Where do I even begin again? How about Hi!

Hi and Welcome back!
I've had this blog for years now and I took such a long time off, it's a little weird to start up again.   I think the new design will help...to me it feels less busy and I love how it just feels like a brand new blog.
I know I haven't gained new followers but maybe who I am or what I write about has been lost in the time I have spent away from here.  So I thought I would kind of do another introduction.
Of course you get the little "about me" blurb on my sidebar and I have the "about me" page, but that needs a serious update as well.   There are the most common things about me like I am married, live in Wisconsin, and am a stay at home mom to a FOUR (ahhhh- can't believe he's 4) year old boy named Mason.
So now that I have refreshed your memory that way, today and tomorrow I am visiting past posts that actually talk about me and more about who I am.  Before that though, I included 2 pictures of Mason.  No longer a baby or toddler but a boy...a kid...a child who started going to school.   Time sure does go by fast.

Mason & his iPod.  This boy is obsessed with music.  Literally obsessed.

Here are posts from the past that are pretty much short and random but for sure capture me.  Many of them weird :)


250 words about me
10 random facts about me
Even more random facts
And even more facts

Who? What? Huh?

Hey.  

Remember me?   Hope so.

If not?  I'll be back.    I've actually been around this whole time.   Reading your blogs, writing drafts, just being that blogger that doesn't follow through.

So...right now.   I'm working with someone for a new blog design and i like to think I'm 're-branding'.

Weird thing, I don't think 're-branding' for me means anything but a new blog design.    I don't plan on changing what I write necessarily except there is a lot more real things to talk about.     

 I realize some people like to keep their blog upbeat and good news but it's not me.   I mean I won't  be a complete "Debbie Downer" but I also want my stuff to portray me.   A moody, anxiety ridden, sometimes silver lining person.   So...real.

Happy stuff, bad stuff, silly stuff, etc.

Hope you will stick around.  I hope to be back in full by April 1st.   Where I will soon be entering the world of having a 4 year old.    Which means drinking, crying, sleeping, and denial.  

Well Well Well ...

I was thinking about starting this post off with one of those cutesy things about being gone so long like...

"is this thing on?"

"remember me?"

"oh hey i used to blog here."

Then I decided against it.   Kinda.

Updates on my life: 

- Mason was Batman for Halloween.   I actually used a 6-9 month costume for $5 and cut out pieces for him to wear over his jacket (cape is on the back).  The mask was $2.    Not too bad.

- I went to a Monday Night Packers game.  We lost but it was pretty awesome and I got to go with my BCF Katie.

- Right now Mason is sick (he missed school today and Tuesday) and I am afraid he has given it to me.   I'm thinking healthy thoughts.

- We had our first snow yesterday.   We meet again winter...you bastard.

- And probably the biggest thing that has happened to me is that I got a job.   It's only the weekends about 4am-7:30am.     Yeah I know...crazy   

- And this is the part where I promise I'll be back soon.    I don't like that kind of pressure but I do want to be.   I still read all the blogs and comment but when it comes to writing my own I get lazy.  I really hate it because like I have said a MILLION time before, I have so many drafts in my folder.   I actually have things to write, they just aren't finished.     Ugh.    Problems.  

:)   

I'm Ashamed ...

I'm ashamed...

...My iPod has Ashlee Simpson on it.

...I DVR'd the Miley Cyrus MTV documentary.

...My son's Play-Doh is kept in a Miller Lite bucket.

...I'm at level 490 on Candy Crush. (so very ashamed) *edit - make that 491*

...I haven't done my nails in over a month.

...I had beef jerky at 11 pm last night.

...I went to bed at 2 am last night - and I had to be up at 7:30am.

-----------------

Anything you are ashamed of?  Care to share?

*Peace & Be Ashamed With Me*

Pool League Anyone?

So what does one do when they have never played pool (sober) and know literally nothing about it?   (I even forgot what it meant to 'scratch' was).   

You join a pool league.   Yes, that's right, I am in a pool league.    

I actually was roped into it.  My friend Mandy mentioned being in it, and I kind of shot down the idea because I have never played.  Well "be a sub then".  "Ok" I say.   

