tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51132862697193322382024-03-05T20:08:15.084-08:00Swagger Mom - a 30-something mom of two trying to keep her sanity and swagger.A whole lot of random nonsense mixed with stories of my life. Anything and everything that makes me smile, laugh and even cry is fair game here. I'm "Hangin' Tough" because I was raised in the 80s and we knew how to survive - no helmets, no internet, no cell phones, no problem! Let's rock this blog!Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-66561212743169387742015-05-19T18:36:00.001-07:002015-05-19T18:48:21.932-07:00Sweatin' to the Oldies<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuB7BQxO8KnQlNeTvXI8-UIIBZQc0LJ4maDcexFkucKkU4rwwau2eG3UWHNQpmoVM3evCom90jkP_DBxwnTGvKSQDXXCfQpw100tlhfiN3F6Fm-1KmqqUwMcAtiBn2gl8VdvECj1VYnQ/s1600/bathing-suit-season-already-article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuB7BQxO8KnQlNeTvXI8-UIIBZQc0LJ4maDcexFkucKkU4rwwau2eG3UWHNQpmoVM3evCom90jkP_DBxwnTGvKSQDXXCfQpw100tlhfiN3F6Fm-1KmqqUwMcAtiBn2gl8VdvECj1VYnQ/s320/bathing-suit-season-already-article.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crap! It's back! I can't hide under jeans and comfy sweatshirts anymore. Summer is knocking on our door. As I slowly back away from the Doritos and iced coffee I am reminded that I need to workout more. I have done it all. Zumba, TRX, Cardio-Sculpt, Biggest Loser Workouts, Yoga, Pilates, T25 and many more. Soon I will try the new Beachbody dance workout Cize. I try them all, but after a while I get so freakin' bored. I can only take Shaun T of t25 telling my to dig deeper, and him always comparing my squats to Derrick's. For the love of God Shaun! Sorry, but I will NEVER live up to Derrick's squats - because "Derrick has AAAAAAMAZING squats!" as you remind me weekly on Disc 2 - Speed 1.0 of t25. </div>
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Anyway, I need a switch up in my routine. So, as I was sweating my butt off to the latest t25 workout it hit me - workouts have some a long way! I think Swaggermom should review old workout videos! I think it is time to try to Sweat to the Oldies again! Now that I will be working out more at home I want to share the treasures of the past with you...like this...and OH SWEET LORD this woman is AMAZING and I want to go to her awkwardly fantastic workout class... </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cTkvZPOToSQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cTkvZPOToSQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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Jillian Michaels, this woman has you beat for sure! It is gold like this that I want to search out, work out, and share with you! I hope to lose a few extra pounds along the way, but more importantly I want to be having fun. This makes me wanna crimp my hair and get out my old "Get in Shape Girl" kids workout set. YES, for those still yet to be born back in the 80s, girls were sold a workout set under the guise of it being a toy. Evidence:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4EUCF8NABAk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4EUCF8NABAk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe> Yep I fell for it too! All I wanted was the damn ribbon! It was kinda sick marketing and it most likely added to the image complex most of my peers had in the 80s, but damn I wanted that ribbon!!!! If I can find any tapes or videos of this I plan of doing it - along with Mousercize and my old Strawberry Shortcake Get Fit record. Oh this will be fun!<br />
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I hope you are along for this ride back in time with Swaggermom. I will be using the past to help "shape" my future - oh crap I need to stop being so nerdy with the puns. I hope this little experiment will prove worthy of your reading time. I have missed writing, but I need to workout too. This will help me stick to both. I may even drag my amazing fiance into doing a few workouts from 80s with me. LOL</div>
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So - stay tuned! </div>
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I have missed you all! </div>
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Now let's work out! </div>
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See you soon with workout one! </div>
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Swaggermom :) </div>
Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-79566246549161325102014-10-07T19:35:00.001-07:002014-10-07T19:45:55.107-07:00Crap....What's My Age Again?Sometimes I forget how old I am. Seriously, I have to think about it.<br />
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I downright refuse to act 30.....something.....ha ha. SHHHH! <br />
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I
take it as either I am too old to care, or I have convienced myself
that I am forever and always 27. I have no idea why that is the age I
have thought I have been forever. Truly, no idea, but I think I am
stuck at this age forever. I rarely think of my age, and that is most
likely why other teacher's at work act surprised when I am fully up to
date on the latest songs and technology. They act like at my age I
should be over all that, and just be happy with what was cool in 2003.
But I refuse to act my age, whatever THAT means!<br />
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Because there are days I kinda think I look as BADASS as THIS :<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa71sFmw0ifmtweVG0lUD7Gzgr_mlHTWQ0yIBBRTX91hNvPdkQc5-alF2YWySBREhl4Itisrl2csF4EG9dDJKCCCfeF5WGnT_BeRonUrzV5m5xhJZ2gJUFLUhH4zKZw6S0FFIQkoWxco/s1600/90s-kid-meme-fresh.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa71sFmw0ifmtweVG0lUD7Gzgr_mlHTWQ0yIBBRTX91hNvPdkQc5-alF2YWySBREhl4Itisrl2csF4EG9dDJKCCCfeF5WGnT_BeRonUrzV5m5xhJZ2gJUFLUhH4zKZw6S0FFIQkoWxco/s1600/90s-kid-meme-fresh.png" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
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I
mean look at that!?!?! That is full on swagger to the max! Sometimes
you need to feel like a badass ? Why fall into a box? What is a typical
30 something, divorced, mother of 2 boys supposed to act like? What box
am I supposed to fall into? I refuse to fall in line!<br />
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I like being nerdy, silly, random me and all that entails. <br />
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I enjoy wearing Converse All Stars and jeans over "mom jeans".<br />
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I like cheap glittered holiday jewlery from Walgreen's over Tiffany's.<br />
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I will buy junk food merely because it is seasonal and/or "ALL NEW".<br />
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I
own Pokemon tshirts, Harry Potter Tshirts, Ghostbusters T Shirts, and
Game of Thrones Tshirts to name a few - that I wear, not my kids.<br />
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I would rather eat hot wings and drink a beer on a date than go to a 5 star resturants.<br />
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Just to name a few.<br />
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AND..... <br />
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This
most likely stems from the fact that I still think it was the 90's only
10 years ago. I am living in the 90s in my head....shhhhh. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc9b4X7DBuTRvVjIkcqXF7tNn9u4gPWnUg0V4uWYY6PVAWperw9T3bv3Q9MGUgrsVIQvT9cyYvIVRNY3Qx09Hi8NJ5IsLmoNMxZwOAxiLdZDqHtwuIJ6Yy8bhD7PuKmjty9Arv_-1OTs/s1600/ten-years-back-funny-meme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc9b4X7DBuTRvVjIkcqXF7tNn9u4gPWnUg0V4uWYY6PVAWperw9T3bv3Q9MGUgrsVIQvT9cyYvIVRNY3Qx09Hi8NJ5IsLmoNMxZwOAxiLdZDqHtwuIJ6Yy8bhD7PuKmjty9Arv_-1OTs/s1600/ten-years-back-funny-meme.jpg" height="229" width="320" /> </a></div>
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ANYWAY
- long story short. I DON'T CARE! I am going to do what makes me
laugh, what makes me smile, what makes me happy, what makes me - ME for
the rest of my life. No more hiding! </div>
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So below this post is ME! No makeup and what I do best - CAR KARAOKE! Yep - post
workout, no makeup on, singing along to Taylor Swift. Totally me!
Warning: in car rides I will sing...quiet at first and when you try to
fall asleep it gets louder. LOL</div>
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So
today's swagger lesson - always be you and be proud of you. You shine
from the inside out when what is inside is allowed to be free. </div>
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My
life is awesome, and I am so happy with where I am and who I am. So,
if singing in the car is silly and immature, and taking video of it is
childish, well then FUCK , I guess I am not a real 30 something mom of
2, but at least I am ME! </div>
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LOL! </div>
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Enjoy and until next time...SWAG ON! </div>
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Follow me on twitter : Irishbelle2000</div>
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Follow me on instagram : Irishbelle78</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="667" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/108188078" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/108188078">20140929_173504.mp4</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user23147051">Molly Ann Burns</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-89177707678010542232014-08-24T20:42:00.000-07:002014-08-24T20:42:22.125-07:00I Will Die Without My Trapper Keeper! Few things thrilled me more as a child than the back to school season. I would pour over my supply list with eagerness. Pondering what each 2-pocket folder or composition notebook would be used for. I loved school and I loved the start of school even more. To this day, as a teacher, nothing compares to the first day of school. But anyway...back to school in the 80s meant back to COOL!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xUtxWUuht4g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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I mean seriously! Look at that hair! I am still jealous. As a Catholic School kid I was banned from these rad looks. I always looked on with envy as kids got to pick out their back to school outfits. I was lucky to get a new pair of saddle shoes to match my plaid jumper. I never could rock the big bangs or get a perm. Which in retrospect might have caused my baby fine hair to fall out, so I am good with not having had a perm. No big hair for me... :( </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9wVlBLp3tGMys53VWqcpDR9kGe_wGfbguzD3mW1CpUQLTNsFWZSGpDPzffBKJ3CfjCrtqUbQDbGitAbmr-65CXFuvgGCjNFdvlF_XLHZS8oGHxt_L-wK0lEOOdeazFSDFmNsG_RuoTE/s1600/1372136_10151672121083920_725349799_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9wVlBLp3tGMys53VWqcpDR9kGe_wGfbguzD3mW1CpUQLTNsFWZSGpDPzffBKJ3CfjCrtqUbQDbGitAbmr-65CXFuvgGCjNFdvlF_XLHZS8oGHxt_L-wK0lEOOdeazFSDFmNsG_RuoTE/s1600/1372136_10151672121083920_725349799_o.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe I was asked to make a "scary face" here - yeah I totally delivered. LOL</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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ANYWAY......<br />
So, back to school time was also the time that you started to define yourself for that year. And without the fashions of JCP to show off your personality us Catholic school kids had to rely on our school supplies. THIS is where THE TRAPPER KEEPER came in. This little beauty of plastic organizational bliss showed the world who you were. With one small Velcro flap could define your status and style on that first day. I recall my mother begging me to "JUST PICK ONE MOLLY! THEY ARE ALL THE SAME!" as I roamed the school supply aisle at Kmart. She didn't understand the pressure. I had to find the perfect one! It had to speak to me. This was a matter of status MOM!<br />
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She would offer them all ...<br />
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Mom: "OOOH, this one is nice. It has a hot air balloon on it. How about this?"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xlxv2FkC18t5WB8zvpf-DFOn4YZE67H1hPs2RhoVIRo_loeBb4Ofg0NpOSTGRfnuOX42d8uMLRqe3FCehUreDkyWfwo3T2Ph-ObqGPZv2uyhZesxiq1myxO44qjdI9WPrV_lqlTIKV8/s1600/trapper-keeper-hot-air-balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Xlxv2FkC18t5WB8zvpf-DFOn4YZE67H1hPs2RhoVIRo_loeBb4Ofg0NpOSTGRfnuOX42d8uMLRqe3FCehUreDkyWfwo3T2Ph-ObqGPZv2uyhZesxiq1myxO44qjdI9WPrV_lqlTIKV8/s1600/trapper-keeper-hot-air-balloons.jpg" /></a></div>
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Me: "GAWD! Mom, NO! that one is like totally lame-o!"<br />
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Mom: "What about this green one with kittens in a grassy field?"<br />
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Me: "No animals! No dogs, no cats , and NO HORSES!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-S6dgDJfLJnzVcY3d_KtS-h7UaJ3OnH4J44eoAwba8CCsFw9xYh-rU_x9G0EWYHG5O7Df-BThyphenhyphen4HVXTcLl__wyKYL7ElCWjMnPj7my4cKjxPoxBOzkBOx1r37agiQweIYtNt-X75Hf0/s1600/trapper.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-S6dgDJfLJnzVcY3d_KtS-h7UaJ3OnH4J44eoAwba8CCsFw9xYh-rU_x9G0EWYHG5O7Df-BThyphenhyphen4HVXTcLl__wyKYL7ElCWjMnPj7my4cKjxPoxBOzkBOx1r37agiQweIYtNt-X75Hf0/s1600/trapper.bmp" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I knew 5 people who had this one for sure!</td></tr>
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Mom: "There are plain ones. Maybe we can get stickers and you can decorate it yourself?'<br />
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Me: "NO! Like, gag me with a spoon! That is for sure nerdy to the max!"<br />
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Mom: "This one has race cars sweetie, how about that?"<br />
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Me: "UGH! I am not a boy!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3EbwFcSfRFoKesQTPmFxKWpW2532AbnjK-2rVO3VeTp3kpW5UNjpCKdQOte6ROgP2vq3Z7oJXL5NLrtSFfDuxm7kq1ip2alTw5W24rG7KeMegMcjCapCJ-xB3t82C6N9plWj61YK_L8/s1600/lamborghini-trapper-keeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3EbwFcSfRFoKesQTPmFxKWpW2532AbnjK-2rVO3VeTp3kpW5UNjpCKdQOte6ROgP2vq3Z7oJXL5NLrtSFfDuxm7kq1ip2alTw5W24rG7KeMegMcjCapCJ-xB3t82C6N9plWj61YK_L8/s1600/lamborghini-trapper-keeper.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard "boy" Trapper - car and lightening bolt, very 80s.</td></tr>
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It was no use! I had searched the store all over....found NOTHING! I went home, defeated. :(<br />
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The next day my Mom returned from her errands with a "surprise" for me. "I found you the perfect Trapper!"<br />
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I was scared shitless! My mom's taste and mine have NEVER meshed - I was prepared for the worst, and good thing because.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7fYqIsjqO0wQF5zJitsx3USIwMHBD68Fjr9EfG_7EnWEaFSLBuBdkLGB6n5myOGL7UQyujJ3Hr_AnAePd5jy9wrxoys8EUSI6xBRDAYo_Wtf5sIG4_zUnQ8EQ8LbOZye57OeXt67zZQ/s1600/trapper-keeper-puppies-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7fYqIsjqO0wQF5zJitsx3USIwMHBD68Fjr9EfG_7EnWEaFSLBuBdkLGB6n5myOGL7UQyujJ3Hr_AnAePd5jy9wrxoys8EUSI6xBRDAYo_Wtf5sIG4_zUnQ8EQ8LbOZye57OeXt67zZQ/s1600/trapper-keeper-puppies-main.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
THIS!<br />
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HOLY CRAP! My mind raced! I said NO ANIMALS! She brings me this!??!!? School starts tomorrow and I have puppies in the grass on my TRAPPER!!!!!!?????? WTF?!?!?!<br />
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I had no choice. I spent that year with the puppies. I was mortified and my dreams of looking so cool and mature were dashed the second my Trapper's cover was revealed. I was immediately 4 years old again. :(<br />
<br />
I was 7 dammit!<br />
<br />
Well, I survived that year, and magically my Trapper disappeared on the last day of school. <br />
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I plead the 5th! LOL<br />
