Real World Mom

Recently I was asked to review a book on teenage pregnancy. Although I was married and my pregnancy was planned, I was a teen mom. I’m also the mother of a 13 year old daughter. When I learned that the book, “Hope…Joy (and a Few Little THOUGHTS)™ for Pregnant Teens” was written to inspire and give hope to young mothers, I knew I had to read it.

Something else that impressed me was that the author, Rachel Brignoni, wrote from experience, not just opinion. Rachel herself gave birth to a son at the age of 17.

Simply stated, this book offers hope and encouragement to pregnant teenagers and teen moms. Which, unfortunately, is not typically easy to find in our society.

Rachel suggests ways of helping to change negative thoughts into positive ones, creating a happier, more confident person. She also includes exercises in the book to put readers on the path of finding out who they are, what they want from life and how to set–and attain– the necessary goals to turn it into a reality.

One of my favorite quotes from the book (which can be applied to all of us) is, “Your perceptions of your situation, positive or negative, have the power to shape your experience.” In my opinion, this is absolutely true, and all the more reason that pregnant teens–or anyone going through a difficult situation–should be surrounded by as much positive influence and encouragement as possible. This book should definitely be a part of that network of support.

Included with the book is a cd entitled “A Whisper of Hope.” (Click on the title to be taken to YouTube to see the video and hear the song.)

If you know any teenagers who are pregnant or have recently become mothers, please consider recommending this book to them. It’s currently available through the publisher’s website: Hope…Joy (and a Few Little THOUGHTS)™, as well as Amazon.com (see below).

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It’s time for Scrolling Saturday again! The topic this week: Should I go back to school?

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Too Cool For School–At 40?

Last summer, I decided I was going to attend the local community college. In a short period of time, I applied to the school (and was accepted!), applied for financial aid and took my placement test. Then, life just seemed to get in the way, and I never enrolled.

Lately, though, I’ve been thinking more and more about getting that fire going under myself again.

As far as I’m concerned, my career has reached a dead end. My background is in retail, and I just don’t have the energy to do that anymore. I want to do something different–perhaps even something meaningful.

I want to get my Associate’s Degree as a Human Services Technician…I think.

I’ll be 40 years old in just two months. Am I crazy to be considering starting all over at this age? Or is it never too late to improve your life?

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Two months after writing this, I’m still undecided. Any advice from the blogosphere?

To see all the participants of Scrolling Saturday, or to join in the fun, visit THIS PAGE.

Scrolling Saturday was created by Melissa at Such Simple Pleasures and Coleen at Manners and Moxie. Be sure to stop by and show them some bloggy-love!

Happy Saturday!

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Becca from BeccA’s Buzz has done it again! Another great Give Me 5!

The ‘Give Me Five’ Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple, short list! Here’s how it works: Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn’t have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.

Sign up for weekly reminder emails at beccagirl@charter.net.

THIS WEEK’S THEME:  GIVE ME 5 LINKS TO YOUR OWN PAST BLOG POSTS THAT ARE MOST MEMORABLE FOR YOU.

1-  To Pierce or Not to Pierce (12/27/07)~  Guess I like this post because I decided to stand up to my stbx.  For years, he controlled me (or tried to), so it’s empowering to do what I think is right, whether he agrees or not.  Her birthday is in three weeks!

2-   Another Form of Family (12/16/07)~  This one is near and dear to my heart because it’s about my friends and how important they are to me.

3-  Perfectionism (12/12/07)~  I battle with this way too frequently.

4-  Teen Alcohol & Substance Abuse (1/25/08)~  Important info here!

5-  Top 10 Sex Myths Debunked (1/21/08)~   Found some entertaining stuff in the article that inspired this post.

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I’m feeling loved this week! I’ve been tagged again–and again! First by Colin at Life for the “Knowing Me, Knowing You” meme–go say hi to this great guy! And then by Ash at Paisley Goddess for the “Refrigerator” dare meme–take a minute to visit her and let her know I sent ya!

KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU

Copy this entire list of questions and change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag and pass it along to other blogging friends. Let’s see how well we can get to know one another!

1. What is your occupation? At the moment, I refer to myself as a “Domestic Goddess”.

2. What color are your socks right now? White (and I’m only wearing them because it’s Winter and I’m freezing!).

3. What are you listening to right now? My computer (it’s loud) and the washing machine (refer to #1).

4. What was the last thing that you ate? If I could remember, I’d tell ya.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes. (You didn’t ask if I can do it well though.)

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? That’s easy, purple.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My friend/sister, Vicki.

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? He’s freaking AWESOME!

9. Favorite drink? #1: Coffee; #2: Diet Pepsi.

10. What is your favorite sport to watch? Naked male mud wrestling (this should produce some interesting Google searches, eh?). That is a sport, right?

