool" isn't exactly how my son would describe me after the events that transpired that afternoon.
As my luck would go, the simplest trail we could ski down was egad, the Blue Square! One step below the Black Diamond, and for skiers of my ability or lack there of, one step away from broken bones! "Oh boy, I've done it now," I thought to myself.
"Ready Mom?" he asked oblivious to the panic setting in as I watched skiers and snowboarders whizzing by.
"Gulp...you go first...I'll catch up." Watching my first born disappear down the slope, I realized our skiing objectives were totally different. His was to go as fast as he physically could. Mine was to reach the bottom in one piece.
I started down doing OK until I started picking up speed! I started saying to myself out loud, "Slow down, slow down, slow DOWWWWNNNN...!" At that moment I was tumbling down the slope with skis, poles, and arms and legs flying, looking like a human snow ball or better yet, a cartoon character. When I finally came to a stop, I was lying on my back covered with snow and looking up at the sky, "I must be nuts," I muttered to myself.
Getting up was another story. I finally caught up to my son. "Mom what happened? All I could see was that pink thing on your head bobbing up and down. Did you fall?"
"Yeah, must have hit some ice, " This cool mom said nonchalantly with my heart pounding, while I sweated on that cold winter's day.
After he took off again, a 60-ish gentleman in a bright red parka approached me. "Ma'am, I've been watching you ski." Was he flirting with me? Nope. "I think you had better walk back to the top and take the gondola down." Oh no!! Snagged by Ski Patrol!
I chickened out, took off my skis and marched back up to the gondola, mad at myself for giving up. When I finally met my son at the bottom, I quizzed him about the trail.
"Was it really icy?"
"No, not bad at all", said the son of this skiing mom.
But later I overheard him tell his dad with the same enthusiasm he uses to recount an action packed movie, "Guys were wiping out all over the place!!"
There's nothing like a skiing adventure to bond with your teen and show 'em what you're made of. Watch out Mr. Ski Patrol. The next time I'm going down! All the way down! See you on the slopes!
Gotta Run,
Di
Stay tuned for the family portrait of this skiing mom on her mommy blog!
www.dianasdash.com (mommy blog...humor, tips and more)
Since winter is slipping away, (Yeah yeah, I see the tulips coming up. But it's my mommy blog and I can write about skiing if I want to!) I thought I'd treat you to a blast from my past, with a post that appeared in the East Penn Press, yikes...winter twelve years ago!
Real Moms Don't Ski the Bunny Hill
Being a teenager's mother, I have the uncanny knack of embarrassing my son, just by being with him in public. If you want to really humiliate your teen, try my all time favorite
"how to embarrass your teen" stunt.
A few weeks ago I went "skiing" (I use the term loosely), with my husband, 11 year-old-daughter, and 14-year-old son, in New York's Adirondacks. My husband went off with my daughter to teach her the finer points of skiing, and my son, well, was stuck with me. I've been skiing a few times, but an accomplished skier I'm not.
After one practice run on the bunny hill, we headed up in the gondola because, "Heck, how bad can it be?" And what better way to prove to my know-it-all teen that hey, his mom is pretty cool after all. Well, "cool" isn't exactly how my son would describe me after the events that transpired that afternoon.
As my luck would go, the simplest trail we could ski down was egad, the Blue Square! One step below the Black Diamond, and for skiers of my ability or lack there of, one step away from broken bones! "Oh boy, I've done it now," I thought to myself.
"Ready Mom?" he asked oblivious to the panic setting in as I watched skiers and snowboarders whizzing by.
"Gulp...you go first...I'll catch up." Watching my first born disappear down the slope, I realized our skiing objectives were totally different. His was to go as fast as he physically could. Mine was to reach the bottom in one piece.
I started down doing OK until I started picking up speed! I started saying to myself out loud, "Slow down, slow down, slow DOWWWWNNNN...!" At that moment I was tumbling down the slope with skis, poles, and arms and legs flying, looking like a human snow ball or better yet, a cartoon character. When I finally came to a stop, I was lying on my back covered with snow and looking up at the sky, "I must be nuts," I muttered to myself.
Getting up was another story. I finally caught up to my son. "Mom what happened? All I could see was that pink thing on your head bobbing up and down. Did you fall?"
"Yeah, must have hit some ice, " This cool mom said nonchalantly with my heart pounding, while I sweated on that cold winter's day.
After he took off again, a 60-ish gentleman in a bright red parka approached me. "Ma'am, I've been watching you ski." Was he flirting with me? Nope. "I think you had better walk back to the top and take the gondola down." Oh no!! Snagged by Ski Patrol!