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Anyway, the next school year rolls around and THIS time I found the perfect one. In fact my next two were 80s perfection!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT91FsX9gWLhIUn9a10MWWEXmtC6sjuJBqGgsjc_a1ruU1CrkpQ2npaxCvgdWuLJqL5wpG54l79x-hgp2VE5I3zn8ebsUHTZCJXgTiMJ7GkttegzaJPrDhmbscMQx6cmKqte1Y9NapGw/s1600/trapperkeeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT91FsX9gWLhIUn9a10MWWEXmtC6sjuJBqGgsjc_a1ruU1CrkpQ2npaxCvgdWuLJqL5wpG54l79x-hgp2VE5I3zn8ebsUHTZCJXgTiMJ7GkttegzaJPrDhmbscMQx6cmKqte1Y9NapGw/s1600/trapperkeeper.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I remember you fondly, my friend. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I could turn back time, you would still be mine!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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THESE two Trappers were so me! They were cool, yet understated. LOL. I mean LOOK at that splatter paint on the "tropical" one! Its art! Classy! But yet, back in the day this little overpriced binder meant so much. It was a representation of you, and I loved it. I loved it a little too much that I recall being in tears one day during our first fire drill. I was not aware it was a drill and thought it was the real deal. I was sobbing because I was afraid my Trapper Keeper would be lost in the flames. Yeah, I REALLY needed to get my priorities straight. <br />
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So as we head back to school I like to remember my back to school moments in the 80s. It was more than back to class, it was back to the little social experiment that school was. It was the little bubble that you learned about yourself and life in. It was where even the little things , like a Trapper, helped you make a statement in this little bubble.<br />
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I miss the Trappers and their crazy covers. Maybe they will make a real comeback one of these days. Until then, I have my memories. Sometimes, sometimes when I hear that distinctive sound of seperating velcro my ears perk up, and I think, maybe , oh maybe, someone has a Trapper nearby!<br />
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Happy Back to School to EVERYONE! :)<br />
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Swaggermom!<br />
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Follow me on Twitter, Irishbelle2000<br />
Follow me on Instagram, Irishbelle78<br />
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See you all next time! :) <br />
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<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-39075112026008824252014-07-14T20:52:00.002-07:002014-07-14T20:52:22.159-07:00Another year - another move<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am delirious!!!!!!!! I have spent, God knows how many days, moving car loads of things from my apartment to my townhouse and it has all come down to THIS - THIS is the only thing that makes sense to me anymore! I can't stop watching this cat when I should be packing more boxes! I think this cat is my soul animal......<br />
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OK Swagermomma - WAKE UP! YiKES<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saving money on movers by driving myself crazy! </td></tr>
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Yes, I am moving, again. I have spent about a year here in this super swaggy apartment that is in the shadow of the Golden Dome, mere blocks away from "the House the Rockne built", a brisk walk to the peaceful lights in The Grotto, and 3 blocks from the unmistakable scent of sweat and stale beer that IS THE LINEBACKER LOUNGE (you have to have been there - I highly recommend going but NOT until 2 am on a football Friday). Living here has been a great experience. One that I feel blessed to have had. I am glad my kids had a chance to live this semi-urban existence next to campus. They loved the idea of being "on campus" and they would like to pretend they were students at Notre Dame when we would walk across the street to the playground on campus.<br />
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This was a perfect fit and exactly what we needed - at the time - now we need to move on. <br />
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At the time - I was begging to leave my house and needed somewhere to escape - to rebuild - and be me. I just wanted someplace familiar to escape to and Notre Dame was it. I was going CRAZY in that house, slowing losing my soul and my mind.....<br />
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I totally can relate to that poor woman! </div>
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It was here that things started to get better for me. I started to eat again. I started to smile again. I started to get my our routine. I found a way to remove what was my past from defining me - I was free to find happiness. </div>
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Yeah, that pretty much sums it all up. </div>
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This might sound awful but people would hear I had gotten divorced and was moving away and would pause, give me a pity gaze and say "Aww, I am so very sorry." My quick reply has been, "Well, I'm not!". To be quite honest, it was the best thing for me. It was time. It had been brewing for years it and it was time. </div>
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Living here on campus gave me a chance to be free. It was my time to WAKE UP! </div>
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Yeah, not gonna lie, this was on my ipod for a while there. </div>
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It was here, on my nights without the kids, that I hung out with some amazing bartenders at the Irish pub downstairs. I would get free Jameson and diet Coke and just talk to them about life. I would take my notebook and start blog ideas while sipping a whiskey and watching the late night crowds. I met some interesting people and had some great conversations. </div>
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It was here I went on some of my first dates as a newly single woman. I was clueless in the dating world and interested to see what life had in store for me. I met a few people, had a few nice dinners, but nothing that really was me. I felt like I was settling so I stopped looking and stopped going out on dates. But THEN... BAM! It was here that I started talking, online, to my now amazing boyfriend (@audiobox19). NEVER imagined I would find someone so wonderful! It was here(through the magic of twitter, blogs, and facebook) that we met. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super happy, lucky grateful girl I am :) </td></tr>
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This online meeting only began because I started blogging - and made friends in the blog world. FOREVER thankful for THAT - because we are too awesome and I am incredibly happy that we found each other, in the crazy internet based way that we did - its a great story :) that keeps getting better. <br />
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So here I say goodbye to a place that gave me so much. <br />
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It was here that I found the strength to start a new chapter. </div>
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It was here I promised NEVER to compromise who I am. </div>
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It was here I decided I needed 3 tattoos in 2 months! (LOL) Still considering more. </div>
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It was here I learned that I am stronger than what others believed I was. </div>
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It was here I that less is more - and money doesn't buy happiness. </div>
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It was here that I saw my two boys take on such a huge life event and they didn't let it stop them from having fun and staying the happy, loving, adventurous boys they are. </div>
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It was here that I started over. It was my wake up.....</div>
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And now as I sit here on my last night I think about all those things. All that is left here are the big pieces of furniture, a few clothes, and some snacks. I am taking the new life I am building and the stronger person that I became while here. I am ticking down to the last moments of my wifi connection and wondering how it will feel to wake up someplace new...... again. This is the 8th move I have made since I left for college, but a new morning in a new place is always an adventure and a fresh start. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another key - another door</td></tr>
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We will be living a more "kid friendly" life in a townhouse back in the place we left - Elkhart. Its closer to my job and the kids' school. It has a yard and most importantly a attached garage! OMG - I never will take an attached garage for granted EVER AGAIN! Walking three flights of stairs with groceries did wonders for my legs, but I will just to to the gym from now on! </div>
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I am excited to keep moving forward with my life. I am so happy right now and see so many good things ahead for me and my boys. There so much to be thankful for and happy about in my life right now. I am grateful for all I have and I am happy that I can share my story with you all. Hope I didn't bore you tonight as I get nostalgic about my time here. </div>
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Life is wonderful - enjoy it - and make it all your own! </div>
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Get ready for Swaggermom's continued adventures in ELKHART! LOL </div>
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Stay Tuned :) </div>
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Swagger on! </div>
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Follow me on Twitter @Irishbelle2000</div>
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Follow me on Instagram @Irishbelle78</div>
Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-74057450108529866002014-06-23T12:40:00.001-07:002014-06-23T15:52:40.506-07:00Craigslist Dress Scam<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gown. </td></tr>
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There is is...creeping me out everytime I look upon it. It just hangs there in the playroom closet. Waiting. Watching. Reminding me. In a twisted irony it doesn't fit me anymore - much like the marriage it represented - it just didn't fit. Looking at it sends me into a panic attack. Pass me a drink! UGH! It was time. Time to hit this bitch to Craigslist.<br />
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How do you price a gown bought in 2000? I am sure I paid well over $1200.00 for it at the time. It was the third dress I tired on while at Bridals By Lori in Atlanta, Georgia. Now, if you are a TLC watching fan you will know exactly what store I am talking about. <br />
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Yes, this woman who wants to "Jack you up.." for Prom made a quick sale out of me and my Mom the day I came in for my gown. She knows her shit and she found my dress in 10 minutes. It was a done deal before I even looked at anything on my own. It was a "wham, bam, thank you ma'am" for wedding gown purchases. NOT - the elaborate display they do for the show. I must not have paid enough for that. <br />
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I loved my dress, at the time. Looking at it now turns my stomach. It also is not ANYTHING I would pick for myself now. I don't ever see myself in a gown that large and puffy. It had a cathedral length train that was detachable and bead work and a terrible amount of layers underneath. I recall the one time I used the restroom in it. I needed three of my bridesmaids to help me. Yeah, the dirty work of a bridesmaid - hold my dress so it doesn't fall in the toilet. Great! Yeah, now I would find something much more fitted and simple and maybe short- more me. This dress - is so not me. I would NOT say YES to this dress EVER AGAIN.<br />
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When I took the dress from the house Mr. Ex Swag said to me , "Hey, don't sell that, you may want to give it to your daughter one day or wear it when you get married again." WTF?!?!?! Of all the stupid shit I have heard in my life this topped them all. I stopped and about lost my lunch at that statement. Collected my thoughts and turned to reply. I had to.<br />
"Um, ok Mr. Ex. Swag - you are assuming a whole shit ton here.<br />
1. Assuming I get pregnant again.<br />
2. Assuming I have a baby girl.<br />
3. Assuming I get married again.<br />
4. Assuming I will WANT to wear a dress I was married to my EX in?!?!?!<br />
5. Assuming my fictitious daughter will want to wear a dress made out of the material I was married to my EX in!?!??!<br />
6. That is the craziest thing I have ever heard - ugh!",<br />
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It had to be the strangest thing to fall out of his word hole, that I had heard, in a while besides; "I don't find you attractive anymore." - that has to top it. LOL - Ahh good times.<br />
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ANYWAY.....so here I am with his dress and about to move AGAIN. Like hell I am hauling this beast to another closet. Its time to sell it. So, I set it up on Craigslist. I got a few messages but no one followed through. Then a text on a Saturday night - at midnight.<br />
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This guy, "David", he named himself. HAHA - as in David's Bridal I am assuming. Anyway, David wanted my dress, but lives out of state. This is where it gets weird. I know its Craigslist - I should expect weird- but I think he was using me to launder money. He wanted me to do the following:<br />
1. Meet a shipper he just arranged (at midnight mind you) at any location I choose.<br />
2. Was going to put $1250.00 in my paypal account on Monday, hours before I meet the shipper. This is $400 above my sale price.<br />
3. Take the extra $400 to pay the shipper<br />
4. Keep the $850<br />
Instantly my mind went..JIGGA WHAT!?!??!??! JIGGA WHO?!?!?!??!?!?!<br />
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But, hold up......something here DID NOT feel right. I mean, I am supposed to front $400 cash to a shipping company to ship a wedding dress? David can't pay them on credit card in advance? Who charges $400 to ship a dress? And Bekins Movers (the company David said he is using) is a moving company not shipping. So my fear is that I would front $400, give my dress, and the money he sends never clears Paypal. So I am out a dress and $400. YEAH- sorry David you are out of luck. </div>
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So I text him back that I don't feel comfortable with this and its a no go. He replies "I am a God Fearing Christian and I would do nothing against God's will." Yeah, this was a HUGE red flag and I knew I made the right choice. Whenever someone brings up their religion as a reason to trust them I usually start to back away quickly. My reply "That's great, good for you. But my will says not to do this. No sale! Sorry." </div>
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That was the last time I heard from David. I hope he found a wedding dress. </div>
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So, my dress is still here..waiting to move on....maybe I should try Ebay?</div>
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As much as I want to cut loose of this dress, I couldn't fall for this slimy scam. This dress represents my past - and its not who I am now. This dress filled with fancy beads, tons of fabric, that weighed heavy on my shoulders is not me, and truly never was. I am a happier, simpler, lighter now, and wouldn't have it any other way. I know this dress has a home somewhere, just like my past has a home in my mind where I don't think about it much. I move forward seeing the good ahead and don't let a huge, over beaded wedding gown slow me down anymore. And its all good ;) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wylPrlSdjmofy3C5rTetSlwdW9Y8wSAhKNGEXJ2SYurDFEo4sURGdQyzuOcrlAfLlHdHCNpro60uj22yRh5EX7k_SFw8aY2hltiB1X0N21vf-MT04r_TzVXf8AhaCgHb28vIbpqtL9k/s1600/20140616_204107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wylPrlSdjmofy3C5rTetSlwdW9Y8wSAhKNGEXJ2SYurDFEo4sURGdQyzuOcrlAfLlHdHCNpro60uj22yRh5EX7k_SFw8aY2hltiB1X0N21vf-MT04r_TzVXf8AhaCgHb28vIbpqtL9k/s1600/20140616_204107.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back - kiss my ass dress - its time for you to find a new home!</td></tr>
