Reflections from a coffee cup

As I'm putting away dishes tonight, I look at our "his and hers" coffee mugs (yes, from Disneyland - it was Paris, at least, don't judge me) and realize how appropriate the illustrations are on each mug:

Mine (the "J") shows Mickey juggling a ball (he's not goofing around, he's juggling - work with me on this) - and the Hubs' mug has the classic "D'oh" expression on Mickey's face.

Apt, I tell you.

So then, while I wait for the kettle to come to a boil, I realize how much a reflection of me all my mugs are. Like this one, my favorite, JUMBO mug. The one I had to hunt down (after it broke in the sink) from the company that makes them, as they had one remaining one in their showroom. I'm pretty sure they weren't using it, but if they were, I don't care. I love it that much.

Mommy DOES need coffee.

And the reverse? Equally true. 

Give me some sugar or get the hell out of my way.

And then there is the last of my mugs:

If you can't read it, it says "I'll have a caffe mocha vodka valium latte to go, please!"

I think that sums up my days quite nicely.

Now if you don't mind, I really, really need some coffee.

Women Who Inspire Me

Today's post is to talk about someone who inspires me - but people make their marks on you in different ways, and it is hard to choose just one person.


I think the biggest inspiration comes from my mom. Especially since I'm basically becoming her, daily.

We are both emotional, and wear our hearts on our sleeve. We're quick to jump to protect and defend those who are important to us. We both tend to, well, yell. A lot. (I'm Italian. That's my story.) We're both oversensitive.


We both love to read, and if we have (haha) free time, can be found with our noses in a book. 


One clear memory of my mom is that she vacuumed. Every day. I mean, when I think back to my childhood, I remember my mom vacuuming, reading, or telling me to get my nose OUT of a book, and go outside and play.


She has a heart as big as Texas, and puts up with the receiving end of Dad's sense of humor, which I share, so I know how tough that can be.


Yesterday, I told my son "If you don't stop that fake crying, I'll give you something to really cry about" - a familiar comment, in spite of the fact that we were rarely spanked. We look alike.  We are two different people, but I wouldn't be who I am today if it wasn't for her support and love.


The second woman who has always been an inspiration to me is my Aunt Jeanne. She has FIVE boys. She is unflappable where I am an anxious mess. She is calm where I am Type A+. Nothing seems to faze her, and I long to have just one fraction of that kind of "go with the flow" attitude. She has a fantastic relationship with her boys, and her family is tight. She's pretty awesome.
'Nuf said.


And lastly is my cyber friend Jenny of JennyontheSpot.com. No, we haven't met face-to-face yet, but she is the cool Jenny that I always wanted to be. Despite being a glass half empty kind of gal, she hides it well. She is hilarious. She is brave. She is creative. She makes me laugh. And reading her blog, she inspires me to work harder at my own blog, do more creatively, push myself. I realize I'll never vlog because I'm not particularly photogenic and you can't use all those cool Beaute apps on video. Yet. 


Seriously, Jenny, I'm totally not stalking you. But I do heart you, girlfriend.




I'm participating in the SITS Back to Blogging Challenge and - yay! - this is Day Four. 

Wouldn't I love to have Thelma and Louise come live with me? I can dream, can't I? Thanks goes to the challenge sponsors: Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

I won't be living in the land of teeny washers forever, you know.

All About Mom (from a 5 year olds point-of-view)

Today, Boo's class sang us songs in honor of Mother's Day! Their presentation included boisterous versions of "Skidamarink", "Mommy Loves Me (This I know)", and ____, complete with hand motions (I'm tellin' ya, I can see the future rock star in him now! Although, his friend Ellie has him hands-down in the volume department. She is the cutest thang I've ever seen!)

At the end of their songs, they took a deep bow (again, Boo, has his nailed) and ran madly towards their respective moms (or Dads, as the case may be) and presented us with handmade cards.

The front of my card looks like this:

HOW did he know that I've always coveted blond curly hair??? And a long, elegant neck. And HUGE eyes. (Sadly, he got the nose down, too.)

This is the inside:

In case you cannot read it, here is my son's take on Me, Mom extraordinaire:

ALL ABOUT MOM

What is your Mom's Name: Jen

What does she do? Goes to the gym

How old is she? 17 (Did I mention I love this kid?)

What is her favorite drink? Diet Coke

What is her favorite food? stop sign cereal * (noo, Pizza. Wait; chocolate)

What is her favorite color? blue

Where does she like to take you for fun? The train station

What message do you want to send her for Mother's Day? I Love You!

*Otherwise known as Barbara's Shredded Spoonfuls. Nothing in this house seems to go by its actual name....

All the moms had a great laugh comparing answers. It was interesting how many favorite things was "go to Target", and how many favorite drinks were some form of "wine".

Which, honestly, I'm quite surprised he didn't say - so kudos to Boo for not calling me out.

I love this boy!!!!