I chickened out, took off my skis and marched back up to the gondola, mad at myself for giving up. When I finally met my son at the bottom, I quizzed him about the trail.
"Was it really icy?"
"No, not bad at all", said the son of this skiing mom.
But later I overheard him tell his dad with the same enthusiasm he uses to recount an action packed movie, "Guys were wiping out all over the place!!"
There's nothing like a skiing adventure to bond with your teen and show 'em what you're made of. Watch out Mr. Ski Patrol. The next time I'm going down! All the way down! See you on the slopes!
Gotta Run,
Di
Stay tuned for the family portrait of this skiing mom on her mommy blog!
www.dianasdash.com (mommy blog...humor, tips and more)
Juggling Mom Drops Stuff
FRIENDLY REMINDER...Vote for me on top Mommy blogs (humor blog category)! And Like me on facebook!
Dedicated to moms juggling a lot of stuff...and every writing mom!
Yikes....It's been a while! I just blinked and a few weeks have simply disappeared! Really! Ever get that feeling? Sometimes life just swallows you up and spits you out! Sometimes it swallows you up, and tries to digest you, before finally spitting you out, to face the stuff you missed while being swallowed up!
My humor blog was mysteriously missing because I was swallowed up and recently spit out. That's my story....and I'm sticking to it! And if you could see the rumpled state I'm in at my computer, you'd believe it! I look rather like a mad scientist, who has just brought some brutish monster to life to conquer the world. Yup, complete with smoke coming out of my ears, and my desk a messy pile of papers to prove it, with odds and ends everywhere!
I was swallowed up by my life recently with stuff like ... "Mom, I sprained my ankle...really bad," said my oldest across the country. Colorado here I come! From my second oldest at grad school "Mom, my very important Grad School White-Coat ceremony is in 2 days, hope you can make the 4 hour trip to come!" followed by"And I think I have strep throat or mono again!" New York State here I come!
Complained my youngest. "Mom my knee hurts, and it's swollen," Doctor doctor, here we come. And from my Air Force Cadet, "Mom, I need some good recipes to feed a skiing crowd this weekend." Sanity going.... Then my 16-year-old asked "Mom, now that I have my driver license can I take the car to school, then to try-outs and play practice?" Sanity going...My 14-year-old reminded me, "Mom, I have Academic Bowl at 7:00 AM and don't forget to pick me up after stage crew at 4:30, " (How the heck can I pick him up when I already gave his sister my car?) Sanity gone!
In addition to being swallowed up by life as a mom, I was carried away by my writing mom self into the world of my yet-to-be-determined-brilliant screenplay. Hey who wouldn't need a little refuge from reality? (The script is still in the works I'll keep you posted) Never a dull moment in the world of a writing mom! Sane moments are even harder to come by than dull ones for any writing mom!! Especially those of us who write a humor blog!
So time flies, spring is around the corner, and I didn't even share some laughs of my skiing escapades of days past and some fun ones of recent skiing.
I can still squeeze them in before it's officially spring...a humor blog knows no bounds! Which means my next post, about skiing, is a must read! Stay tuned for a blast from my past, with a post that appeared in the East Penn Press, yikes...twelve years ago! But fair warning....it's not for the faint-hearted!
Gotta Run,
Di
P.S.Double Yikes! Lent is here! (I almost gave up chocolate, but whew, talked some sense into myself. Chocolate is heavenly, while giving up chocolate would bring out the devil in me!)
P.P.S.Stay tuned for our "Oodles of Doodles" family portrait to make you chuckle!
Dedicated to moms juggling a lot of stuff...and every writing mom!
Yikes....It's been a while! I just blinked and a few weeks have simply disappeared! Really! Ever get that feeling? Sometimes life just swallows you up and spits you out! Sometimes it swallows you up, and tries to digest you, before finally spitting you out, to face the stuff you missed while being swallowed up!
My humor blog was mysteriously missing because I was swallowed up and recently spit out. That's my story....and I'm sticking to it! And if you could see the rumpled state I'm in at my computer, you'd believe it! I look rather like a mad scientist, who has just brought some brutish monster to life to conquer the world. Yup, complete with smoke coming out of my ears, and my desk a messy pile of papers to prove it, with odds and ends everywhere!
I was swallowed up by my life recently with stuff like ... "Mom, I sprained my ankle...really bad," said my oldest across the country. Colorado here I come! From my second oldest at grad school "Mom, my very important Grad School White-Coat ceremony is in 2 days, hope you can make the 4 hour trip to come!" followed by"And I think I have strep throat or mono again!" New York State here I come!