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I truly wish the dress all the best. I hope you had the time of your life in my closet for the last 14 years. LOL</div>
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Stay tuned, I swear I will write more :) Maybe even a vlog again...LOL. Fingers crossed. :) </div>
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Swag on my friends! </div>
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Follow me on twitter: Irishbelle2000</div>
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Follow me on instagram : Irishbelle78</div>
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SMILES TO ALL :) </div>
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Swaggermom! :) </div>
Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-22328753249010805912014-05-01T17:12:00.001-07:002014-05-01T17:12:39.300-07:00Pokemon Takeover of Swaggermom! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"GOTTA CATCH THEM ALL!!!!"<br />
<br />
That lyric is not just a catchy phrase - it is a command from Pokemon central that my kids will gladly follow! Swaggermom world has been overtaken by Poke-balls! Yep, BALLS! <br />
<br />
SOOOOOO.....somebody (wink wink) recently introduced my children to the joy that is Pokemon. They
are now official addicts to all things Pokemon. I am slowly learning
what this new world is all about, and I have to say this Pokemon stuff,
it RULES! To be honest, I needed a break from the 4000 piece LEGO
sets, hearing the "Everything is Awesome" song on repeat all day, and
the constant fights over who gets to use the "special pieces" as a
"Master Builder". I needed a LEGO break - Pokemon to the rescue! I am forever
grateful to our Pokemon Master. :) <br />
<br />So, tonight, I let the
boys explore their Pokemon love my making a video, because that is what a blog family does...LOL. It is unscripted and they
had a great time. Its again, SwaggerMom style - low budget and one
take. We had a good time making this, and hope it adds a little fun to
your Thursday night. Side note - I have been told that my only "Poke-power" is my pretty good Pikachu voice. Hey, at least I am still cool in their eyes. So I will take that complement as a win. <br />
<br />
PIKAAAAAACHUUUUUUU!!!!<br />
<br />
Swagger on and enjoy :) <br />
<br />
Follow me on Twitter - @Irishbelle2000<br />
Follow me on Instagram -@Irishbelle78<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HByS-eYp9bM" width="459"></iframe>Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-21875273136603239932014-03-09T21:19:00.000-07:002014-03-09T21:19:01.369-07:0090s Teens RULE!I'm writing again! I have some feelings for your faces soon, some awesome, new, amazing, fantastic, handsome, clever...oh wait...focus...writing about that soon - but I need to perfect it. In the meantime I have been thinking about my teen years a lot , and I think being a teen in the 90s was 'DA BOMB!<br />
<br />
I don't mean to brag but FUCK YEAH - us teens in the 90s were pretty fucking badass back in the day, and we have all pretty much maintained a level of awesome into our mid thirties. Do I dare say it...swagger? I have come to the conclusion, in my ripe old age of 36, that growing up in the 90s has given me and my peers a slight advantage in maintaining levels of cool as we grow up. I mean, anyone who remembers the 80s, didn't come out of it with a raging drug addiction, and can name at least 5 original Smurf characters is winning in my book.<br />
<br />
Let me elaborate...<br />
<br />
Swagger Mom's Top (oh fuck I dunno how many) reasons why kids of the 90s Kick ASS!!!!<br />
<br />
1. Anyone who could deal with the bipolarness (is that a word?) of the evolution of 90s music is a well rounded SOB who will NEVER judge anyone based on their musical tastes. I mean really, we started the decade with NKOTB at the top of the charts, a little GnR mixed in, THEN slid into the Alternative/Grunge world, throw some amazing brit pop and hip hop in there, then crawled out into a glittery Britney Spears toxic dream! We like it all! We have confused Pandora, Spotify and Itunes-Genius and we are proud of it. Side note - Admit it- you all STILL love this song, know all the words, and HAVE NOT A CLUE what is going on in the video. It is soooooo 90s. <br />
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<br />
2. We rock because we hit the thrift shops before Macklemore was telling us about "poppin tags" and sheets that smelled like piss. I recall Saturdays with my friends hitting Goodwill and Amvets for used clothes all the time. I had a little league tshirt I rocked for months with bell-bottom corduroys! Rock on! Nobody thought I was strange...well if they did, I never heard about it. <br />
<br />
3. We rock because before we hit the thrift shops in the late 90s we wore the SHIT outta the JCPenny catalog. If it matched...we wore it! I mean look at this stuff! We wore this crap with pride ya'll! You talk about the Honey Badger not giving a fuck.... us preteens of the 90s clearly didn't give a fuck! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16n8-wsq_8Y/Ux07Wry4g-I/AAAAAAAAASY/iUltUbM2zmc/s1600/jcp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16n8-wsq_8Y/Ux07Wry4g-I/AAAAAAAAASY/iUltUbM2zmc/s1600/jcp.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't they look happy in their new fall gear?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
4. We had Channel One News! - enough said!<br />
<br />
5.We rock because we had Wayne's World. So help me if date a man who has no appreciation for that movie. I will walk - I swear to God he could look like any member of NKOTB and if he hates Wayne's World I will toss out the door. I could write pages and pages about this movie - but basically it was THE movie that we all loved and remembered in our preteen years. Before we could all quote Adam Sandler movies, Tommy Boy or American Pie - there was Wayne's World. <br />
"What am I gonna do with a gun rack?!??!"<br />
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<br />
6. We rock because we DID NOT HAVE CELL PHONES! Maybe the occasional "car phone" for emergency use only..but no social media, no facebook, no twitter, no snapchat, no kik, no instagram, no text messages, no instant access to ANYONE! We had friendships and relationships face to face. We talked on the phone for hours. We waited for voice messages when we came home. We didn't check our phones every 5 minutes or update our status' every hour. We lived and died on call waiting and caller id. We still were able to have dates, meet up with friends, and survive without the use of smartphones. How did we do it??? We are survivors bitches! I dare any kid now to live a day without their smartphone. They wouldn't last an hour. My college dorm at St. Marys had land lines - single ring meant it was an on campus call (boring), but a double ring meant it was an off campus call ...OMG OMG OMG its a boy calling!!!!.....maybe a Notre Dame boy! I shit you not, you hear your phone go on a double ring and you will run out of the shower and down the hall to catch that call. No joke - I have seen it first hand.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhiaEC_na-CD6p7xLwKYrzvVCMOOf_t3Ewb7IjH0-muS5gc7kjHpTwmJN4tb9E-ZnJLemh5JeLQlM_QDGyT_9dXgpE3UTsEBTHAIpmf7tP2Vg5L66GpEgxZHiBw79QscZ0Vk-71_lIZo/s1600/bag+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhiaEC_na-CD6p7xLwKYrzvVCMOOf_t3Ewb7IjH0-muS5gc7kjHpTwmJN4tb9E-ZnJLemh5JeLQlM_QDGyT_9dXgpE3UTsEBTHAIpmf7tP2Vg5L66GpEgxZHiBw79QscZ0Vk-71_lIZo/s1600/bag+phone.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that BEAST of a phone! Talk about ease of use and portability! Bag phone was where its at!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
7. Rollerblades! It was THE gift we all wanted one Christmas. I recall getting a pair and then realizing I had NOWHERE to use them, no ride to take me to a roller park, and no one to skate with...so yeah, Christmas 1993 fail!<br />
Also, wearing rollerblading gear as everyday fashion - it was HOT! HAHA - who doesn't love spandex shorts and tank tops on the daily? We all looked amazing! Paired with some Reebox pumps, about 5 pairs of multi-colored socks stacked up, a kickin side pony-tail and a fanny pack and we were ready to hit the mall. No wonder I NEVER had a date in Junior High! Yikes! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOjAg-OvdmE/Ux0e2fuQNsI/AAAAAAAAARs/Qn1A7-1jEbs/s1600/1659-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOjAg-OvdmE/Ux0e2fuQNsI/AAAAAAAAARs/Qn1A7-1jEbs/s1600/1659-1.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They look so bitchin'!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I could go on and on about how I have come to this epiphany about being a preteen and then teen in the 90s. I think we had it pretty damn good. It looks like the teens of now are looking back at us and seeing what awesomeness we were! I can't walk through a Macy's juniors department without thinking I am in an episode of Blossom. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyII_sm_qeCYUV-bO919ZT7PKernWXqt0uxCzycuI8NvcPDes3qJ_LQsA426EKBQBZL-RK1NjxMutYkdX8zuhCRUyuYRyXE6xmY9HD8RCBg2ntejigCHECVT4cdO2ptz-0HofALzrzOqk/s1600/blossomcast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyII_sm_qeCYUV-bO919ZT7PKernWXqt0uxCzycuI8NvcPDes3qJ_LQsA426EKBQBZL-RK1NjxMutYkdX8zuhCRUyuYRyXE6xmY9HD8RCBg2ntejigCHECVT4cdO2ptz-0HofALzrzOqk/s1600/blossomcast.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like, Whoa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Half shirts, flower prints, flannels around the waist, leggings, over-sized sweaters, overalls and babydoll dresses - oh my! Maybe its the current teen generations way of saying - "You rock kids of the 90s! We missed out!" Yes, yes, y'all did.<br />
<br />
So, to all my friends who think being in their 30s now sucks.....shut that shit down! We grew up in the best time possible and it made us the swaggy badass adults we are today!<br />
<br />
Rock on kids of the 90s! Just wait till we are all in our 70s - we are going to be the coolest grandparents on the block! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz86LZdfOGksGUtHrRP4cposeJmkadjS7IKzbUpjKxHPmdL-sk1k6pVRcULn5DyXrqEROUZ__K8fMW4T4ryDidwrXYl7A1GdQxRE-2vlhRiVPjAPWu_Puvde0C78WZbbroULBR2wI55UI/s1600/molly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz86LZdfOGksGUtHrRP4cposeJmkadjS7IKzbUpjKxHPmdL-sk1k6pVRcULn5DyXrqEROUZ__K8fMW4T4ryDidwrXYl7A1GdQxRE-2vlhRiVPjAPWu_Puvde0C78WZbbroULBR2wI55UI/s1600/molly.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooh yeah! 1991 all up in your face! Me in my white jean glory! Headband big enough for ya?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"Party on Wayne!"<br />
<br />
Til next time - swag on!<br />
<br />
Next time - well, you will see :)<br />
<br />
Follow me<br />
Irishbelle2000 - twitter<br />
Irishbelle78 - Instagram <br />
<br />
<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-83416808563646753732014-02-22T19:29:00.001-08:002014-02-22T19:29:37.036-08:00Friday Night Wine!!!!!!! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPtJADlqL_E/UwgAqRbzBMI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/DEyHmhUbDJo/s1600/For-the-win...or-was-that-the-wine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPtJADlqL_E/UwgAqRbzBMI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/DEyHmhUbDJo/s1600/For-the-win...or-was-that-the-wine.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Hi
Ladies and Gents! So it seems I have a Friday night free....so what do I
do with my solo time in my apartment? I decided to review a bottle of
wine recommended to me by two blog buddies, and I am so glad I did! So
here it goes.<br />
Warning:<br />
<br />
1. I am not, nor do I pretend to be a wine connoisseur. I am a mom who likes to drink wine.<br />
<br />
2. I am not an alcoholic - I just like to drink. Take that for what you want.<br />
<br />
3. I am not crazy - I just like to video myself drinking wine. Problem?<br />
<br />
With that out of the way we can move ahead. So the wine in question is 19 Crimes.<br />
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/cBz_jptaXkk/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/cBz_jptaXkk&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/cBz_jptaXkk&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
Here is a rad video about this wine...<br />
<br />
It
is a red wine from South East Australia - and HOLY SHIT - as I am
typing this I realized it is 13% alcohol/volume! WHOOHOO! This is good
stuff!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYap3WeKsQRi457K_aZGxiPPrLus5304sc6ICpzEsHVBzt5jR9czqvW5bIJhhxMTS-IGZBhfX7gc39sc6PgsB-rMGJdzNIBmfI40B8shpJKdqG7EnNZY2ptcGtl6br9W2PTpykkBchhxE/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYap3WeKsQRi457K_aZGxiPPrLus5304sc6ICpzEsHVBzt5jR9czqvW5bIJhhxMTS-IGZBhfX7gc39sc6PgsB-rMGJdzNIBmfI40B8shpJKdqG7EnNZY2ptcGtl6br9W2PTpykkBchhxE/s1600/DSCN0145.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> wine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So
basically I like it. I will buy it again. Its a tad heavier than I
like, but for the price at level of tipsy you will become off of it -
its a wine win in my book! 7 out of 5 stars! Oh my, think it is time for
my silly little video to do the talking/typing...whatever.<br />
<br />
Enjoy....<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ePzwSUt5xjk" width="459"></iframe> <br />
As you can clearly see I have no problem making an idiot out of myself on camera in the name of alcohol. But I enjoyed it and I hope you at least smiled a little.<br />
<br />
Now go check out my friends Brian of <a href="http://www.reviewtheworld.com/" target="_blank">www.reviewtheworld.com</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AudioAlpha?feature=watch" target="_blank">Chris: Audio-Alpha</a>, review the same wine.<br />
<br />
Click the link people! You will be happy you did!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjqiW5K2ooA" target="_blank">19 Crimes Review by Chris: Audio-Alpha and Brian of Review the World</a><br />
<br />
Both awesome guys from Cincinnati and I am honored to be part of the review team for this project! <br />
<br />
<br />
I assure you, it will far surpass mine in quality and entertainment value. And remember - keeping swagger means finding time for you, for fun, for being silly - no matter what. Whatever keeps you sane keeps your swag on! I am 36 - I am not dead!<br />
<br />
Get your wine and swag on! Just like the master of all swag! Neil FUCKING Diamond! Sing it Neil!<br />
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<br />
Until next time - hopefully sooner than later.<br />
Cheers and have a great weekend!<br />
Follow me at<br />
@Irishbelle2000 on twitter<br />
@Irishbelle78 on instagramSwagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-51439474892341541472014-01-29T20:45:00.000-08:002014-01-29T20:50:52.101-08:00Stale Chips and Forgotten FriendshipsHoly Shit! <br />
<br />
I am 36 years old! How in the hell did this happen? I swear it was 1990 only 10 years ago. I don't feel 36 at all (or whatever that feels like). I think I am more of a 29..ha ha humor me here. I just cannot wrap my mind around being over the hill of 35 already!<br />
<br />
In my old age (ha ha) I have realized that I need very little to survive. I have left so much behind. Things that to this day I have not missed or looked for. I moved from a home of almost 5000 square feet to 1100sq feet. That means I took only what I needed to survive.... yikes, instantly I am transported to this moment when I say that line....<br />
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<br />
The morning of my birthday we had a snow day called for school, and the boys and I were trapped in our apartment for the day. Yes, me and a 7 year old and a 5 year old in an apartment - all day! Times 2 days of this, plus the weekend we had already. I needed to find a project to busy myself and to make use of this time before I lost it completely. Enter my unorganized pantry. It was organized at one point, but now it was a complete disaster. I struggle to not label myself a hoarder, but I think I may fall into that category. Food goes in - never comes out! But my apartment is clean people - just don't look in any closets or drawers. SHHHHH! <br />
