Soccer Mom- FAIL

This long weekend, we took a road trip to Ohio...with 3-month old baby G.  We were oh-so-fearful of the 9+ hours in the car with an infant, but we had an excellent reason for going.  I had pre-written the following post, planning to publish it today once I added a picture of myself with my new ride:

Something has happened.  Something that I swore to myself would never happen.  Something that was previously so unthinkable that I am still having trouble processing the situation even as it is staring me straight in the face.


I own a minivan. 


And I cannot tell a lie...I'm pretty excited about it.

Now before anyone gets too judgey, you should know that I did not decide that my 3-month old was cramped in the backseat of my sedan.  (However, his stroller, Pack 'n Play, and various other accoutrement were cramped, indeed.)  Nor did I venture into the used car lot in search of the behemoth.


This van was the property of my dear mother, who has recently found herself an empty nester without the need for seating for seven.  So, a trade took place.  I put the Accord (back) into the hands of my parents, and the Odyssey became my rightful property.


Now I always swore I'd be the cool kind of mom who drove a hip SUV with a third row of seats.  Not the type of LAME-O who carted her kids around the ole' mini.  But I'm pretty sure my idea of the ultimate mom-mobile has changed.  Because lemme tell ya'- this van is pimp. 


That's right, I said it.  We're talking leather seats, DVD player, automatic everything...it's even got butt warmers.  And it will make my life so much easier.  Oh, how I love the ease with which I will cart around baby and all of his junks.


So, although my son is far too young to actually kick a ball, I will drive that van and beam with pride as the world assigns me the label of Soccer Mom. 

WELL...turns out, that post was written all for naught.  Because the car switcheroo, or rotation, as it is known in my family, was an EPIC FAIL.

On the bright side, my son is a rock star in the car.  He was an excellent traveler.  The drive wasn't nearly the nightmare that we were fearful it might have been.

The bad news?  The minivan is no longer with us.

On Saturday, J moved the car seat from the Accord over to the van, and we hopped into two cars and started heading downtown for Taste of Cincinnati.  We were about a mile down the interstate...yes, that's right, interstate...when the van died.  Yep, the engine cut out a few times, so we pulled over...and then it was done.  D.O.N.E. 

Thank God we had two cars.  My dad took me and the babe back to the house while the rest of the group waited for the tow truck.  Once all the shuttling back and forth from the side of the road to the house to the Honda dealer was complete, we just waited for word from the mechanic.

The word that was handed down?  It might be a goner.  This is not the first time that this issue has occurred with the vehicle.  What was thought to have been repaired two years ago clearly. was. not.  

"This is crazy!" you must be saying.  And you're right.  This is a Honda.  And it's only six years old.  But it's a lemon.  And it's definitely not meant to be mine.

SO, we drove the Accord back home yesterday, and alas, I am not yet a Soccer Mom.

Car shopping to commence this week.  Get judgey if you will...I'm pretty sure I'm in the market for a minivan.

A Little Bit of Geeky

Since I'm married to the man that I am,  who knows stuff about the world of computers, I have a program installed on my blog to let me keep track of my "stats."  As in, how many hits I get each day, where on the web these visitors are coming from, which posts are the most popular, even where in the world my readers are reading (twenty different countries!).

It's kinda fascinating to me.

I spent some time looking over my stats recently, and found some things that surprised and delighted!

Did you know that if you type "confessions of an" into a Google search, my blog is the fourth suggested phrase?

Also, I used to get only a few hits a day.  15-20 would be a rare day on the high end.  Now, 60-70 is the daily norm!  So THANK YOU for reading!  (And I must say, you all are quiet readers...nary a comment day in and day out...but now I know you've been here!)

Anyway, just thought I'd share...apparently I can be a geek sometimes, too.

Summer Blockbusters

Apparently, the American Idol finale must draw quite the audience, because the movie trailers that were shown during commercial break were aplenty.  And I must admit (although I think that trips to the theater will be few and far between these days), I am excited about this summer's movies.