Complained my youngest. "Mom my knee hurts, and it's swollen," Doctor doctor, here we come. And from my Air Force Cadet, "Mom, I need some good recipes to feed a skiing crowd this weekend." Sanity going.... Then my 16-year-old asked "Mom, now that I have my driver license can I take the car to school, then to try-outs and play practice?" Sanity going...My 14-year-old reminded me, "Mom, I have Academic Bowl at 7:00 AM and don't forget to pick me up after stage crew at 4:30, " (How the heck can I pick him up when I already gave his sister my car?) Sanity gone!
In addition to being swallowed up by life as a mom, I was carried away by my writing mom self into the world of my yet-to-be-determined-brilliant screenplay. Hey who wouldn't need a little refuge from reality? (The script is still in the works I'll keep you posted) Never a dull moment in the world of a writing mom! Sane moments are even harder to come by than dull ones for any writing mom!! Especially those of us who write a humor blog!
So time flies, spring is around the corner, and I didn't even share some laughs of my skiing escapades of days past and some fun ones of recent skiing.
I can still squeeze them in before it's officially spring...a humor blog knows no bounds! Which means my next post, about skiing, is a must read! Stay tuned for a blast from my past, with a post that appeared in the East Penn Press, yikes...twelve years ago! But fair warning....it's not for the faint-hearted!
Gotta Run,
Di
P.S.Double Yikes! Lent is here! (I almost gave up chocolate, but whew, talked some sense into myself. Chocolate is heavenly, while giving up chocolate would bring out the devil in me!)
P.P.S.Stay tuned for our "Oodles of Doodles" family portrait to make you chuckle!
Valentine's Day Countdown
(Valentine's Day past, and other, um, romantic memories)
First published February 2000 by East Penn Press. Edited February 2012.)
Dedicated to my Romeo, and hopeless romantics everywhere...Happy Valentine's Day!
Romeo, Romeo...Where'd You Go? Romeo?
Let's face it ladies, we all married Romeo, didn't we? It may take a long stroll down memory lane to remember that. My first Valentine's Day with my Romeo, occurred way back when we were college sweethearts. My honey splurged and blew his entire pay check to treat me to a 5 star dinner! The linens were snow white, and boy did that crystal sparkle! Talk about service...I thought the wait staff was going to wipe my mouth and feed me too! Love was in the air!
Other events while we dated made me feel like I had hit the romance jackpot as well. One summer he biked 10 miles to visit me at the grocery store where I worked, showing up with a single long stem rose, making me the envy of all the girls there! I had to drive him home because he had a flat tire, but wasn't that romantic?
One clear and windy night during an impromptu visit to New York City, he proposed to me down on one knee, on top of the Empire State Building. How could I say no to that!? (My dad proposed to mom while she was washing dishes and her hair was up in curlers!)
Before marriage, most gestures are in some way sparked by romance. After marriage, romantic gestures are sprinkled amidst the practicality of daily living (car pools, dishes, laundry, home repairs, sporting events...Romeo, Romeo, where the heck did you go Romeo?)
One Christmas had me wondering if I had lost Romeo for good. The gift carefully chosen for me by hubby was, yikes...long gray underwear with a drop draw. Romantic? Nope. But' it's one of those gifts with memory that always make me chuckle. To hubby, it seemed that I was always cold. So being the problem solver like every other man, he solved my problem.
And being the lady that I am, I graciously accepted the long john's with the drop draw, and told him how toasty warm they kept me. I have also been enjoying the fishing pole I received years ago for Mother's Day. Although he disappears now and again, I'm happy to say that my Romeo is alive and well.
If anyone needs to revive Romeo for Valentine's Day here's one solution. Simply suggest that he is no longer the hopeless romantic you married. Chances are he will then focus on being romantic for one simple reason- to prove that his woman is wrong!
Whatever you do, don't nag, don't whine, don't cry. But pouting is okay. Actually, pouting is encouraged. Your love bug just may sweep you off your feet. And if he doesn't, sweep him off his.
Here's a word of wisdom for all you Romeos out there for Valentine's day. Remember this, kitchen appliances are a no-no. And one sure fire way to find yourself sleeping on the sofa for the next six months is to buy a "sexy something" that's three sizes too big or three sizes too small. (Sometimes it's just so hard for a guy to win!)
Whatever kind of Valentine's Day I'm in for, one thing's for sure. I'd trade dozens of roses, pounds of chocolate, and all the diamonds in the world for my honey's heart of gold in a second! Happy Valentine's Day!
Gotta Run,
Di
First published February 2000 by East Penn Press. Edited February 2012.)
Dedicated to my Romeo, and hopeless romantics everywhere...Happy Valentine's Day!