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Begin the great clean out. Ok - so what did I find back here. Oh, let me get really embarrassed now. Stale raisins, opened and stale Cheerios, a bag of Halloween Oreos, a bag of popcorn dated July 2013 , and GASP an unfinished and stale bag of Doritos - I am ashamed. This is just a few of the highlights. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my shame</td></tr>
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Sorting though all that nonsense on my birthday I came to a "light bulb" moment.<br />
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Throwing away shit feels good! <br />
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Throwing away shit feels really good!<br />
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Throwing away shit feels really fucking good!<br />
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All this crap I had in this pantry that I didn't really need anymore was blocking my view of what I needed. The items I use daily, and the staples every pantry needs to function. I had filled this pantry with garbage and it needed to be purged.<br />
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Then, hold on, it got even deeper. As I am dragging a bag of stale crap to the trash chute - I think about the people I have in my life. Not about dragging them into a trash chute..literally, but figuratively. I have a problem with collecting people and never letting them go. They sit around in my life (getting old and stale and useless) but I just can't part with them. They have been negative and downers and don't offer any use other than to piss me off. There are a few people like that in my life that I need to just be an adult and move on from. They are not a positive force in my life, they are blocking the few of the essentials and I need throw them away.<br />
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Just like when I left my life in 5000 square feel behind - I took only what I needed to survive. Such it is with the people I choose to surround myself with. Yes, have certain relationships fallen to the side - you betcha'! But with those out of the way I see the ones that truly I need to survive. Those other ones were cluttering my view of what I really needed - positive, supportive, loving people who care about me, my kids, and my future - genuinely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH1ECNubuqmwJ-2pbCPDQmx70_qKbXIsyN-_EvwgYTLtZM95IjHFcJHWdnU820uib9Q84yZ8OejMPQqFw6fharSReTxDZZpds2nftEDd26kD_mURuHVmAR0WU7LxVDK-byNvY92QyZ8s/s1600/DSCN0138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH1ECNubuqmwJ-2pbCPDQmx70_qKbXIsyN-_EvwgYTLtZM95IjHFcJHWdnU820uib9Q84yZ8OejMPQqFw6fharSReTxDZZpds2nftEDd26kD_mURuHVmAR0WU7LxVDK-byNvY92QyZ8s/s1600/DSCN0138.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">You have no idea how much better this is! </td></tr>
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No more cluttered pantry. No more cluttered mind. No more collecting people who don't care about me and letting them sit around and never leave. I cleaned out this closet bitches!<br />
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So, if I haven't given you your pink slip notice yet that you are on your way out with me, you are safe, for now. I am a blessed girl to be surrounded by such awesome people, and moving forward I see great things ahead. Maintaining swagger by keeping a tidy pantry!? See, and you thought I had no good Mom Life advice! <br />
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Ok - phew that was a heavy blog - but I felt compelled to say it. I warned you all , this is a soapbox of random. <br />
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Next time - more on the light and fun side - I promise. I also told you that with the new year I would be putting "feelings all up in your face"! See I deliver! I love my friends - and know that I am not a rotting bag of Cheetos in your pantry of people. I strive to be there for everyone I care about - everyone.<br />
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Goodnight y'all, and don't be a stale chip! <br />
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Until next time...<br />
Swag on!<br />
Molly<br />
Irishbelle2000 - Twitter<br />
Irishbelle78 - instagram<br />
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<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-18207883182659855612014-01-14T22:41:00.003-08:002014-01-15T05:19:14.163-08:00East meets West meets South - in the Midwest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Mall! In big cities and towns across the country everyone has "the mall". We all have memories that come to mind when you think of "the mall". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">All malls have an actual name but mallrats and mallwalkers alike always will refer to it as -"the mall". Its part of the experience of growing up in America. Entire movies have been made in homage to the mall culture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In my preteen and teen years the mall was where I went to escape from my family and be 'independant' , even for a short time. Wandering the aisles of Tower Records, trying on and never buying clothes, and just being a un-paying annoyance to the mall employees in general. I had it all, until I had to use my quarter and call my mom. She would then ride up in her Cutlass Cruiser to Lenox Mall and pick me and my friends up. But until that happened we were the queen bees of that mall, and most importantly its Food Court.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> As a teen being able to decide what you wanted to eat , when and where was a BIG FECKIN' DEAL! The sights, the smells, the choices! It was always overwhelming and I usually went for my old standbys - the always alluring Chinese food stand. Today we are taking a trip back to a mall and reliving my mallrat days of eating Chinese food in the food court. Different state, different mall, but surprisingly felt very familiar to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I live in South Bend, Indiana. This is at the top center of the state of Indiana. Basically its Michigan, so much so that the area is nicknamed "Michiana" -jealous now? The mall is not in South Bend. The mall is in Mishawaka which is a suburb of sorts (as much as a town the size of South Bend can have a suburb), and it is called The University Park Mall- because we are also the town that is the home of The University of Notre Dame - so sports and cornfields is all we got out here. The University Park Mall has a food court and the name of this food court is - DRUMROLL PLEASE>>>>>Tidbits Field Food Hall!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> BEHOLD! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Welcome to our FOOD HALL! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> So I had my kids with me, and we were ready to make fools of ourselves in the Food Court - ahem, correction - Food Hall. Here is Alex amidst the tables and chairs in the center of the Hall. All the various food stands surround this eating area in a kind of two semi circles. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kqTiqaiUt4/UtS5zKEF1iI/AAAAAAAAAOU/JdK-JkbL7Rw/s1600/DSCN0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--kqTiqaiUt4/UtS5zKEF1iI/AAAAAAAAAOU/JdK-JkbL7Rw/s320/DSCN0107.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He has no idea why he is smiling. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My kids were thrilled to get out of the house for a bit. We were in the midst of a deep freeze here in Michiana and getting out of our tiny apartment was a BIG adventure during our Christmas vacation. This is also why the mall is practically empty while we were there. We were the entertainment for the Food Hall vendors. They appreciated our antics tremendously - I think. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The big draw at the Food Hall is the "ride". My kids acted like complete nerds on this ride...I was so proud! My boys shouted "Yeehaw" "Live fast - take chances!" and a made up song called "This Ride is Creepy!" that I am angry I did not video. I was laughing so hard and fantically feeding quarters into the machine to keep this nonsense up longer. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdfFgx1xUyeRC9VUNANtTki0qXGLm7uwdT1je4fzA4b5rShl7d48fsit111qM5gNfdOJ7B2yAtUbfVWW1pXJBW4Yeows8nZ_8qz03otK_TMqZ0WTt01iRKG15pMuA0Brh2GKqAt_Chw/s1600/DSCN0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAdfFgx1xUyeRC9VUNANtTki0qXGLm7uwdT1je4fzA4b5rShl7d48fsit111qM5gNfdOJ7B2yAtUbfVWW1pXJBW4Yeows8nZ_8qz03otK_TMqZ0WTt01iRKG15pMuA0Brh2GKqAt_Chw/s320/DSCN0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We were mall entertainment for a while that day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72hoS0W2lso/UtS7MQ8RmyI/AAAAAAAAAOc/H0VdpDcu-U0/s1600/DSCN0115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72hoS0W2lso/UtS7MQ8RmyI/AAAAAAAAAOc/H0VdpDcu-U0/s320/DSCN0115.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This kid laughs all day long- but riding a big blue dog is pretty funny!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So we settled in to get lunch. I spied two, count them, TWO Chinese stands to choose from. The first was Panda Express - a national chain that I have eaten a dozen times before. Its good, but I wanted to try something different. I scan the semi-circle and I almost had to rub my eyes in disbelief....there is was....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-lgV_bvF_E/UtTA1x1xlpI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ns3jCbkhhQo/s1600/DSCN0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-lgV_bvF_E/UtTA1x1xlpI/AAAAAAAAAOs/ns3jCbkhhQo/s320/DSCN0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">YES! Your eyes do not decieve you! In the middle of Michiana on a snow day in a deserted mall you can have it all! East meets West, meets South in the Midwest! - Chao Cajun! It is the Cajun Asian experience that I never knew I was missing!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1453339_10151932336118920_1439057637_n.jpg" style="height: 543px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 407px;" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Loved the little signs. Kind of wanted to snag the crab rangoon one, but those days are behind me. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, ordering was already awkward here because the workers had witnessed my kids and I taking photos, singing weird songs on a ride, and generally being goofy in the middle of a deserted food court..ahem hall , sorry...for the better part of 30 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I walked up and was instantly overwhelmed. Do I go Cajun or Asian? Or do I mix them? This was a cross culture taste mix I never knew was possible. Well friends, it is possible, here in beautiful Mishawaka, Indiana! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I decided on Sweet and Sour Chicken (my usual), beef with broccoli and udon noodles in a bourbon sauce...all served with a side of dirty rice or fried rice. Well, not being a fan of dirty rice I went for the fried rice - sorry ya'll I lose my Southern Belle card for that one. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1545672_10151934300833920_881205468_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1545672_10151934300833920_881205468_n.jpg" style="height: 543px; width: 407px;" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old standby - Chic-fil-A</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Food in hand I went back to the table to eat. My children, being lured already by Chic-fil-A, were 3 nuggets deep in thier kids meal and wanted nothing to do with my Cajun Asian experiment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The food smelled great and I was starving. I worked out that morning and ate nothing till this moment because this was DEFINITELY not part of my diet and I wanted to enjoy every bite! I had saved up all day for this moment! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMjPPNbseCc/UtTLLj8skfI/AAAAAAAAAO4/TmYeY4CbZdk/s1600/DSCN0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMjPPNbseCc/UtTLLj8skfI/AAAAAAAAAO4/TmYeY4CbZdk/s320/DSCN0126.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Yep - a big plate of sweet and sour, bourbon glazed noodle goodness! CARB LOAD ME BABY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Overall it was not a dissapointment. It tasted like is should have. The chicken was fried in TONS of batter and the sause was more sweet than sour, which I expect. The beef and broclli was good, but not the best I have ever had. But, the best part were the bouron glazed noodles. They had awesome flavor and mixed well with the sweet and sour chicken. It was a lot of food for the money. I paid $7.99 for all of this. I will also admit here that I barely was able to finish it. It was all so heavy and filling that about 10 bites in and I was calling it quits. The owner noticed I had not finished and came out with a to-go box for me. He reminded me that "Mom's need to eat too!" - and sometimes honestly I do forget. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So the food was good. It was filling. It tasted as advertised, and I am forever grateful that I can now say I had Cajun Asian food! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being sly trying to photo the Cajun Asian</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It did bring me back to my teen years at first bite. Eating a plate full of carbs on a styrafoam plate, carried on a tray, in a food court filled with other temptations. It made me miss those days when deciding what to eat at the food court with your friends was the biggest decision you had to make that day. The food court/hall will forever trigger those memories - especially when I plate piled high in noodles and sweet and sour chicken is involved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I hope you enjoyed this visit to the University Park Mall and to Chao Cajun. Hungry for more mall trips and chinese food stand reviews? OF COURSE YOU ARE!!!!! Click on the links of all my wonderful blogging friends who also did the same project as me. Its like taking a vacation to malls around America! Enjoy and thanks for reading! These guys are all great and you will love what you read! SO GET READING! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Will/Bill/Billy from VeggieMacabre - <a href="http://www.veggiemacabre.com/" target="_blank">www.veggiemacabre.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Matt from Dinosaur Dracula - <a href="http://dinosaurdracula.com/" target="_blank">http://dinosaurdracula.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Brian from Review the World - <a href="http://reviewtheworldblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/food-court-chinese-group-project.html" target="_blank">http://reviewtheworldblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/food-court-chinese-group-project.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jay from The Sexy Armpit-<a href="http://www.thesexyarmpit.com/" target="_blank">www.thesexyarmpit.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Side note - THIS place has amazing Chinese food in South Bend - Ho Ping House!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any friends in town - THIS is where we are going! </td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I mean look at the badass terracotta warriors defending it. No, seriously its good. It also is even cooler because it used to be a Denny's not so long ago. I think Ho Ping House may translate roughly to "This used to be Denny's". This will be my next project...I think....you will have to stay tuned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Until next time! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Swag on! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">@Irishbelle2000 - Twitter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">@Irishbelle78-Instagram</span><br />
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Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-71414819749699780622014-01-12T14:52:00.001-08:002014-01-12T14:52:22.035-08:00Popping pebbles!<br />
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Were
the spicy Doritos not enough?<br />
<br />
Are you not entertained?<br />
<br />
Just kidding -
we are back! And we are giving you what you asked for - more videos of
me and my boys trying strange foods.