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? A time or two…

12. Pets? Yes. Oh, did you want to know what? Well, I think you all know Madison!

13. Favorite food? Pasta, I could eat it every damn day.

14. Last movie you watched? “Maid in Manhattan”.

15. Favorite Day of the year? Any day that doesn’t involve a crapload of stress or bull$hit!

16. What do you do to vent anger? Write. Cry. Or both.

17. What was your favorite toy as a child? See #4.

18. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring. New life, Spring Cleaning… @@

19. Hugs or kisses? Depends who they’re from!

20. What kind of pie? Don’t really like pie. But I can make ‘em pretty good!

21. Do you want your friends to email you back? No. I so thoroughly enjoy writing emails so they can be ignored. Don’t you?

22. Who is most likely to respond? Me, myself or I.

23. Who is least likely to respond? Jimmy Hoffa.

24. Living arrangements? My guess is that my living was arranged by my parents? Am I close?

25. When was the last time you cried? Last night when T told me I had to finish my dinner in order to get dessert. I’ll have the same tantrum again tonight.

26. What is on the floor of your closet? How long have you got?

27. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Haven’t decided who I’m going to torture tag just yet.

28. The friend you have known the shortest amount of time that you are sending this to? That’s easy–Paisley Goddess!

29. Favorite smell? My man, fresh from the shower! Mmm!

30. What inspires you? My insatiable desire to be Root, biotch! (Just for you, T!)

31. What are you afraid of? Bugs. But T found a cool way to help with that, a Bug Sucker! (It’s on my birthday wish list!)

32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? I love to be cheesy!

33. Favorite car? My Oldsmobile Intrigue. It was black, cool looking and fast!

34. Favorite cat breed? The kind that says, “Meow.”

35. Number of keys on your key ring? 3? 4? 5?

36. How many years at your current job? I’ve been a “Domestic Goddess” since I was 18. Before that, I was in training.

37. Favorite day of the week? Friday. Goes back to the days of school and waiting for the weekend.

38. How many provinces have you lived in? Who me?

39. How many countries have you been to? Does the one I live in count?

I am going to tag:
Judy, Ash, Kelly and Jill.

As always, you do not have to participate, the choice is yours.

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And now Ash’s Fridge Meme. The deal is you must post a photo of the front of your refrigerator without cleaning it off first! (Oh, joy!)

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My friend Donna from Cold Coffee…and reruns posted the other day about a site that has become my absolute favorite hang out these days –cre8Buzz– and I thought it was a great idea! Please visit Donna and read her post on cre8Buzz, “Be seen… be heard… be found.”

cre8Buzz is a social networking site that allows you to “be seen… be heard… be found” while having a helluva lot of fun! Like Donna, I have met some of the absolutely coolest people there–and discovered a plethora of excellent blogs!

Are you a member of cre8Buzz? If so, please visit my page and Donna’s and say hello! If you’re not, go check it out and see what you’ve been missing! Hope to see you soon!

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Jill over at Caffeine Court (one of my favorite Jersey Girl Bloggers) tagged me with the book meme.

I’m currently reading a book of short stories written by Joseph Conrad  (”Youth“, “Heart of Darkness” and “Typhoon“).  Amazingly, he was born in Poland, yet wrote in exquisite English.
The rules :
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people & post a comment here once you post it to your blog, so I can come see.

Page 123 is from the story “Heart of Darkness.”

“…Yes; I looked at them as you would on any human being, with a curiosity of their impulses, motives, capabilities, weaknesses, when brought to the test of an inexorable physical necessity.  Restraint!  What possible restraint?…”

Once again, I’m breaking the rules as far as the tagging goes.  If you haven’t already done this meme and would like to, please help yourself!

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In honor of my 100th post (Yay for Real World Mom!), I’ve decided to stick with tradition and write the “100 Things About Me” list.