Romeo, Romeo...Where'd You Go? Romeo?
Let's face it ladies, we all married Romeo, didn't we? It may take a long stroll down memory lane to remember that. My first Valentine's Day with my Romeo, occurred way back when we were college sweethearts. My honey splurged and blew his entire pay check to treat me to a 5 star dinner! The linens were snow white, and boy did that crystal sparkle! Talk about service...I thought the wait staff was going to wipe my mouth and feed me too! Love was in the air!
Other events while we dated made me feel like I had hit the romance jackpot as well. One summer he biked 10 miles to visit me at the grocery store where I worked, showing up with a single long stem rose, making me the envy of all the girls there! I had to drive him home because he had a flat tire, but wasn't that romantic?
One clear and windy night during an impromptu visit to New York City, he proposed to me down on one knee, on top of the Empire State Building. How could I say no to that!? (My dad proposed to mom while she was washing dishes and her hair was up in curlers!)
Before marriage, most gestures are in some way sparked by romance. After marriage, romantic gestures are sprinkled amidst the practicality of daily living (car pools, dishes, laundry, home repairs, sporting events...Romeo, Romeo, where the heck did you go Romeo?)
One Christmas had me wondering if I had lost Romeo for good. The gift carefully chosen for me by hubby was, yikes...long gray underwear with a drop draw. Romantic? Nope. But' it's one of those gifts with memory that always make me chuckle. To hubby, it seemed that I was always cold. So being the problem solver like every other man, he solved my problem.
And being the lady that I am, I graciously accepted the long john's with the drop draw, and told him how toasty warm they kept me. I have also been enjoying the fishing pole I received years ago for Mother's Day. Although he disappears now and again, I'm happy to say that my Romeo is alive and well.
If anyone needs to revive Romeo for Valentine's Day here's one solution. Simply suggest that he is no longer the hopeless romantic you married. Chances are he will then focus on being romantic for one simple reason- to prove that his woman is wrong!
Whatever you do, don't nag, don't whine, don't cry. But pouting is okay. Actually, pouting is encouraged. Your love bug just may sweep you off your feet. And if he doesn't, sweep him off his.
Here's a word of wisdom for all you Romeos out there for Valentine's day. Remember this, kitchen appliances are a no-no. And one sure fire way to find yourself sleeping on the sofa for the next six months is to buy a "sexy something" that's three sizes too big or three sizes too small. (Sometimes it's just so hard for a guy to win!)
Whatever kind of Valentine's Day I'm in for, one thing's for sure. I'd trade dozens of roses, pounds of chocolate, and all the diamonds in the world for my honey's heart of gold in a second! Happy Valentine's Day!
Gotta Run,
Di
2012 March For Life Photos
Just a few pictures from the 2012 March for Life held in Washington, D.C. on January 23rd.
Di
Di
March For Life 2012- This Mom's View
Dedicated to those who offer financial, emotional or aid of any kind, to women and children in need.
I'm finding that although I write humor, I also shake things up by crossing the serious line. Here I cross that line. However, where better to discuss The March For Life, than a blog that celebrates women and motherhood?
This week I attended my first March For Life in Washington DC. I was stunned at the number of people attending, and just as stunned by the lack of media coverage. Thus, I decided to fill in that glaring void with my journalistic view of the day, while keeping my opinion to a minimum. (Just the facts! You know, the way real journalism is supposed to be.)
Some estimates report the number attending the 2012 March for Life at 500,000
(about half a million). Wikipedia listed the 2011 March For Life estimate at 400,000.
Who attended? I saw a cross section of America -old folks, young, and everything in between. There were men, women and children of many races. The crowd consisted of folks tattooed and pierced, and those tattoo-less. Some were clean cut and clean shaven, some appeared to be hippies. There were nuns, priests, monks, Hysidic Jews, and religious groups I was unfamiliar with. Students attended from Yale, Columbia, and Princeton as well as countless other colleges and high schools. There were people from far away states like Wyoming, and far away countries like Sweden. Most people were some degree of soggy, due to the rainy weather.
Our bus driver mentioned that Washington D.C. issued over 1000 bus permits for the day. Because legal parking wasn't easy to find, many bus drivers spent the day illegally parked, waiting for police officers to chase them, then searching again for new places to wait. (Kind of like we all do at the airport!)
Who Spoke? There were several Pre-March rallies going on around Washington. My group listened to a slew of speakers including Speaker of the House John Boehner, along with a bi-partisan mix of congressmen and women representing states throughout the country. Teri Schiavo's brother spoke about Euthanasia. Some speakers offered practical available aid for women facing crises pregnancies along with contact information. The final and most passionate speaker was Luke Robertson, an African American pastor from Florida, who claimed that President Obama is leading us down the wrong path, and that 60% of African American pregnancies end in abortion.