A new level of swagger is being achieved here I think. But hell, if it
entertains you and brings you back - let us keep that camera rolling.<br />
<br />
Today
I thought I would be clever and switch regular Fruity Pebbles cereal
with the new Poppin' Fruity Pebbles and see how the boys reacted. A lot
depended on the element of surprise. I switched the boxes so they
wouldn't suspect. Sneaky Swagger Mom, so sneaky.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with box of "regular" Pebbles - unaware that the inside contained the Poppin Pebbles</td></tr>
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<br />
Now
I will leave the description of this amazing new cereal to my friend
The Holidaze. He did an amazing review of this product. Click the link
here to go to his fantastic page, read more about it, and follow an
amazing blog! DO IT! <a href="http://www.the-holidaze.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://www.the-holidaze.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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Ok, so now you know what I am testing on my poor, unsuspecting children. So it all went down like this... <br />
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So,
there you have it folks - my kids and I tried the Poppin' Pebbles and
they want to eat it all the time. But for my money I want a whole box of
just the green poppin' balls, and I want to wash it all down with a ice
cold Coca-Cola! THAT would be a "breakfast of champions"! I live on
the dangerous side - I know! HAHA <br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed
this little Sunday distraction. A lot more swagger coming your way. I
promise it won't all be my kids and I eating odd foods. Some great stuff
ahead - all random, all real, and all fun. 2014 - so far I have no
complaints, lets keep this up!<br />
<br />
Until next time!<br />
Swag on!<br />
Molly - Swagger Mom<br />
@Irishbelle2000 - Twitter<br />
@Irishbelle78 - Instagram<br />
<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-27604129142742540602014-01-07T14:04:00.002-08:002014-01-07T14:04:31.293-08:00Spice up your snow day! <br />
Trapped!<br />
Its unbearably cold outside and I am stuck inside going on day 2 of a snow day.<br />
<br />
I needed something hot - ASAP! And since Johnathan Rhys Meyers has not called me back about moving into the vacant apartment across the hall from me ...yet, I needed to get some spice somewhere else. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Ahh, Johnathan Rhys Meyers - yes the apartment is still available - call me! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Thank goodness there are Doritos! I live above a 7/11 and I found Doritos Flamas there the other day! I have never heard of these so of course I had to try, since - as I have explained before I am a Doritos addict. So since it was a snow day and I was bored here is a glimpse of me and my boys eating Doritos..wow, and I wonder why I am still single! Enjoy! BTW - the whole video is worth it for just the last 5 seconds -watch the little one bottom right - priceless! <br />
<br />
<br />
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I hope you enjoyed our little experiment into video blogging. Who knows we may do it again. Although I hate my voice and my face on film so I will have to get over that first - I sound crazy and I look bloated - nice right?! As you can see we are not professionals and we don't edit. We are one take - 3, 2, 1, action over here. If you like that style you are in luck!<br />
<br />
Hope everyone is staying warm - if not add a little spice to your day with some Flamas Doritos - you won't regret it! :) Although I think my little one will. ;/<br />
<br />
Until next time - keep your swagger on! <br />
<br />
@Irishbelle2000 - twitter<br />
@irishbelle78 - instagramSwagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-15040282729708751242014-01-01T17:38:00.001-08:002014-01-01T17:38:15.539-08:00New Years Eve Hell - Lessons Learned for 2014 This was my "Coming to Jesus!" moment yall! In a locked bedroom with the bass line of terrible house music pumping through the floor. A moment I never saw coming. <br />
<br />
I should have known better! I am a well educated woman, but the desire to have a kid free night out on New Years Eve sounded too good to be true and hard to resist. <br />
<br />
Originally my plan was to stay home, eat Doritios, make a resolution not to eat Doritios anymore, eat more Doritios, watch Ryan Seacrest count down the year surrounded by bad pop music artists, and go to bed. Sounds stellar right?? Well, only if it makes me as cool as these kids! OMG is that a VEST AND ACID WASH JEANS!!!!!<br />
<br />
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Well, at the last minute I was offered the chance to go out with a girl I went to St. Mary's College with - to of all things a huge house party - complete with DJs and bartenders! This is kinda what I was envisioning.....<br />
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<br />
If only the party had been that cool. Anyway, as a single mom of two having a night out without kids is rare and so I jumped at the chance. Also note I have not been out for New Years since 1997. So, there is that too.<br />
<br />
So I had my plans and I was ready to have fun with my girlfriend, drink, dance and ring in 2014 - because THIS IS MY YEAR! <br />
<br />
Also note - this party is an hour and a half away in Ft. Wayne. I live in South Bend - this was not a simple drive down the street. This took effort. This took time and coordination. Well, I arrive ready to have a great night. What do I see?<br />
<br />
1. House is PACKED full of people.<br />
2. House is SOOOOO loud with what I think they call "music" I can't hear myself think.<br />
3. Bartender is overwhelmed and getting a drink is IMPOSSIBLE!<br />
4. One of the 2 DJs is passed out next to his sound board<br />
5. The ONLY music playing is techno house that was made by these two DJs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only photo I caught the whole night - for fear of getting my ass kicked. This is the state of music today. This is the sound board of the passed out DJ. </td></tr>
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<br />
I recognize my friend and thank God there is someone in this maze that I know. We sit and chat and soon the passed out DJ awakens. He begins talking to us and then all of a sudden he switches into a British accent , and no this is not some clever party game..this shit is REAL! His accent is terrible by the way! My friend and I asked him to stop talking and his reply: "Ladies this is me real voice - bloody right.." - I think he was either high or an idiot, hmmm both. <br />
<br />
YEAH, OK, We are going to back away now..slowly. I so wanted to leave already, but I did manage to get a few drinks so I needed to stay a bit. It was still early. I was a guest of my friend and I didn't want to be rude and leave so early. I liked seeing my college girl so I figured I would stay till midnight and then leave. <br />
<br />
Time passed and I went to find a "Ladies Room" and a place to hide in peace in this massive home. I get upstairs and I hear a FAKE British accent and panic. OH FUCK its that horrid drunk DJ!!!!! I hear this terrible cockney accent getting closer behind me "Aren't you that Irish Molly??? Girl, I'm talking to you! You're pretty cute for fuckin Irish." UGH - go away!!!! I was trying to find a room to just hide in until New Years was over and now this lunatic was following me! Fortunately, I didn't have to make small talk with this weirdo. He leaned against the door frame to try to tell me some story -which I believe was about how he already had a bottle and a half of Kettle One today and then promptly fell over and banged his head on the floor. Then crawled toward the bed in that room and I never saw him again. Yep - the life of a a techno/house DJ yall. FAIL. Please note, I was laughing hysterically this whole time, but also ready to kick him in the balls if he tried to lay a hand on me. <br />
<br />
So, now here I was. Changed into yoga pants and sweatshirt and chilling in a locked bedroom in a home I have never been to, in a town I don't know, surrounded by people I don't really care about Enter Twitter and my text messages to rescue me. Thank you! It also made instantly clear to me that I (again to quote Clerks) - shouldn't even be here today! I knew exactly where I would much rather have been! UGH - LIFE!<br />
<br />
HOW DID THIS FUCKING HAPPEN????<br />
<br />
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Finally I heard the countdown. Ran downstairs, made the obligatory goodbyes and thanks. Grabbed my bag and headed out the door. I wanted to be home. I didn't care what time. I wanted to be home. So as I am running out the back door to get to my car I run into a fight. BAD TIMING. Large group of people, everyone is shoving, I get an elbow to the face and fall into the door frame (just like MR. DJ). It was the back of my head so no marks, but it hurts like hell today. So if you don't hear from me again, well you know what happend. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less swollen today - fair skin bruises easy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
BUT OH MY GOD!!! I can't get outta here fast enough.<br />
<br />
SO, driving home through the cornfields of Northern Indiana in now January and there is a snow storm. What should have been an hour and a half drive home turned into 3! SO I had a lot of time to think about my New Years Eve.<br />
Here is what I learned at the House Party from Hell-<br />
<br />
DON'T WAIT! LIFE IS TOO FUCKING SHORT! DON'T SETTLE! <br />
<br />
Don't wait around for life to happen! - Its not going to be handed to me, I have to actively make it happen. I am done waiting for someone to invite me to "house parties" full of weirdos. I can do better. <br />
<br />
Speak up and say what you want! - All I wanted to do while sitting in this hell was to talk to people I care about. Life is too short to not tell others what you are really thinking - in all types of relationships. Be honest, and tell others you care. If I like you, I will tell you/show you. I am very honest. I need to speak up more and tell others what I want and how I feel - maybe they don't want to hear it - but life is too short to be quiet. <br />
<br />
Don't settle! I settled for this party because I was bored. That was dumb! I should have stayed home. The people I truly care about were not at this party and it was painfully obvious to me when I locked myself in that bedroom that I should have been somewhere else. I might not have been able to be where I wanted to truly be, but I would not have been wasting my breath in this hell party. <br />
<br />
My new motto for 2014 : <br />
DON'T WAIT! LIFE IS TOO FUCKING SHORT! DON'T SETTLE! BE HAPPY!<br />
<br />
I can't wait to start 2014! I know where I want this year to go, and hopefully the people I want along for the ride are up for it. That includes all of you - if you are reading this than you must give about my existence a little...LOL.<br />
<br />
That night of hell taught me that life is too short to waste around people who don't give a shit about me! And its too short to not tell the people you care about how you feel. So get ready for some "feelings" all up in your faces this year! DEAL WITH IT! <br />
<br />
Lets rock 2014! I wish you all the happiest of new years, but please note THIS IS MY YEAR BABY! LOL JK - we can share the good times ahead.<br />
<br />
Here's to US YALL! CHEERS TO 2014!!!! If I could sing this to you all I would! <br />
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<br />
Until next time.<br />
Swagger on!<br />
@irishbelle2000 - twitter<br />
@irishbelle78 - instagram <br />
<br />
<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-70465957605197579842013-12-26T23:35:00.001-08:002013-12-26T23:35:05.942-08:00Driving the lean bacon! <div style="text-align: left;">
"Move over bacon! Time for something leaner!" Yes! and it still tastes like bacon! Mmmm...bacon!!! NOM NOM NOM!</div>
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Admit it! We all love bacon! Its hard to imagine a world without bacon! We know its so very bad for us, but we keep stuffing our faces with it. Well, I am going out on a limb here and compare my vehicle to, yep..you guessed it...bacon!<br />
<br />
We all need some mode of transport. Since I cannot own a Sandspeeder (yet) and my request for a Millennium Falcon is on backorder(shhh), I have to go with a normal automobile. Yes - I said automobile.....<br />
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<br />
As a mom of two and a then family of four, the logical - the societal norm was to rock a mini van. Well, that's what we did. So we(ahem..I) did a search for mini vans all just a few mere months before my second child was born. I admit it...the sliding doors, dvd, double moon roof, seat heaters, satellite radio, navi, and bluetooth was all very alluring. But truth be told, I decided on the Toyota Sienna because it has the most "bacon-y" full swag you tube commercial out there....BEHOLD- the reason behind my mini-van purchase. Correction - not just a mini van..it was the SWAGGER WAGON! <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Ah, yes...marketers love me. I will fall for a slick advertisement anytime(recall the Mickey Mouse talking phone from earlier posts?). But yes, that is why I bought a mini van...this ad sold me some bacon...some full fat...swaggy....delicious...family friendly bacon! I wanted to be that slick in my Swagger Wagon! <br />
<br />
FAST FORWARD!<br />
<br />
Well...here we are now 2013 - almost 2014 (thank God I need a fresh start here) and I no longer need the full fat ride. I need something much leaner. Momma needs a new swaggy ride. Single Swagger Mom does not look so fly rollin' up to dinner, the bars...wherever, in a mini van...even it if it called a Swagger Wagon.<br />
<br />
So I went to the dealer the other day and traded in my bacon for something leaner. I have now a RAV4 Limited! Its the Sizzlean of mom vehicles. I feel like I lost 50 pounds in a day and I look like a total badass! <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt2YGtHKxZ5URYrLSPwOIrDII2TFqRb3NTRBPi5lT9NGf9Pe7_8cO3nlkTSiOMuGsr4MQll8YC0TKfio69_cuUOxwkIUsgG1rBYFk3PgKYr0GLtd-Air0WuQJ8emaRgbIrHb4fl_BmsM/s1600/BcCJ1WpCMAAur0l_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimt2YGtHKxZ5URYrLSPwOIrDII2TFqRb3NTRBPi5lT9NGf9Pe7_8cO3nlkTSiOMuGsr4MQll8YC0TKfio69_cuUOxwkIUsgG1rBYFk3PgKYr0GLtd-Air0WuQJ8emaRgbIrHb4fl_BmsM/s320/BcCJ1WpCMAAur0l_002.jpg" width="320" /></a>This car is so much more me! This car is exactly what the boys and I needed! I mean come on!!!! Its practically a baby!!!! Its much cuter than the van. It gets better mileage and the payment each month is much more manageable for this mom.<br />
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The only thing that is pretty creepy about it is that is can read aloud my texts and picture messages can come though on it when I have the bluetooth connected. So, I will just leave that bluetooth off...just saying....LOL.<br />
<br />
Overall, I am super happy with this decision. I feel sexier, swaggier, younger and like I lost 50 pounds. I don't feel like I should be wearing "Mom-jeans" either...not that I ever did wear those. If you know me in real life you know that I would NEVER rock the "Mom- jeans". I'm a lean, mean, driving machine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my car - love it</td></tr>
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<br />
A new car.<br />
A new kind of bacon.<br />
A fresh start.<br />
A new year ahead!<br />
<br />
Swagger on!<br />
@Irishbele2000 - Twitter<br />
@Irishbelle78 - Instagram (and come on - I know some of you don't follow me yet here...lol )<br />
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See you next time! Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-85360501423141819552013-12-22T14:43:00.001-08:002013-12-22T14:43:22.613-08:00I Licked it! Let me start with saying....this was not my idea! I should have left this review to the professionals...but I got hooked in.<br />
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So here it goes. <br />
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So I went across the street from my apartment one day to Urban Outfitters - ok before you unfollow me completely for falling into their trap let me explain. They do have some random crazy stuff in there - and I am all about random crazy stuff. If you got a Christmas gift from me this year- odds are a good amount of what I sent you is from there. Anyway, I am minding my own and I stumble on these beauties.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bQh9lt8x-W2lSfCNRTCBQCmIV0ecwtm3Ee9tTW0btEzsYW7vrUYWlLjLqPwIr_GMSzNIuVP3Q-8wlKVyG43kEfTacXJWHKIWA_Q-1XJfXYdbsOpDAElg9xx3CnoKnpFv_VvqXTiP3Pg/s1600/DSCN0029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bQh9lt8x-W2lSfCNRTCBQCmIV0ecwtm3Ee9tTW0btEzsYW7vrUYWlLjLqPwIr_GMSzNIuVP3Q-8wlKVyG43kEfTacXJWHKIWA_Q-1XJfXYdbsOpDAElg9xx3CnoKnpFv_VvqXTiP3Pg/s320/DSCN0029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So being full of swagger as I am I had to try them. The color was great and it dared me to try them. I am up for a dare anytime, and this had dare written all over it. I have threatened for weeks to test them and today is the day. </div>