Fast froward 1 1/2 months later...Oh hey Miranda, our pool league starts the 26th.  

Me - "     .....................  . Oooook."

So here I am, about to go play pool for the second time ever on a team.   I will say I am either a somewhat good player that didn't know it, or I had beginners luck.  We are second in the league and we won 6 out of 10 games last week.   

So now I am trying to learn terminology like "kitchen", "english" "double railed/s?" 

Now I ask, any pool players out there?  Tips?   I mean the other teams I play against bring their own sticks/cues whatever.    One even lit up last week.    They mean business.   

And I just hope I don't embarrass myself.

*Now I'm debating adding a picture.   Just to make this post more interesting....hmmm let me go see"

This speaks the truth.

* Peace & Pool *

We Will Return You To Your Regular Scheduled Programming ...

... In September.

I know...what a long ass break.   But I really took control of this summer and did stuff.

We went to the beach, fair, park, swimming pool, parties, etc.

I would return this week but I'm off to babysit my nieces for a week.  And watching a 3 year old (Mason) and a 2 year old AND a 1 year...I think I will busy.

----------------------------------

However...a few things I have learned this past 2 months.

1) Kinky blue tastes pretty amazing.   But will make you cry if you have too much.

2) Do not give Rumplemintz to my

 husband.  Or he will be *cough* puking

 *cough* for for a few hours.

3) Do not.  I repeat DO NOT try to get lucky, in a car, in a bar parking lot.  This is not my experience but my observation.  We regular folk don't need to see...um...."things" in your foggy car as we mosey on past.  Ew.

Peace lovies. 

I miss this.

Hello - Is It Me You're Looking For?

It's about 2 in the morning.  And I feel like a cross between an 80 year old woman and a 21 year old.  Why?    Well I am up at 2 (the 21 year old part) but, I'm watching the Game Show Network....bring on the Family Feud!  I could watch it all day (the 80 year old part).   Who am I really?!

As you can tell, I have been taking a break.   Last week, I was a cleaning machine.  This week?  I'm off to see Fun.  in concert, with my favorite cousins Katie & Haylee.

While I have taken this break, I got to 200 followers.  Within a day, I was at 199.  But yesterday?  201.  My latest follower?  Cute big butt teen photos.  No lie.   Hi CBBTP!   Welcome! :)

I will be back full force soon.  I have more than 30 drafts in my folder.  I'm ready to break them lose and show you (2 months later) the 2nd part of my birth story.  If you don't believe me...that's ok.  I don't believe myself either.  *yay procrastination!!!*

Also...I have been a reading machine.  If you follow me on Good reads, you would notice.   Have you read "Beautiful Disaster"?   No?  DO IT!!!  If you like tormented love...you will like this.  I read this book (and it's sequel "Walking Disaster")  in 2 days.   Over 800 pages.  Yes I am tired, and no...my son will not bargain with me when I tell him I was up at 3am reading.   You would really think a 3 year old would get the concept of bargaining by now...especially with me as a mom.  Jeesh.  (Follow me here.)

Today (later) tonight starts Catfish.  Tune into MTV and have your mind blown by the crazies.  (This is not towards all the people who find love online).   Just the crazies.

And finally.  Pen Pals.  I miss mail that arrives in my mailbox.  Awhile ago I participated in a Pen Pal Swap thingy but it never went through.  

I got one letter from my Pen Pal and it stopped.  

Well I want to make this happen.  

Who wants to get on in it?  

I will post later this week, but if you are interested, leave a comment with your email address!!!  I think it will be fun!!!

*images from google.com*

On a happier note ...

First off thank you for your comments on my previous post.  I always get nervous writing those posts.  I don't expect anyone to feel sorry for me but I like getting it off my chest...and the support from you guys, is just great.  So on a happier note...

10 things that make you really happy

1) The obvious: Family

2) Coffee

3) Germany.  Man I miss that place.

4) Showers.   I think I'm addicted to them.   They are a place to get away...as long as I lock the door.