Some memorable quotes of the day include:
"Mr President, the violent killing of babies in a woman's womb is not an American value!"
(Chris Smith NJ)
"It's time to protect the conscience rights of those who oppose abortion!" (Eric Canter, VA)
“When we affirm our commitment to life, we affirm our commitment to liberty and freedom."(John Boehner, OH)
After hearing the speakers, the colorful crowd, merging from many directions, began the march to the Supreme Court, with many holding balloons, signs, and umbrellas. Various groups carried banners identifying where they were from.
Notable signs: (I made up these categories. Journalists are notorious for this type of creativity!!)
Funniest: If I Were a Tree You'd Protect Me!!
Most Uplifting: Life What a Beautiful Choice!
Most Popular : Defund Planned Parenthood!
Saddest: I Regret My Abortion.
Thought provoking: Abortion Survivor: Born of a Rape Victim. ( I got chills when I spotted a pretty young woman carrying this sign.)
While most signs carried by protestors did not show the violence of abortion, we did pass a large graphic display on the sidewalk showing aborted babies, bloody body parts and dismembered fetuses. The display offered a heart wrenching reminder of why the crowd had gathered that day.
The "March" was really a "Shuffle" because the crowd was huge, extending as far as I could see in front of me and behind me. The crowd was polite, low key and engaged in various conversations. I could see the Capital building off to my right in the distance beyond the crowd.
At one point teens near-by were cheering as if at a basketball game,
"HEY OBAMA, YOUR MAMA CHOSE LIFE! HEY OBAMA, YOUR MAMA CHOSE LIFE!"
Later a different group of teens were cheering,
"WE LOVE BABIES, YES WE DO! WE LOVE BABIES, HOW BOUT YOU?"
Soon after the teens chant, a group of young nuns to my left were singing a peaceful song in angelic voices that silenced the people near-by. It was a sweet, touching melody, although I could not hear the words.
Shortly before reaching the Supreme Court, we passed a large group of teens and adults on the sidewalk wearing bright yellow sweatshirts, holding yellow balloons, and a big banner that simply said "LIFE". At the end of the march were a group of men and women holding signs of regret.
So there you have my observations of the 39th March For Life held in Washington D.C. on January 23rd, 2012.
Here's where I share my opinion. (Seriously, I'm a blogger, what did you expect?)
I would like to leave you with two thoughts.
1 )Every pregnant woman faces the choice, "Do I nurture the life I carry, or destroy it?" What is the ethical thing to do? Do it, then deal with the obstacles. Don't let obstacles cause you to choose the path of regret. Help is available.
2) Can society condemn violence against women, while supporting violence against women and children called abortion? Hmm...
Comments anyone?
Gotta Run,
Di
Stay tuned for some pictures.....
I'm finding that although I write humor, I also shake things up by crossing the serious line. Here I cross that line. However, where better to discuss The March For Life, than a blog that celebrates women and motherhood?
This week I attended my first March For Life in Washington DC. I was stunned at the number of people attending, and just as stunned by the lack of media coverage. Thus, I decided to fill in that glaring void with my journalistic view of the day, while keeping my opinion to a minimum. (Just the facts! You know, the way real journalism is supposed to be.)
Some estimates report the number attending the 2012 March for Life at 500,000
(about half a million). Wikipedia listed the 2011 March For Life estimate at 400,000.
Who attended? I saw a cross section of America -old folks, young, and everything in between. There were men, women and children of many races. The crowd consisted of folks tattooed and pierced, and those tattoo-less. Some were clean cut and clean shaven, some appeared to be hippies. There were nuns, priests, monks, Hysidic Jews, and religious groups I was unfamiliar with. Students attended from Yale, Columbia, and Princeton as well as countless other colleges and high schools. There were people from far away states like Wyoming, and far away countries like Sweden. Most people were some degree of soggy, due to the rainy weather.
Our bus driver mentioned that Washington D.C. issued over 1000 bus permits for the day. Because legal parking wasn't easy to find, many bus drivers spent the day illegally parked, waiting for police officers to chase them, then searching again for new places to wait. (Kind of like we all do at the airport!)
Who Spoke? There were several Pre-March rallies going on around Washington. My group listened to a slew of speakers including Speaker of the House John Boehner, along with a bi-partisan mix of congressmen and women representing states throughout the country. Teri Schiavo's brother spoke about Euthanasia. Some speakers offered practical available aid for women facing crises pregnancies along with contact information. The final and most passionate speaker was Luke Robertson, an African American pastor from Florida, who claimed that President Obama is leading us down the wrong path, and that 60% of African American pregnancies end in abortion.