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So let me just say....if you like wasabi you are in for a treat...if not...you will gag and curse whoever dared you to try such a horrid item. </div>
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I tried licking it first. </div>
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Then sucking it. </div>
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Then chewing it. </div>
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Then licking some more. </div>
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Then I went back to...oh sweet Jesus....impossible to write about a candy cane without giggling like a Jr high- using lick too much makes me laugh. YES I SUCKED IT AND LICKED IT! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bM0ktsPoiEgPTbZPOLzYye9eo0wbjbrSKBseylM5bs5MwROD4vSQr8O8YcckUUsF5Xn64hg3iRvp1YAboBN7GukgIVC9kPRJ3ZI1f9DBjzJhY3gg6q4cvyqkuc4CdU5rF1-kIpSVvGc/s1600/BcBj1jxCAAAwwtU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bM0ktsPoiEgPTbZPOLzYye9eo0wbjbrSKBseylM5bs5MwROD4vSQr8O8YcckUUsF5Xn64hg3iRvp1YAboBN7GukgIVC9kPRJ3ZI1f9DBjzJhY3gg6q4cvyqkuc4CdU5rF1-kIpSVvGc/s320/BcBj1jxCAAAwwtU.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Yep...cut and paste that shit all over twitter...sorry Mom and Dad. In my humble opinion no matter how I lick, suck, chew - it tastes like vomit! It tastes like sugar to start and you think all is well. Then BAM! a few licks in and you are in wasabi hell! It sticks to your teeth and coats your throat in wasabi juices - I never in my life have wanted to induce vomit- today I wanted to. There I said it - I have a dislike for wasabi and this candy cane was nasty!<br />
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Again....my video skills are sub par and I can't seem to upload my live taste test of these shit sticks. I'll see what I can do, but until then, I warn you. These are not to be tasted by the faint of heart...I had to spit it out...and that's just not me. OHHHHHH SNAP!!!!!!!! Yeah, I went there. Classy Lassy! <br />
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OK - I will show myself out now - goodnight everyone! See you next time.<br />
<br />Swag on!<br />
@Irishbelle2000 - twitter<br />
@Irishbelle78 - Instagram<br />
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Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-88716097188542095082013-12-15T18:12:00.002-08:002013-12-15T18:12:42.609-08:00The Hail Mary PassGASP!<br />
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SILENCE<br />
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APPLAUSE<br />
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That is how the finale of my first attempt at acting was capped. It was the start of a passion and an addiction for me. Little did I know that this first performance would live on in school infamy for years. Forcing a prop change and rule book for future starlets to adhere to years down the line. <br />
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I was in First Grade. It was getting close to Christmas and I knew that our class was responsible for the Nativity play. It was always a big deal every year. It was even a bigger deal who was to play Mary. Guess who was chosen for that gig? YEP - little freckle faced me! I recall the teacher calling out my name and a collective sigh of "WHAT?" being uttered by every other little girl behind me(yes behind me - because being the little nerd I am -I was of course in the front row). Immediately I was the most hated girl in the class - at least until after Christmas break.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0B0WPqivNI/Uq5gHQTV98I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/MXXyaNq8lFk/s1600/BestChristmasPageantEver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0B0WPqivNI/Uq5gHQTV98I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/MXXyaNq8lFk/s320/BestChristmasPageantEver.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side note - re-read this book - a childhood fave!</td></tr>
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We took our scripts home that night. I recall wanting to call my "agent" and renegotiate this production. I - the mother of God - only had 2 lines!!!!! While Joseph - the step dad to the Messiah- had a whopping 12 lines! I felt very shortchanged. Already the little diva was emerging. If I was going to have only 2 lines - well by God those lines would be the greatest lines ever uttered across the gym stage. I practiced daily and was ready for the spotlight.<br />
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The day had finally arrived. The costumes were made the stage was set. We were ready for show time. I brought my favorite baby doll in to be the Christ Child. Please note that we had practiced with no baby for the past 3 weeks and today was the big moment. With babe in arms and my Mary costume on I headed out the door , to my dad's station wagon, and into the crisp Georgia night for my first acting gig. <br />
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Now let me set this up...here is the baby doll I chose to represent our Lord and Savior - see photo. Yes, I realize this baby is as big as me - but nobody stopped me and I was allowed to bring any doll I wanted - so this was it. Yep - Mary birthed a 6 month old! Sweet Jesus, I am going to hell for ALL OF THIS! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5KomUlNkYG9OiaPaG9TAvHtzCvlItf5Kpa2BV12fLKgaSA1bEoLPC7I-Si6vNeaXsqdDTdMeJ9NnRgeBQzx_xkhjST9KNeCwZhDuNG-pvm0gW_n5VmNvQ66WhGxxArpoNW-7GF2StC4/s1600/1057987_10151533503248920_684541068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5KomUlNkYG9OiaPaG9TAvHtzCvlItf5Kpa2BV12fLKgaSA1bEoLPC7I-Si6vNeaXsqdDTdMeJ9NnRgeBQzx_xkhjST9KNeCwZhDuNG-pvm0gW_n5VmNvQ66WhGxxArpoNW-7GF2StC4/s320/1057987_10151533503248920_684541068_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In all my heavenly glory! Little brother is photo bombing me. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr>
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The show went as planned. We did have a quick substitution when the lead angel was home with the chicken pox and the teachers had to scramble someone to fill in. Other than that things were going along smoothly.<br />
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We came to the final song. Joseph and I are center stage. The choir is singing around us. I am lovingly looking down on the large baby. I know my next move. I am to stand up. Finish singing the song with the rest of the choir and raise our hands above our heads at the end.<br />
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CRAP! <br />
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Raise our hands? My 5 year old head raced. Sweet Corn Nibblets! We never practiced this with the baby before! I only had moments to decide what to do? Do I leave the baby on the ground or do I (GASP) not follow my stage direction and not put my hands up? This was a split second acting choice I had to make...so...<br />
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I THREW THE BABY JESUS!<br />
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I threw that large baby doll into the audience below me. It wasn't subtle either. I leaned back and did my best Joe Montana and threw that baby for a touchdown. But by God my hands were in the feckin air! I finished that song with a smile on my face and my jazz hands up.<br />
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GASP<br />
SILENCE<br />
APPLAUSE<br />
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The curtain came down and my teachers rushed over to me. I was thrilled - I did my part - said every line- and still got my hands up. I felt I did no wrong. They gently turned me around to show me the manger that was BEHIND ME! I recall Mrs. Guinn saying: "Molly, did you forget that about the manger?". Oh, I guess I had forgotten that one detail. I was so high off my performance that I didn't care. I went downstairs and ate my cookies and juice at the after party like a queen. Where my mortified mother and father returned my baby doll to me. In my eyes, the show was a thrilling success.<br />
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After that, the school invested in a standard size baby doll and placed the manger IN FRONT of the Holy Family at all performances. I changed the Christmas play for all eternity - score point for me!<br />
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That show is one of my most favorite Christmas memories, and I am so happy to share it here. I hope everyone gets a chance to see their own child add a special moment to a school production one day. I know mine have already done so, and I look forward to more. <br />
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Bring it 2014! Let's keep the family theater streak alive and well - one embarrassing moment at a time! I don't think we will have a problem with that.....exhibit A...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQIzRzQu_Teyu1oe9JDcqZpdPEXn_X-G_SYt3f0df0q2J0PeOENe_8zLizdBNvyX_FX0hxDCMYa-qidA8t42ruBIc7umDRiHg-xYP2S_rO1impnFvs6UUQjMPaOadEeH-b4Lt7ygd1Rc/s1600/1056953_10151536220598920_612421283_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQIzRzQu_Teyu1oe9JDcqZpdPEXn_X-G_SYt3f0df0q2J0PeOENe_8zLizdBNvyX_FX0hxDCMYa-qidA8t42ruBIc7umDRiHg-xYP2S_rO1impnFvs6UUQjMPaOadEeH-b4Lt7ygd1Rc/s320/1056953_10151536220598920_612421283_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't turn your back on us for a second! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr>
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Swag on!<br />
See you soon! - And MAYBE a VLOG will appear! Good Lord!<br />
Swagger Mom - Twitter @Irishbelle2000<br />
Instagram @Irishbelle78<br />
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<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-57741637274097695782013-12-08T21:51:00.004-08:002013-12-08T21:51:32.126-08:00The Toy That Killed My Christmas<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BXjpatKWZBQ" width="459"></iframe><br />
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That was it!<br />
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That phone was the holy grail to me in 1984. <br />
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That commercial roped me in and had me hooked. I had to have that flipping phone! If I didn't hear Snow White say she loves ME..ME!!! - I was going to lose my 5 year old shit! I begged Santa in many crayon scented letters on Hello Kitty paper to please grant this one wish. I wanted to be that one kid on the block that everyone was jealous of. I wanted to have THE TOY - and in my mind this talking hunk of plastic was THE TOY! <br />
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I was a believer. Santa, the elves, the reindeer, the sleigh, the cookies, the chimney - the whole nine yards- 5 year old Molly Ann believed every word as truth. I had no reason not to trust what my parents said. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD-G3TCT6RNVFKbuKqwIH0I5dtZVdlYQli0tpfYqo2LIMRz5UjG8_n4Yi-YpYYwbV_sm_6CFMZl6kyWQBDsLIR457Qz-khq7Fqq7-4CTsdLfh0Id8ez-sgCL-HwDDWyCcOvpbuTzcZpM/s1600/1459690_10151853658493920_1984372736_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD-G3TCT6RNVFKbuKqwIH0I5dtZVdlYQli0tpfYqo2LIMRz5UjG8_n4Yi-YpYYwbV_sm_6CFMZl6kyWQBDsLIR457Qz-khq7Fqq7-4CTsdLfh0Id8ez-sgCL-HwDDWyCcOvpbuTzcZpM/s320/1459690_10151853658493920_1984372736_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep - loads of swagger back then! </td></tr>
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I mean look at that face! That freckle faced kid believed without question that the fat man with the jelly belly would bring the magical Mickey Mouse Talking Phone to her on Christmas morn' - without a doubt! Seriously, I almost look like I work for Santa in this picture.<br />
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Point is, I had complete faith in Santa, and he was going to deliver on my one request. Santa and only Santa could make this happen.<br />
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Well, back then my little brother was 2 and he was a hot mess - as he continues to be to this day. My parents have been distracted by his antics since 1982 and I have been left to my own devices ever since. I learned quickly how to find quiet places in the house to hide from the chaos and be in my own world.<br />
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One day my little brother was being a particularly bad seed. I decided to hide out in my parents room to avoid him. I brought a few My Little Ponies with me and hid under my parents king sized bed. I was on the right side of the bed towards the wall having a grand adventure with Butterscotch and Moonbeam when I saw - THE BAG! It was a big black garbage bag, under my parents bed. This intrigued me. My first thought was - oh no! Someone left the trash under the bed! I wanted to be the helpful child and take this neglected garbage outside. So I pushed this heavy bag out from under the bed, and I crawled out after it.<br />
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It didn't take long for me to notice the bag was untied and open. I went in to tie it and that is when I saw it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at this shit! Who wouldn't want this?!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr>
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There is was! THE Mickey Mouse Talking Phone! I was so excited I may have giggled aloud. It was really in my home and I felt like the luckiest girl in the world - or at least on Old Ivy Rd. Then I remembered - Wait, I asked Santa for this! Why is it under my parent's bed? Then I got even more excited! Oh, My, Goodness! I will get TWO of these! One from Santa and one from Mom and Dad! This will be the GREATEST CHRISTMAS EVER!<br />
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My 5 year old logic had reasoned that my parents, not having paid attention to me or the many letters I have written to Santa, went ahead and bought what Santa was OBVIOUSLY already bringing me. - Duh! So, being sly, I put the phone back and pushed the bag of toys under the bed and never spoke of it again.<br />
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It took every bit of self control I had to not spill the beans on my epic find, but I did not want to risk them returning the phone they bought and me not getting TWO Mickey Mouse Talking Phones. This was the most difficult thing for a chatty 5 year old girl to do - keep a secret. But I did it.<br />
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Christmas morning came and I woke my little brother up at an obscene hour to help move things along. Dad checked to see if Santa indeed came and we were given the "all clear". I tore into the living room searching for the Talking Phone. I found it right away. It had a bow and tag on it "To Dearest Molly - Love Santa". Ok, so I found the Santa one! Awesome! I gave my best excited face and then kept moving. I wanted to save my real "Christmas Joy" face for when I found the other phone. I muddled through other gifts while desperately looking for the matching toy. <br />
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Well, you guessed it folks. There was no other phone. This was it!<br />
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BUSTED!<br />
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I caught my folks red handed! That was the moment it all became crystal clear to me. <br />
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"Hi little 5 year old Molly - Merry Christmas - Santa isn't real - welcome to the real world bitch!" -<br />
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That is what that unopened toy was saying to me. My bubble was burst and I felt my stomach drop. I I was devastated! Total shock! I took my loot back to my room, and I never mentioned to my family, until now, that I knew Santa was really Mom and Dad. I have kept that secret to this day - now it is finally out.<br />
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Phew, this feels good. Sorry Mom and Dad. <br />