My mom and J often have movie dates, because they want to see crap that I am just not interested in, nor is my father.  For the most part, I inherited my movie viewing preferences from him.

But the nerds must have rubbed off on me, at least a little bit, because the comic book and adventure movies of today?  Me likey.

Here are a few gems that I can't wait to see.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

I resisted seeing the first installment of this series for as long as I could.  But it so happened that my brother was in town during its release, and this was the only movie that was even remotely reasonable for the two of us to see together.  When we left the theater, ready to discuss our thoughts on the film, I could think of only one thing to say: "That was f*@#ing AWESOME!"

The sequel was decent, but not outstanding.  I'm hoping that they've moved away from some of the gimmicks used in the second film, and just get back to good ole' ass kicking Optimus Prime in the third.  I am also looking forward to the new girl...that's right, no more Megan Fox.  Maybe this girl can act, and is more than just a pretty face?  Hey, I didn't say it was likely...just a possibility.

Also, I have a crush on Shia LaBouef.  Even though his last name translates to "the beef."  I love him.  For reals.  That is all.   

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Captain Jack Sparrow is just such an incredible character.  I adore him.  I think he's fun.  And I enjoy his crazy adventures at sea.  I am admittedly a little nervous, now that we're onto the fourth installment of the series.  Typically, I believe series' to fizzle out after three.  But I am willing to give Pirates the chance to prove me wrong.

Also, I have a crush on Orlando Bloom.  I love him.  And I'm very sad that he won't be reprising his role as Will Turner.  That is all.

The Hangover: Part II

Okay, I can't blame this one on J, and definitely not on my mom (who doesn't enjoy ridiculous comedy).  This movie isn't really adventurey, it's just who-larious, if it's anything like the first.  I can't tell you how often I still quote the first movie, and laugh.  The words "she's a nice lady" didn't used to be funny.  Now they are.  Fat Jesus?  Hysterical.  Another Mike Tyson cameo, you say?  One where Stu tattoos his own face to look just like him?  Downright riotous.  I seriously can't wait for this one.

And THE movie of the summer?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

This one I've been waiting for for years.  I just know that it will only be able to be described by the word epic.  I believe the saga of Harry Potter is one of the best stories to ever have been told.  J.K. Rowling is a genius, in my humble opinion.  And the Harry Potter movies are a rare case in which the movies are just as enthralling as the books.

When I finished reading Book 7, I shut the book and said out loud, to no one, "I am so happy."  And I truly was.  The story was just wrapped up so wonderfully.  I am sincerely hoping for that same feeling after seeing this movie. 

Honorable Mentions of the summer?  Kung Fu Panda 2, Cars 2, and X-Men: First Class.** 

**Apparently I do not look forward to seeing original movies, but merely sequels, prequels, and the like.  So I'm unoriginal.  Deal with it.

Hometown Hero

Scotty WINS!

Things I Heart: Snack Food

While I was pregnant, I just wasn't all that hungry.  If I ever felt starved, it was rare.  And even then, a smaller-than-normal amount of food would fill me up.  I was hoping that this would continue after the babe was born, so that I could continue the weight loss trend that began during pregnancy (And yes, I am aware of how ridiculous that sounds.  But what can I say?  I'm a freak of nature.)

Turns out?  Not so much.  Making the milks makes this mama hungry. 

So, in addition to my three square meals, I've needed a morning and afternoon snack.  Here are a few of my faves.

Fruit Snacks

Yes, it's like I'm a kid again.  I rediscovered these while in the hospital.  When you give birth at 11:47 pm, after not eating since breakfast at 7 am, you're hungry!  And the vending machine is pretty much your only option at that hour.  So fruit snacks and peanut butter crackers it was.  I will admit- I buy the generic brand rather than the more expensive Welch's.  But they are equally as yummy.  And in my opinion, a little less gummy than the Welch's, which makes them even more delicious in my book.