Some memorable quotes of the day include:
"Mr President, the violent killing of babies in a woman's womb is not an American value!"
(Chris Smith NJ)
"It's time to protect the conscience rights of those who oppose abortion!" (Eric Canter, VA)
“When we affirm our commitment to life, we affirm our commitment to liberty and freedom."(John Boehner, OH)
After hearing the speakers, the colorful crowd, merging from many directions, began the march to the Supreme Court, with many holding balloons, signs, and umbrellas. Various groups carried banners identifying where they were from.
Notable signs: (I made up these categories. Journalists are notorious for this type of creativity!!)
Funniest: If I Were a Tree You'd Protect Me!!
Most Uplifting: Life What a Beautiful Choice!
Most Popular : Defund Planned Parenthood!
Saddest: I Regret My Abortion.
Thought provoking: Abortion Survivor: Born of a Rape Victim. ( I got chills when I spotted a pretty young woman carrying this sign.)
While most signs carried by protestors did not show the violence of abortion, we did pass a large graphic display on the sidewalk showing aborted babies, bloody body parts and dismembered fetuses. The display offered a heart wrenching reminder of why the crowd had gathered that day.
The "March" was really a "Shuffle" because the crowd was huge, extending as far as I could see in front of me and behind me. The crowd was polite, low key and engaged in various conversations. I could see the Capital building off to my right in the distance beyond the crowd.
At one point teens near-by were cheering as if at a basketball game,
"HEY OBAMA, YOUR MAMA CHOSE LIFE! HEY OBAMA, YOUR MAMA CHOSE LIFE!"
Later a different group of teens were cheering,
"WE LOVE BABIES, YES WE DO! WE LOVE BABIES, HOW BOUT YOU?"
Soon after the teens chant, a group of young nuns to my left were singing a peaceful song in angelic voices that silenced the people near-by. It was a sweet, touching melody, although I could not hear the words.
Shortly before reaching the Supreme Court, we passed a large group of teens and adults on the sidewalk wearing bright yellow sweatshirts, holding yellow balloons, and a big banner that simply said "LIFE". At the end of the march were a group of men and women holding signs of regret.
So there you have my observations of the 39th March For Life held in Washington D.C. on January 23rd, 2012.
Here's where I share my opinion. (Seriously, I'm a blogger, what did you expect?)
I would like to leave you with two thoughts.
1 )Every pregnant woman faces the choice, "Do I nurture the life I carry, or destroy it?" What is the ethical thing to do? Do it, then deal with the obstacles. Don't let obstacles cause you to choose the path of regret. Help is available.
2) Can society condemn violence against women, while supporting violence against women and children called abortion? Hmm...
Comments anyone?
Gotta Run,
Di
Stay tuned for some pictures.....
Di's 3x3 Tips- Keeping New Years Resolutions
I love starting every January with a long list of New Year's Resolutions, a fresh calender, clean notebooks, and new pens...ummmm or used pens, which brings me to my top New Year's Resolutions ....
Di's 2012 New Year's Resolutions:
1) No more stealing pens!
2) So long muffin top for good!
3) No more daily chocolate!
Okay, I broke all three resolutions in record time. In less than a week I had added 3 new-used pens to my collection. ( I'm not proud that I stole a cool pen from my daughter who just moved out to start grad school! Sorry honey. If you want it back....you know where I live!)
You want to know how I broke resolutions #2 and #3 at the same time? I ate two Caramel Milky Ways and three Devil Dogs in one stress filled day! But instead of giving up or beating myself up for not keeping my resolutions, I simply updated them.
Di's New Improved Resolutions for 2012:
1) I will accept the fact that I am and always will be a pen thief.
2) I will not look too closely or tug at my muffin top. (It practically disappears that way!)
3) I promise myself to be happy. ( Chocolate makes me very happy! )
I am pleased to report that I have been keeping all three of these resolutions. Do you need any help with yours? I thought you might.
Seriously, let me recommend a book to help you keep your New Years Resolutions
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Even if you don't make New Year's Resolutions, get this book to simply improve your life and your relationships. Steven Covey is brilliant, focused, and positive! You can't beat his approach.
Are you trying to organize your life? Me too! (Funny how much we have in common!) I stumbled on some great organization tips in the January issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. Check out their website www.BHG.Com/declutter.
A great book to help organize your life is worth mentioning again. Confessions of an Organized Homemaker: The Secrets of Uncluttering Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life
.