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Now - as a parent Santa takes on a whole new role. Its your turn now to help them believe and pass on the magic. I love hearing my boys talk about how they think Santa can still deliver our gifts even though we don't have a chimney here in the apartment. I love planning what cookies we are going to make for Santa. I love helping them make letters for Santa, and getting pictures with Santa. I even love that ridiculous Elf on the Shelf. Will named him years ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsdQ3lU6ljQyqThI0VYM0bk6jN6MLZDf2xR1Wth1xnj5oxSBisoAIdkJ5Ctox6fD8RtRnQyplxsLXR-yAfOq4XxiL5G84GdKW5bV6xdSUMwIouz2oqICxCBh57iCcVkg8TdOCISxygRE/s1600/1450150_10151844607523920_1664642864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsdQ3lU6ljQyqThI0VYM0bk6jN6MLZDf2xR1Wth1xnj5oxSBisoAIdkJ5Ctox6fD8RtRnQyplxsLXR-yAfOq4XxiL5G84GdKW5bV6xdSUMwIouz2oqICxCBh57iCcVkg8TdOCISxygRE/s320/1450150_10151844607523920_1664642864_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep - that's the name you get when your kid watches A LOT of Star Wars. </td></tr>
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I love seeing them dream and wish. I love seeing them imagine something so happy and pure that you can see it written all over their eyes. That is what Santa is - not something made by Hasbro - its more than that. I hope they keep that joy and belief in dreams long after they learn the truth behind the story. <br />
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I wonder what toy will reveal the truth to them. I hope its not as traumatic as my discovery. Yet, even when we all discover the reality we never really lose the magic and fun that is Christmas.<br />
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Hmmm, I wonder....<br />
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Anyway.... <br />
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See you all next time - when I promise I will discuss tasting something I may regret. I know I promised that before, but I had to share my phone story with you.<br />
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Swag on!<br />
Swagger Mom<br />
@Irishbelle2000<br />
and follow my world through a gentle filter on Instagram - Irishbelle78 <br />
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<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-81575150514801637532013-12-03T20:46:00.003-08:002013-12-03T20:46:32.430-08:00Guilty as Charged! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I blame my 17 years of Catholic Education on all of this! Look at this guilty little girl! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaUALu2BWxT2o2RkXiiGefZzmyLFJpWlhDP9Gafdt6Ui8bYWL_S2iODl2Pa4RyZgiL19JO_JiV682SNQyYcPGnYEx_21gqEEAWt75nIM9c2stIUlpGD4UDuhFIWdRjtviIdcz4CWUNqM/s1600/DSCN0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaUALu2BWxT2o2RkXiiGefZzmyLFJpWlhDP9Gafdt6Ui8bYWL_S2iODl2Pa4RyZgiL19JO_JiV682SNQyYcPGnYEx_21gqEEAWt75nIM9c2stIUlpGD4UDuhFIWdRjtviIdcz4CWUNqM/s320/DSCN0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So it began at the tender age of 5 - rebel with the red shoes! </td></tr>
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I am so feckin' guilty! I can't enjoy anything without feeling like Jesus, Mary and Joseph are shaking their heads at me in disgust. I am a sinner and I know it! Guilty as charged! I have many sins and I know I am not perfect - far from it, but as a Catholic its even hard to have fun sometimes. At least we have confession - its like ServePro for sins - "Like it never even happened!". Yep, going to hell for that joke too - reason #327. </div>
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I am not here to lecture you on the art of avoiding sin or how to sin well (hey, if you're gonna do it, do it well), but I do want to talk about another level of guilt today - the sin of the guilty pleasure. Ooh la la! Sounds so....so...guilty and bad! I am in! </div>
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I think now is the time I indulge you all in a few of mine. Now, don't get too excited guys and gals, I won't give you EVERYTHING, lets save that for another time...buy me a drink or two first. </div>
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Now I am running a big risk here sharing these. I feel like many of these are total deal breakers for dating or friend relationships. But honesty is the best policy right? If I can find a guy who can sit through me professing my love for all things NKOTB, lets me quote from "Wayne's World" on almost a daily basis, isn't ashamed of my competitive Britney Spears karaoke skills, and is still at the party after witnessing me break out the 80s and 90s dance moves - well, that's a keeper! So I feel its best to just get all this out there right away! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoIXbyfJMVlDE5mLHvs-HAzk_F8MAVr6OBodJbBJOwK_wywH9hdaCZk7H2Cyib_4J-4Kp4-meGlI5_0_au0pmsODF1Imy3jL1dkRmA-plo85VbQjwhuz0L_hSa250XuVs2wgEVSFSnGc/s1600/1420489_10151777951688920_1074200800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoIXbyfJMVlDE5mLHvs-HAzk_F8MAVr6OBodJbBJOwK_wywH9hdaCZk7H2Cyib_4J-4Kp4-meGlI5_0_au0pmsODF1Imy3jL1dkRmA-plo85VbQjwhuz0L_hSa250XuVs2wgEVSFSnGc/s320/1420489_10151777951688920_1074200800_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a costume! Concert attire! Anyone who can deal with THIS is rad in my book! </td></tr>
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So drum roll -side note, I always envision the start of Van Halen's "Hot for Teacher" as my drum roll always - I give you my guilty pleasures - get ready....</div>
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1. I am a massive NKOTB fan! I know, I am losing street cred as a little punk rock chic, but I have to be honest to the teenie bopper girl I was. Also, there is a time and place to be silly - and NKOTB is just plain silly. So, I am a card carrying fan club member since 1988. I have a skirt made of the bedsheets(in above pic), I have been on the cruise, to 12 concerts (5 in the last 3 years), I know all the songs, have all their autographs, laminated posters, key chains, lunchboxes, trading cards, fanny packs. I know birthdays, wedding dates, kids birthdays and.....ok now I sound crazy. Lets say I am a fan. I am not the lady on the cruise who had a Mt. Rushmore styled tattoo of their faces on her back (God I wish I had taken a picture of THAT) kind of fan, but I am a fan. So deal with it! </div>
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2. I know the words to and sing along to many Taylor Swift songs even though I openly mock her love life and her in general. Phew, had to let that one out. Shame. </div>
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3. I think "17 Again" is a great movie! It makes me laugh and I watch it at least once a week - alone. Mostly I watch alone because I love my friends too much to force them to view it with me, but they are always welcome. I also feel guilty when I watch it because I think Zac Efron looks super cute in it and I feel like a cougar thinking that. I did have my kids act out a scene to this but I can't get the video to upload...next time...sorry. </div>
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<br />4. I will watch ANYTHING, I mean ANYTHING with Johnathan Rhys Meyers in it. The man could read the menu at Taco Bell and I would watch. It could be the Irish accent , or it could be the green/blue eyes - light colored eyes get me every time! I don't know why, but he has been in some of the worst shows and movies ever, but I will watch them all! Guilty, guilty, guilty! Oh, baby - so guilty! I mean come on! Look a the man! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwIahvyETkw/Up6aOBpOk1I/AAAAAAAAAHc/Kq8beztEN0k/s1600/jonathan-rhys-meyers_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwIahvyETkw/Up6aOBpOk1I/AAAAAAAAAHc/Kq8beztEN0k/s320/jonathan-rhys-meyers_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically the only reason I became interested in Tudor history - sad right?</td></tr>
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5. Wow 5 already? I feel you can see into my soul already I have shared so much! A perfect night for me would be staying in and watching on an endless loop episodes of Full House, Different World, Small Wonder, and 227. Yeah, another relationship deal breaker I think, but totally worth it to be part of the Tanner family for the night. Which by the way - here is what I need for Christmas, hope your taking notes! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zjawjRbP83xhAnJmv3I0C4LyU19CsonsV4GHT-waHGejksSAnTu9kvze4b5II2OKLZEm0_QIPxQtiIZ6XnCPfBFModR5cGHDN4uKgBz0xPl-nNLLfVq3qYoO5Z08yFqGxi3tKrQRH9g/s1600/shirt-fave-dj-photo-grey-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zjawjRbP83xhAnJmv3I0C4LyU19CsonsV4GHT-waHGejksSAnTu9kvze4b5II2OKLZEm0_QIPxQtiIZ6XnCPfBFModR5cGHDN4uKgBz0xPl-nNLLfVq3qYoO5Z08yFqGxi3tKrQRH9g/s1600/shirt-fave-dj-photo-grey-large.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feck yeah! A DJ Tanner T-shirt?! I am so in! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr>
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6. I sing in the shower and in the car. I am sure my upstairs neighbors are sick of my American Idol auditions every morning at 5:30 am, but I won't stop! My Broadway dreams are still alive! Tomorrow morning I am rocking out to some Liz Phair. So, apartment 301W get your request list in now, I will start with Supernova and work my way from there. I am guilty - of waking you up with awesomeness! </div>
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7. Ok, I know I will get a lot of shit about this. I love Cds - not the financial kind- the ones that play music. Yes, they still make them. I love my collection and I continue to add to it. Anyone who decides they want to live with me will have to make room for my towers of Cds and my Bose Cd player - they are a part of me and we will never be parted. I wept the day I lost my cassette player with the ability to tape songs off the radio, and hell with freeze over before I give up my Cds. You will need to pry them out of my cold, dead, pale (er) hands before I let go. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JzO_5lTg3wQHZtdaSAL8oYI8-WxR9c9Ooan2gXYIynlSIzdw9TsutA7c-r61KFu7QWvL6iuZ2S-f1X6w4_ulzhZEXHKYhcK1IjzdaEQ2AaHzcdu9trtPr40nMDpI1V00MwjB6jucQgU/s1600/DSCN0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JzO_5lTg3wQHZtdaSAL8oYI8-WxR9c9Ooan2gXYIynlSIzdw9TsutA7c-r61KFu7QWvL6iuZ2S-f1X6w4_ulzhZEXHKYhcK1IjzdaEQ2AaHzcdu9trtPr40nMDpI1V00MwjB6jucQgU/s320/DSCN0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of , ahem ,a few towers. Why yes that is a unicorn bank on the table. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td></tr>
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8. Doritos - I can pound a family size even party size bag of Doritos all by myself. I have banned the nacho flavored devils from my apartment, and if a restraining order could be made against a snack food I would have taken one out years ago. I would love nothing more than to watch Full House , while eating a bag of Nacho Doritos - ahh perfection! And this is probably why I am single! Nacho breath and John Stamos - a sexy ass combo! That's me. </div>
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OK - so I may have lost all 4 of my followers here, but I feel you deserve to know my truth. The rest will slowly be revealed as we walk this blog road together. These guilty pleasures make me smile and add a nerdy individuality to me, and I am cool with that. Own your pleasures (ooh that sounded like fun - oops reason #328) , and be proud of who you are and what you like! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4H_ULeiBUJHioVA9CZIodRqoVDg_yueVZYoErVZtk8badEQT6xyz6nmwC4s3jvi5FM49gDjE49vnSDYGDd0l-odZ63JbJ-ILiVeJTQyxcs5cmloR9QGQWbW68LdwkH4cqidLH43NAtA/s1600/1458856_10151839876863920_1014126723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd4H_ULeiBUJHioVA9CZIodRqoVDg_yueVZYoErVZtk8badEQT6xyz6nmwC4s3jvi5FM49gDjE49vnSDYGDd0l-odZ63JbJ-ILiVeJTQyxcs5cmloR9QGQWbW68LdwkH4cqidLH43NAtA/s320/1458856_10151839876863920_1014126723_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Swag on! </div>
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See you next time - when I taste something I may regret! </div>
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Swagger Mom</div>
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@Irishbelle2000 </div>
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Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-58716998319054458382013-11-28T08:12:00.000-08:002013-11-28T08:12:00.558-08:00How Twitter Saved Me - THANKFUL FOR YOU!Dear Sweet Baby Jesus laying in the manger - thank you for social media!<br />
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Now before you jump down my throat telling me I am a crazy person being grateful for the invention of the Internet - thank you by the way Al Gore (HAHA LOL!)- I am forever grateful for my children, my family, my health, and the blessed life that I have been given.<br />
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But....<br />
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This year, this year, I want to make a special "shout out" to social media - in all its glorious forms - for saving me.<br />
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Can I get an AMEN? AMEN!<br />
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Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler, Snapchat (don't judge me), KIK, - thank you!<br />
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If I missed anyone I am so sorry.<br />
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But everyone here brought be out of my post divorce funk and into a much better happier place. Back to me - the feisty Irish chic who loves whiskey,loves to laugh, loves to karaoke, and loves to be random - among other things. Some of you here had a more direct role than others, but all of you, all your words, posts, blogs, reviews, v-logs, and overall randomness saved me! You have no idea how awesome you all are! THANK YOU!<br />
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I am eternally grateful for all of you and for the Internet that brought us all together!<br />
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WOW! That was pretty sappy for Swagger Mom - but it had to be said.<br />
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OK - next time we will discuss the finer points of guilty pleasures and there MIGHT be a video involved. WHAT!??!?!?!?<br />
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Stay tuned!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!<br />
See you soon!<br />
Swagger MOM<br />
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Speaking of guilty pleasures lets kick that off right….Have a FUNKY FUNKY CHRISTMAS!<br />
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<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-86042877726308100292013-11-25T03:34:00.003-08:002013-11-25T03:34:48.895-08:00Let's Play a Game! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsyydIRMfCg/UpLF-tnIoYI/AAAAAAAAADA/JYOb_EAVOi0/s1600/1400235_10151818038108920_1102026429_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsyydIRMfCg/UpLF-tnIoYI/AAAAAAAAADA/JYOb_EAVOi0/s320/1400235_10151818038108920_1102026429_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This stuff is delicious by the way!</td></tr>
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Ready to play spin the bottle? <br />
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Wait -I think I am too old for this shit!<br />
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New Flash!<br />
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I have never, never, ever , ever, played Spin the Bottle. Shocking! I know. I think I would be hard pressed to find any of my high school crew who ever played this game either. Dating in your awkward teen years was already difficult without adding a random "7 minutes in heaven" in a closet with a classmate to it. I don't feel like I missed out on much, and I don't regret not being a part of this "teen rite of passage." We had enough strange without THAT. <br />
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But now....<br />
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Now, I am thrown into this new game and I had no idea how the rules have changed! It is a learning curve and it keeps you on your toes for sure. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzqH2giocuA/UpLPxl8s_FI/AAAAAAAAADc/1rh8vW9ygqo/s1600/1353858_10151710643573920_1610045268_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzqH2giocuA/UpLPxl8s_FI/AAAAAAAAADc/1rh8vW9ygqo/s320/1353858_10151710643573920_1610045268_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me-May 1997 - how I ever got a date looking like this I will never know. </td></tr>
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Crap! The last "first date" I went on was in 1997 - Miley Cyrus was 4 years old, Seinfeld was the #1 show, and MMMBOP had just hit the airwaves AND the corners of my mind ( I have yet to get that song out of my head). The rules, and fashions have changed and I fear upon entering this new dating world that I am in for an EPIC battle of Spin the Bottle! <br />