Apple Cinnamon Nutri-Grain Bars

I've always been a fan of the strawberry flavor, but alas, they sell out quickly when on sale at the Teeter.  So at last sale, I was left with the choice of cherry (cherry flavored anything = blech) or apple cinnamon.  Apple cinnamon it was.  Turns out, YUMMO.  This has now replaced strawberry as my fave flavor.

Mister Salty Chocolate Covered Pretzels

My mom bought these when she last came for a visit, and left a box in my pantry.  Once I tried them, I was officially hooked.  They come in convenient 100-calorie packs.  Which, as it turns out, is completely irrelevant to me, as I need two packages to satisfy even the smallest of hunger pangs.  I mean, c'mon.  Who really thinks 8 tiny pretzels even qualifies as a snack? 

And, the snack to end all snacks...

Ranch Wheat Thins

I am O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D.  At first bite, I wasn't sure I was a big fan of the explosion of flavor in my mouth.  Then, after eating a couple more, I couldn't get enough.  Like, for really real couldn't get enough.  As in, they're on the shopping list every. single. week.  I may have an illness.

Fellow snackers, I highly recommend these new favorites!  What are your faves?  (You know, because I need another snack to obsess over like I need a hole in the head.)

Let's Talk Idol

Yes, friends, even with the lack of cable television (and NO DVR- gasp!), I have managed to keep up with Idol.  I have missed an episode here and there, but I'm still committed.

Why, some of you may be asking?  Not merely because I am a singer who loves to watch other singers.  Not because I have a bit of a rock star crush on weirdo Steven Tyler.  Not because I like to admire J.Lo's gorgeous ensembles.  Not even because I'm a fan of the word "pitchy."

Scotty McCreery, that's why.

What my readers afar may not know?  I live in a smallish town in North Carolina.  The next smallish town over?  Garner.  Home to the now-famous Scotty.  He is our hometown hero of the moment.  So exciting! 

This boy can sing.  And let me just say that I am not a fan of country music.  But that being said, I recognize that his kid has a true gift for it.  He just oozes that country charm, and his deep voice makes for some delicious country tuneage.  The fact that he cocks his microphone to the side and makes eyes at the camera only adds to his charm.

Also, he is a nice boy.  It is obvious, even on TV, that he was raised well.  He has manners and integrity.  He wants to grow up to be a good man.  I only hope that the music industry doesn't swallow that sweet-as-pie right up!  Because he will have a career in country music, whether he wins this contest or not.

So Tuesday night, I will be watching. and I will be voting.  And Wednesday night, I sincerely hope that I am tuning in to see a Scotty win!!

Gabe- Three Months

Oh, my sweet Gabriel Clark.  How is it possible that a quarter of a year has already passed since your birth?  Time is flying by way too fast, and I'd like it to slow down immediately.  You are becoming a little person.  You are no longer just a little lump.  Some of your personality is beginning to shine through.

You are happy.  Oh, such a happy baby.  You love to lay on your back, look up at me, and laugh your sweet beginning giggles.  You like to hear your voice, so you coo and babble and yell- when you don't have your hands in your mouth.  You'll find that thumb someday soon, sweet boy. 

You recognize my voice and my face, and when I come to get you out of your crib after a sleep, your face breaks into a gigantic smile.

You are beginning to chunk out!  Your face and your arms and your thighs are gaining those perfect, adorable little rolls and folds of baby fat on a daily basis.

Your hair is growing!  It's auburn, just like mine, and it's wild.

Your beautiful lashes are growing, too.  Those eyes?  Oh, my.  I believe you just may be a heart breaker.

You're strong.  You like to sit up on my lap, facing out, like a big boy.  You like to be held up with your legs on the ground, so that you can practice standing.

You like to move your head from side to side, back and forth, again and again, looking at everything, taking in the world around you.  Sometimes you're so busy looking around that you wear yourself right out.

Your daddy and I couldn't believe it when you rolled over for the first time on your three month birthday!

  

I love you so much, sometimes I think my heart may just burst!

My perfect, beautiful little boy...I believe I was born to be your mommy.