5) TV.  I love it.   Right now, 'Scandal' is ah-mazing.  You don't watch it?  Watch it.   Blows. Your. Mind.

6) Football

7) Art.   I love it all and I actually miss college where I got to learn more.   (But I don't miss the homework) - this work is important due to the artist's technique.  He used all tiny dots to make this painting. Cool, huh?

8) Water.  My dream is to live on some type of water someday.  Whether it be the ocean or a lake.  I am so at peace just sitting there in front of water.   

9) Reading.  I come from parents of readers...fast readers.  And I am so thankful for that.  I can read a book in less than a day if I have the time.

10) Paper/Journals.  I don't know why but I just have hoarded collected paper/journals/notebooks forever.  Some I haven't even written it...but I love them.  And below is my newest purchase.  

Lost

~ I'm ashamed I already fell off the "Everyday in May" boat.   I really wanted to make it.  I also hate being such a Debbie Downer *wah wahhh* in my posts but I really like to keep things real.  So the first part of today is just that...real.   Second part, I will  get back into this May blog challenge and share some happy things ~

I'm feeling lost.

I have been struggling with depression, anxiety, and OCD for awhile and I thought I was getting it under control.

But lately I have felt lost...

Lost in life, friendships, relationships, family, and even just everyday things.

I haven't been able to set my mind straight, get thing done, accomplish even the smallest goals like cleaning the house.

I'm struggling.

Relationships with my family, friends, if I even have any, and even my own son.

Being a stay at home mom has its advantages.  Some people even like to think they don't do anything.  But right now I feel like because of being one, I lost who I am.  What I like to do, who I wanted to be.   Why did I even go to college to get a degree if all I'm going to do is chase around a kid all day.  I'm sorry if that sounds ungrateful, but it's hard.   Hard giving up your life to cater to just one tiny person.

I love my child, and I would die for him.  But what happened to me? Why does it feel like I have nothing to turn to?

I'm just lost.   And that's the best way to describe it.

Don't breathe on me - Day 3

Everyday in May - Day 3.    

Things that make you uncomfortable.

At first I couldn't think of anything that makes me uncomfortable.  But then I realized...there is actually a crap ton of things.  So I will just limit it three major ones.

* That forced small talk when you are meeting someone for the first time.

* You know in school/college when you had to have a partner and didn't know anyone in the room?  Horrible uncomfortableness.  

* And finally...breath.   Now let me clarify...I like breathing, I like that other people can do it...obviously.   But I don't want it near me unless you are a baby or a puppy.  

 I seriously can not face my husband in bed if he is too close because I can feel his breath.

I'm not saying it's because he has bad breath or anyone else does, I just think it is weird.  

 All hot and sticky and doesn't belong to me.   Yuck.  

I also don't like having to lean over and breathe on anyone when I'm talking quietly or whispering.  I try to avoid it at all costs.   It just weirds me out...

I'm off to read all of your uncomfortable things and I can't wait.   :)

I am still alive...I swear

So I haven't been around for awhile.  Probably the biggest blog break I have ever taken.

Well the first week, Guss was on vacation.  So I did a lot of sleeping in...and being lazy.  And you ya know, family time.  And then...a number of things.   

Here is the list in no particular order:   

* Being busy

* Being lazy

* Laundry

* Talking with my sister whom I haven't talked to in 15 years....yah that's a story.

* Identity crisis

* Career crisis

* Life crisis

* Family/Relationship insecurities

* Attempting to potty train a child

* Working at a dance studio with an impending Recital

* Reading about 8 books in less than 2 weeks.

So all in all.  I suck.  My problem is I have so many ideas and things to write about, but I end up doing other things more important.   Like watching TV, or drinking.   

However, I started advertising with Neely (if you haven't heard of her then go here), and if I want to get my moneys worth then I need to start a'bloggin.   I actually don't really care about sponsoring but I love Neely's blog and she is one of the best.  So, well, there ya go.

Yes I realize I don't make a lot of sense.

Please come back soon, even if it isn't coherent.  The best is yet to come.  (Oh and sorry for no pictures...that is another lazy aspect of my life).  Wow, I really sound like a winner don't I?