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I swear, I am too old for this shit!<br />
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Being that I am WAY too old for this nonsense I am a girl who appreciates direct. I have the distinct pleasure of being the recipient of a certain bartender's very direct bottle spinning skills. I sit down and the bottles start flying. Like this.....<br />
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Um, yeah, maybe not quite as cool as this, and definitely NOT looking like Tom Cruise, but its still amusing. <br />
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I get free drinks and a bottle tossing show! Dinner, drinks and a show - who needs Vegas?!?!??! It was a little awkward at first because I am not used to it. Now, I giggle about it, and we joke about when we are going out on a date. I have always told him no and will continue to decline the requests..it has become a routine now . We will get to the whys my declining bartender ANOTHER TIME. Yet, he stills spins bottles while I laugh , I drink my whiskey and wait for my turn at karaoke. Spice Girls up yet?<br />
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Hey, I appreciate direct - and his bottle spinning is direct and I can deal with it. Easy. Done. <br />
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Now other guys are more subtle in their bottle spinning. Its a mind game of who is going to spin the bottle first and who will cave first. This game I simply have no patience for. I have been told that there are rules about how much to text a guy. How many smiley faces, exclamation marks, winky faces, & LOLs, to use. Its terribly stupid and confusing, but for some of my dating peers out there they live and die by these rules.<br />
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Its the play it cool -"hit and run" style texting I call it. Example:<br />
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A guy might text "Hi, how are you?",<br />
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A girl responds "Great how are you?"(no sooner than 5 minutes later because that makes her look desperate ....argh rules) and then......<br />
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..............crickets!<br />
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NO RESPONSE! <br />
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BOOM GIRL!!!!!!! <br />
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WELCOME TO THE GAME! <br />
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Your mind is left bottle spinning! Do I text again? Did I say something wrong? - while you review your text feed for evidence of a flag throwing offense. Did I use too many freakin smiley faces??? Its mind boggling. I will never understand it. I feel for those who take these rules as gospel because it seems to just keep the bottles spinning and the game never ending. <br />
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I have no filter and I am pretty direct. If I like someone I will want to talk to them ...a lot...and I will text more than I should. The "hit and run" rules about texting and calling just make my head hurt. Mostly it makes me want to drink from the bottle instead of spin it. <br />
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But its not 1997 anymore - its 2013 and I learning....<br />
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Don't hate the player, hate the game...right?<br />
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Lets review - so far I have learned that guys still do tricks to impress girls - like spin bottles. I also learned that there are way too many rules about texting guys and that each winky face has some hidden meaning...<br />
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;) --ooh sorry didn't mean to ask you to marry me there - oh my bad. <br />
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Oh, and then there are the guys who want to spin the bottle, pour the drinks, roofie your drink, and smash the bottle on the floor. <br />
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I was recently exposed to this option of "bottle spinners" while on a weekend vacation. A friend and I were out getting late night dinner at a burger bar , and I was introduced to the brand of bottle spinners called : the douche bag (as labeled by my friend, and they are apparently the norm of the side of town we were on). Warning ladies they roam in packs(of at least a minimum of 4 dudes) and they all like to dress alike. By alike I mean as rejects from a 98degrees casting call. Kinda like this.......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LbpDGw7Ue8/UpLbgJGSn2I/AAAAAAAAADs/xk8O6z0tr4s/s1600/98-degrees-2-660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LbpDGw7Ue8/UpLbgJGSn2I/AAAAAAAAADs/xk8O6z0tr4s/s320/98-degrees-2-660.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I imagine the night before we saw them that they looked like THIS! </td></tr>
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This particular night they all decided to go for the 1/2 zip sweaters and puffy vests. I can imagine the frenzied text messages going out while each DB was over applying hair gel and AXE cologne. Everyone making sure the agreed upon ensemble for the night was ready to wear. <br />
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They were pretty easy to identify, so I am not worried that I will fall under their spell/trap, but it was amusing nonetheless. They were loud. They were obnoxious. They were over served. Then the fighting started. One was being pulled by the collar of the 1/2 zip sweater yelling unintelligible words at another DB. There were words exchanged and the puffy vests almost came off...almost. For a moment we thought a gun might appear, but sadly it did not get that exciting. We stayed in our corner observing the fray and kept ordering drinks. I took a mental note to keep away from this breed and to step out of the game when they are spinning the bottle.<br />
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I thank my friend for the lesson in the local douchbags. It was eye opening! Thank you :) (that's me smiling..no hidden meaning) <br />
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OMG - pass the whiskey! Now I am left spinning. Again, I am too old for this shit! I don't play games very well, and I don't follow rules well either. The way I see the game for me is two options:<br />
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1. I sit down , all in, to play this silly game and risk dealing with a collection of Tom Cruises, subtle hit and run texts, and 98 degrees playing me for a fool.<br />
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or! <br />
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2. I keep my bottles and wait for someone who likes Jameson and coke and lets me play by my own rules..no matter how many texts or smiley faces. ;P (whatever that means...crap.... I think I just asked you to prom!)<br />
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Well, I do like Jameson and I hate being gamed - see I'm a simple girl. This shouldn't be that difficult! <br />
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Play on players - I got this!<br />
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Next time I will let you know how thankful I am for....YOU! yes YOU!!!! <br />
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Until next time!<br />
Swagger Mom<br />
@irishbelle2000 - twitter <br />
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<br />Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-73976626103681053722013-11-19T03:11:00.004-08:002013-11-19T03:11:47.328-08:00Comedy Gold!You can't make this stuff up!<br />
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I have had the great pleasure of hearing epic nuggets of comedy gold at work and at home. I want share a few of them here before we delve into the inner meanings of spin the bottle as I promised in my last post. </div>
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So here goes…</div>
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Teaching is a great joy - but it is also exhausting and frustrating. It is important to be able to laugh sometimes.</div>
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One must run a tight ship…..</div>
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But with the right balance you will get a classroom full of future stand up comedians that all have a little swagger of their own. </div>
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From what I have witnessed in my time educating is the future is looking bright for careers in comedy. </div>
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Here are a few gems from years of teaching the 5 and under crowd:</div>
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<b>"What does science look like?"</b> - I had no answer. College educated woman could not answer this. </div>
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<b>"What does the number 4 sound like?" </b>- Um….like 4? Now who sounds silly?</div>
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<b>"When will tomorrow be today!"</b> - Did your parents let you watch Spaceballs?</div>
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<b>"When I grow up, I want to be a mommy and a giraffe!"</b> - Yes, you do that! I would like to see that. </div>
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<b>"Miss Molly, you look like a rockstar today, are you Ke$ha?"</b> - No. (thinking to self - Jesus! either I am the most badass teacher here or I look like I haven't showered for weeks - either way, not good.)</div>
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<b>"One day I will be an astronaut scientist and a football player. "</b> My own child said this - and yes, yes he will be. </div>
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<b>"How do you spell A?"</b> - HEAD SLAP! </div>
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Drum roll…..last one of the day…….</div>
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<b>"I love how making math sounds!" </b>- um…well, yes, I think, ok….great! MATH RULES! </div>
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See, the world will not be lacking in comedy writers in the future. These lines just fall out of their mouths like half eaten graham crackers in the lunchroom. </div>
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The children are our future. My work here is done! Long live comedy! </div>
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Its only Tuesday folks! I'll be here all week! Tip your waitresses!<br />
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See you soon!<br />
Swagger Mom<br />
@Irishbelle2000 </div>
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Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5113286269719332238.post-1754974230676399332013-11-17T19:25:00.000-08:002013-12-02T20:40:42.245-08:00It's Getting Hot in Here…...I am here! I know you were worried I would never arrive! Well Swagger Mom is up and running and ready to amuse the world - one random thought at a time.<br />
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OK…...<br />
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Before I get all Swagger Mom on you we need to talk about FIRES! Listen to the dummy folks!<br />
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Alright, enough of that….well, there is never enough of THAT, but we have business to get down to.</div>
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Smokey the Bear was a wise forest friend with words of wisdom for all of us.<br />
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Remember - only YOU can prevent forrr…..oh and maybe you and ooh snap, you, and you, and maybe her, and her and her can prevent forest fires!???!!! Wait - there are way too many bitches in this forest!!!!! HMMMM…..</div>
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Well, sometimes a fire HAS to burn in a forest to help the plants and vegetation breathe and grow better. I believe it is called a controlled burn - my firefighter friends can help me there or call my undereducated ass out. Well, my life that I thought was so perfect - was a huge lie. I believed my own crap for years, and it needed to burn and oh hell, burn it did! The match needed to be struck, but the fucking lighter fluid that was poured on top of the fire? THAT was an added dramatic touch that wasn't necessary! Seriously unnecessary! Burned a little more than it should have, but it was a fire that was bound to happen.</div>
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Now with the fire out the hope is that everything can regrow again. Everything can grow right and strong with all crap cleared out. I hope I am making sense here. Get it? Fire = the crumbling marriage leading to divorce. Fire analogy getting old yet?</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mKaxZIz6ZjhjfSCdKStVqWGKW4MZR01Fk5viuPpdPSwNSTOLdpM-D5o3_P8wf228BtfNbHYP3fpxCHA-g5fl8upyTNgWHJIK2ptl_hveYlu7avxFoBHPg4j7QPp1XOZVKpoBhh8ove0/s1600/congratulations-young-divorce-good-looks-divorce-someecards.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mKaxZIz6ZjhjfSCdKStVqWGKW4MZR01Fk5viuPpdPSwNSTOLdpM-D5o3_P8wf228BtfNbHYP3fpxCHA-g5fl8upyTNgWHJIK2ptl_hveYlu7avxFoBHPg4j7QPp1XOZVKpoBhh8ove0/s320/congratulations-young-divorce-good-looks-divorce-someecards.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always better to walk away looking good ladies! LOL</td></tr>
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35 years old and starting over.<br />
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12 years people!<br />
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Gone!<br />
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That is terrifying, but also exciting. I have a much clearer picture of who I am and what I am capable of. I am a happier person now and I am ready for this new adventure. This blog is part of that adventure and I am honored if you join me for the ride. </div>
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So ladies and gents…if you are looking for useful Mom advice, great crock pot recipes, clever homemade teacher gifts, how to interpret your teens' text messages (nbd btw ftw!), staying hip by learning to twerk or tweet - or how to save hundreds of dollars on car insurance - you have TOTALLY come to the WRONG place! I will not offer ANY of that. None of THAT here! In fact, I doubt I will offer you anything useful here.<br />
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Maybe you need this guy then:</div>
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So why swagger? </div>
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Swagger can be a lot of things. For me - it is not letting the world get to you, being who you are, and not being afraid to let that person out. Be random, be silly, be sexy, be funny, be free, be crazy, be loved, be nerdy (that's me) and most of all - BE YOU- and good things will happen. You NEVER know WHAT or WHO is around the corner that is meant to be a positive part of your life. </div>
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BONUS - you don't have to be a single mom to laugh at me. I will always add my random running commentary about the world around us, my love of all things 80s and 90s, funny shit I see, and the cool people and things I meet along this journey. Expect me to link you to all kinds of other great, amazing, and funny blogs to help entertain you down this road. Yet, if I can make one of you laugh for a moment I know I am doing something right and all this crazy is worth it. </div>
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Also please note: This blog is still a baby and its still sloppy, crabby, and in need of boob and sleep all the time - oh wait…. that is someone else - OH SHIT! Never mind.</div>
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Alright - enough of the heavy crap - who wants to talk about Spin the Bottle!?!??!?!?! </div>
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Shhh..that's next post bitches! Stay tuned!</div>
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This video is all that was right with the 90s - ah memories.<br />
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See you all soon! </div>
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Molly - Swagger Mom</div>
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@Irishbelle2000 - to follow me on Twitter (if I haven't bored you enough already)</div>
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PS - if you don't like swear words maybe this blog or my Twitter page isn't for you. Thanks for playing though!</div>
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Swagger Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07270189895546445753noreply@blogger.com0