I'm counting on the following books to help me keep other resolutions. Maybe they'll help you too!
For my resolution to complete my Romantic Comedy Screen Play, I ordered
How to Write a Movie in 21 Days: The Inner Movie Method
Heck, maybe you'll see my name on the big screen!
For my resolution to read more quality books this year, I started by ordering
The One Year Bible for Women NLT (One Year Bible: Nlt)
Can't go wrong reading the greatest book ever written, right?
Wish me luck! Good luck to you too!
Gotta Run,
Di
Di's 3X3's for Keeping Resolutions:
1) Write Your Goals!
2) Plan Daily Actions!
3) Celebrate Daily Progress!
Di's 2012 New Year's Resolutions:
1) No more stealing pens!
2) So long muffin top for good!
3) No more daily chocolate!
Okay, I broke all three resolutions in record time. In less than a week I had added 3 new-used pens to my collection. ( I'm not proud that I stole a cool pen from my daughter who just moved out to start grad school! Sorry honey. If you want it back....you know where I live!)
You want to know how I broke resolutions #2 and #3 at the same time? I ate two Caramel Milky Ways and three Devil Dogs in one stress filled day! But instead of giving up or beating myself up for not keeping my resolutions, I simply updated them.
Di's New Improved Resolutions for 2012:
1) I will accept the fact that I am and always will be a pen thief.
2) I will not look too closely or tug at my muffin top. (It practically disappears that way!)
3) I promise myself to be happy. ( Chocolate makes me very happy! )
I am pleased to report that I have been keeping all three of these resolutions. Do you need any help with yours? I thought you might.
Seriously, let me recommend a book to help you keep your New Years Resolutions
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Even if you don't make New Year's Resolutions, get this book to simply improve your life and your relationships. Steven Covey is brilliant, focused, and positive! You can't beat his approach.Are you trying to organize your life? Me too! (Funny how much we have in common!) I stumbled on some great organization tips in the January issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. Check out their website www.BHG.Com/declutter.
A great book to help organize your life is worth mentioning again. Confessions of an Organized Homemaker: The Secrets of Uncluttering Your Home and Taking Control of Your Life
.I'm counting on the following books to help me keep other resolutions. Maybe they'll help you too!
For my resolution to complete my Romantic Comedy Screen Play, I ordered
How to Write a Movie in 21 Days: The Inner Movie Method
Heck, maybe you'll see my name on the big screen!For my resolution to read more quality books this year, I started by ordering
The One Year Bible for Women NLT (One Year Bible: Nlt)
Can't go wrong reading the greatest book ever written, right? Wish me luck! Good luck to you too!
Gotta Run,
Di
Di's 3X3's for Keeping Resolutions:
1) Write Your Goals!
2) Plan Daily Actions!
3) Celebrate Daily Progress!
Happy New Year-Best Wishes For 2012
Dedicated to my oldest son, who many years ago, treated me to my first moment of maternal Christmas bliss and to moms everywhere filled with Christmas Joy, & New Year Happiness...
Just what kind of blogger plays hookey from her computer time and time again? I'm not too sure, but I think we'd get along great! This post comes to you from a remote Adirondack library surrounded by snow and wilderness. I survived serving my Christmas Eve "7 Fishes Feast", a menu that looked much simpler on paper than in reality in my kitchen. I did murmur to myself "What was I thinking?" several times, while sipping wine as my guests watched me fry calamari, steam clams, and scrub mussels...all new experiences for me.
I survived entertaining 26 guests, headed to Midnight Mass, thankfully celebrated at 10:00 PM, with my crew- 6 kids and daughter-in-law. After that I finally finished wrapping gifts in my bedroom closet (so as not to disturb my husband and sleeping kids) at 3:00 AM, . Whew! Sometime after that Santa (or perhaps Mrs. Claus) came, ate our cookies, drank our special milk (with a touch of Kahlua), filled our stockings, and left a slew of presents. (BTW Santa stashed a promissory note to me for a Kayak in our tree).
After endless gift opening and Christmas dinner at the in-laws, we headed to the mountains, with a few extra kids in tow-my 20 year-old niece and 8 year-old nephew. The mountain air felt great! I was sound asleep by 2:00 AM...and awakened from a dead slumber at 3:00 AM by one kid with a belly ache. Followed within the hour, by two more sick kids! (I won't mention the yucky parts!) During the week we tried to solve the mystery, as the stomach bug claimed more victims, and I battled it with Lysol, determination, and blasts of zero degree mountain air ("Mom, I can see my breath! Can we close the windows yet?"). I still think it was the Christmas canolis!