P.S.  I will be announcing the date of the Midwest Blogger get together   That is also something I had a mini breakdown about.  But I'm back on the train.

P.P.S.  I have been so horrible at replying to comments.  I am so sorry and I appreciate all of them.  From now on, I will be responding and not being such a bad person :)

A Sunday Pinterest Social

So I'm doing the Social thingy today.  Today the topics are all about Pinterest (follow me on my sidebar).   I of course can't choose just one pin so I have multiple.  And for some random reason the Sunday beers I am feeling a bit goofy.

All About Pinterest

1. What is your favorite outfit pin?

 Regular day

 casual day

 fancy day

2. What is your favorite food pin?

I have made this twice.  If you like spicy and pasta you will probably like this.  However if you don't like spicy...skip it.   

3. What is your favorite wedding pin?

I'm already married but if I could redo it I would love a barn wedding.

4. What is your favorite DIY/craft pin?

I love planning & lists!

5. What is your favorite quote/verse/lyric pin?

 Funny.  "Get Low"

Serious.  And true.

6. Share one three more random pins you love.

This here is true.  

This literally makes me laugh every time I see it.

 One of my favorite "Friends" moments.

Happy Sunday!   It is the premiere of "Mad Men" tonight!!!  whoop whoop!

I Hate Laundry

Helloooo.

Just wanted to drop in and say there won't be any posts this week.   And I realize I just contradicted myself.

I'm  a lot  behind on laundry, and I have to go into to public this week, so I have no choice but to do it.

Also the poor girl who is doing my new blog design has been waiting for me to answer this questionnaire for forever now and I don't want to hold it off any longer.  (holy run-on sentence)

And I need to get my butt onto finalizing things for the Midwest Blogger Meet up.   

* Notice a pattern here?  I'm lazy. *

But I'll be back next week,  and I can almost promise you that by then, my laundry will be clean.   But not folded and put away.   

Oh, and P.S. Next week Katie and I have a great giveaway for you! 

What?! March?! Huh?!

Um...it's March.  

What the hell, right?  

In 1 month and 5 days my son will be 3.  That doesn't make me freak out.  At All.   

When I realized this I started thinking, why don't I have a second kid?  You're getting old!   Then I remember that Fergie just got pregnant for the first time at 37.  Phew.    

I don't even know why that matters.

Anyways...

I swear I had a funny post for yesterday. Then I got caught up in the Jodi Arias trial.  So much so that Guss got really mad at me because I was watching it during supper and completely ignoring the fact that we were supposed to be eating as a family. (sorry for the run-on sentence)

And now I'm posting on a Friday.   But you know what...Friday posts hardly ever get read.   Anyone else notice that?

I'm rambling...it could be Ron Swanson talking. 

(sorry if you are new here and you don't know what I'm talking about)

So, have a great weekend lovies and I will be back Monday!   Unless I get too lazy...again.

Also I promise, I am at least half awake while writing this.  This post totally makes sense.

A little Monday morning gossip.

Linking up with one of my fave bloggers  Leeann, and her fun new link-up.  :)  

So here is the run down of the last few days in Mirandaland.  (it's a real place ya'll)

* We tackled our basement.  When we started it looked like an episode of hoarders.  Minus the dead cats.

Not our house.  That would be disgusting.

* We made a snowman.   Mason named him Hat.   Everyday Mason gets up and waves hi to Hat.

* Tomorrow my husband gets his yearly bonus.  Besides paying some people back, paying some bills, and taking the dogs to vet, you better believe I already have items in my online carts for Target & Old Navy.  And we are going to lunch at Chipotle!  

* Finally watched "Pitch Perfect" for the first time.  It was pretty good.  And I'm watching "Magic Mike" after 'The Bachelor  tonight.  I heard it doesn't have the best story line but I gotta see what all the hype is about.

* We only have 6 episodes left in Season 4 of 'Breaking Bad'.   I'm still obsessed.   With the show...and Aaron Paul.

Well it turns out my weekend wasn't terribly exciting.  But that is no problem.

Have a great Weekend Recovery Day Monday & Link Up with Leeann!