All in all, It's been a wonderful Christmas week, spending quality fun time with my husband, kids, and family. Friendly and not so friendly competitions of Sodoku, Scrabble, and Yatzi, as well as adventurous hikes, filled the week. There's nothing quite like a bon fire and sledding in the snow to make you feel like a kid again...and to release the final traces of Christmas stress.
Before Christmas, while in the throes of holiday craziness, I did take a moment to escape from the commercialized madness, and attended the kids' Christmas pageant at church. The serenity of that experience was my gift to myself. Everyone should hear little kids singing Silent Night to remember what it's all about. That peaceful experience reminded me of Christmas past.
When my oldest was just three, we celebrated our first Christmas in our new apartment in Pennsylvania. I remember hearing my son's feety pajama footsteps as he padded across the carpet. Then silence as he peered into the living room at our beautiful old fashioned Christmas tree...Santa had turned the tree lights on. After mere seconds my son whispered with joyful awe, "Presents!" My heart grew three sizes as I sleepily smiled to myself, because, at that moment I knew the joy of Santa. It was the beginning of many more joy-filled, sleep deprived Christmas moments. I wouldn't trade one!
Where has the time gone? Now, having my son home with his new bride is another moment to add to my collection of wonderful motherhood memories. Maybe my home is becoming more empty as my kids move out, but my heart is fuller than ever!
Wishing all of you a New Year full of happiness and cherished memories!
Peacefully Yours,
Di
P.S. I'll be back at full speed in 2012! Getting those resolutions rolling.......
Just what kind of blogger plays hookey from her computer time and time again? I'm not too sure, but I think we'd get along great! This post comes to you from a remote Adirondack library surrounded by snow and wilderness. I survived serving my Christmas Eve "7 Fishes Feast", a menu that looked much simpler on paper than in reality in my kitchen. I did murmur to myself "What was I thinking?" several times, while sipping wine as my guests watched me fry calamari, steam clams, and scrub mussels...all new experiences for me.
I survived entertaining 26 guests, headed to Midnight Mass, thankfully celebrated at 10:00 PM, with my crew- 6 kids and daughter-in-law. After that I finally finished wrapping gifts in my bedroom closet (so as not to disturb my husband and sleeping kids) at 3:00 AM, . Whew! Sometime after that Santa (or perhaps Mrs. Claus) came, ate our cookies, drank our special milk (with a touch of Kahlua), filled our stockings, and left a slew of presents. (BTW Santa stashed a promissory note to me for a Kayak in our tree).
After endless gift opening and Christmas dinner at the in-laws, we headed to the mountains, with a few extra kids in tow-my 20 year-old niece and 8 year-old nephew. The mountain air felt great! I was sound asleep by 2:00 AM...and awakened from a dead slumber at 3:00 AM by one kid with a belly ache. Followed within the hour, by two more sick kids! (I won't mention the yucky parts!) During the week we tried to solve the mystery, as the stomach bug claimed more victims, and I battled it with Lysol, determination, and blasts of zero degree mountain air ("Mom, I can see my breath! Can we close the windows yet?"). I still think it was the Christmas canolis!
All in all, It's been a wonderful Christmas week, spending quality fun time with my husband, kids, and family. Friendly and not so friendly competitions of Sodoku, Scrabble, and Yatzi, as well as adventurous hikes, filled the week. There's nothing quite like a bon fire and sledding in the snow to make you feel like a kid again...and to release the final traces of Christmas stress.
Before Christmas, while in the throes of holiday craziness, I did take a moment to escape from the commercialized madness, and attended the kids' Christmas pageant at church. The serenity of that experience was my gift to myself. Everyone should hear little kids singing Silent Night to remember what it's all about. That peaceful experience reminded me of Christmas past.
When my oldest was just three, we celebrated our first Christmas in our new apartment in Pennsylvania. I remember hearing my son's feety pajama footsteps as he padded across the carpet. Then silence as he peered into the living room at our beautiful old fashioned Christmas tree...Santa had turned the tree lights on. After mere seconds my son whispered with joyful awe, "Presents!" My heart grew three sizes as I sleepily smiled to myself, because, at that moment I knew the joy of Santa. It was the beginning of many more joy-filled, sleep deprived Christmas moments. I wouldn't trade one!
Where has the time gone? Now, having my son home with his new bride is another moment to add to my collection of wonderful motherhood memories. Maybe my home is becoming more empty as my kids move out, but my heart is fuller than ever!
Wishing all of you a New Year full of happiness and cherished memories!
Peacefully Yours,
Di
P.S. I'll be back at full speed in 2012! Getting those resolutions rolling.......