100 Things I’ve Learned As A Mother

1. Love knows no boundaries
2. When you think you can’t possibly give any more, you do
3. You’ve got to choose your battles
4. I’m not much for defending myself, but don’t mess with my kids!
5. I know what unconditional love is
6. You learn to deal with boo-boos
7. I have three boys
8. How to deal with broken bones
9. And stitches
10. As well as bad dreams
11. Bad report cards
12. How not to puke when changing really gross diapers
13. Morning sickness is temporary
14. As is babyhood
15. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when looking into your baby’s eyes and they’re looking back at you
16. I’ve learned to trust my instincts
17. Though I don’t always listen to them
18. And I usually regret it
19. You really can feel your heart swell with pride
20. Seeing those first steps
21. When they take off on that bike alone for the first time
22. And your heart is in your throat
23. But they fly!
24. Good report cards
25. Seeing them in a production at school (no matter how minor the part, they’re stars!)
26. Coffee really is fuel
27. I didn’t start drinking it until I was 21
28. After child #2
29. I needed serious fuel with him
30. And even more with #3
31. I believe in something I call “Second Child Syndrome”
32. It seems one of the second child’s obligations to his or her parents is to drive them crazy
33. And supply your gray hair
34. And be really sweet and lovable–at just the right moments
35. I remember a comedian once said, “God makes babies cute so you don’t kill ‘em”
36. I think it was Gallagher (the comedian)
37. I think he was right
38. Sleep becomes a rare and much sought-after commodity
39. Don’t plan on getting any until they’re teenagers
40. And like to sleep late themselves
41. But then you lie awake worrying about them anyway
42. Who they’re friends are
43. What they’re really doing when they’re not home
44. Will they do the right things?
45. Make the right choices?
46. Will they be successful?
47. Will my car come home in the same shape it left in?
48. Is their new job interfering too much with school?
49. Isn’t it time for them to be home by now?
50. Labor is only the beginning of the pain you’ll go through as a Mom
51. You’ll hurt every time one of your kids does
52. It will devastate you to see them disappointed
53. Or, worse yet, injured
54. I am able to handle more than I think I can
55. Son #2 had an accident in which he fractured his skull
56. He was only 7
57. I’ve never been so scared
58. He was at a children’s hospital for three days
59. The worst three days of my life
60. I still thank God it wasn’t nearly as serious as it could have been
61. I needed my Mom during that time too
62. You don’t outgrow needing your Mom
63. There is just never going to be enough time
64. To do all that you want to do
65. To see all that you want to see
66. Or to say all that you want to say
67. I have to do the best that I can
68. You can never say “I love you” too much
69. I don’t remember my parents saying it to me
70. I make sure I say it to my children (and loved ones) at every opportunity
71. My kids say “I love you”
72. Even after four pregnancies and four kids, I still can’t handle puke
73. Doing it
74. Seeing someone do it
75. Hearing anyone do it
76. I did, however, get used to the sight of blood
77. Son #2 got stitches twice
78. Once in his head
79. And once in his lip
80. I told him the scar would look sexy one day
81. He’s 18 now
82. And it does!
83. No, I don’t think my son is sexy
84. But he is very handsome!
85. Son #3 cut his hand pretty badly when he was two
86. We got to skip the stitches on that one though
87. Because we sat in the emergency room so long, it stopped bleeding
88. We called his pediatrician from the ER, and he advised us how to care for it
89. My daughter has broken both of her wrists
90. Once when she fell off of a bike
91. The other when she fell off of a skateboard
92. Wheels can be dangerous
93. Son #1 is now 20
94. A year older than I was when I had him
95. Son #2 is 18
96. Son #3 is 16
97. Daughter #1 (and only) will be 13 in just under a month
98. I have been blessed with four beautiful children
99. They are beautiful inside and out
100. Nothing else I do in this lifetime will ever be as important as being their mother

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A fun meme by Becca at BeccA’s Buzz! Check her out!

The ‘Give Me Five’ Monday meme is designed to share fun information with each other in a simple, short list! Here’s how it works. Each week, I will put out a random topic from my list of topics and you share 5 answers of your choice on the given topic and link back here! You can add photos, links or stories or just a simple list of your own of 5 things that relate to the topic as it pertains to you and your life experiences. It doesn’t have to be in any order of importance unless otherwise specified.

Sign up for weekly reminder emails at beccagirl@charter.net.

This week’s assignment: Give Me 5 positive traits or accomplishments you admired in a person or persons that you aren’t getting along with or have hurt or offended you in the past.

1- My soon-to-be (said hopefully)ex: He has always been a very hard worker.

2- “K”, someone I was best friends with for over 20 years (we are no longer friends): She had a good eye for decorating.

3- My Mom: Her wicked sense of humor. Her strong will and determination, even in the worst of times.

4- My Dad: His intelligence.

5- A previous boss, “I”: She was usually very fair.

I really like this week’s theme. I think it’s healthy to take some of the focus off of the negative by remembering something positive!

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Warning: Author is in the midst of a serious case of PMS. Proceed at your own risk!

• It’s freezing in NJ!
• The stbx is still dragging his feet and refusing to give in cooperate. My daughter informed me that he purchased new carpeting and new furniture last week, and he’s thinking about buying a flat-screen tv. But, when he lies talks to me, he’s “broke.”
• Still haven’t found a source of income.
• My back has been hurting me off and on (mostly on lately) for the last seven months. I’m in NJ, my doctor is in PA, and I have no way to get to her.
• My 40th birthday is in three weeks–how much does that suck?!
• I’m PMSing BIG time (poor T!).

On the plus side…

• My kids are healthy and happy.
• Spring will eventually be here.
• I am loved by some incredible people!
• As for the stbx: What goes around comes around.
• I have my internet connection!

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As a former bank teller, this one is near and dear to my heart. “Oh, Come On. Show Me That Handsome Mug.” (Now available in mug shots!) In York, PA, a hooded-man entered a bank and demanded money. The teller told him to remove his hood, which the idiot man did, allowing police some good videotaped evidence to hold against him in court.
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Police in Portland, ME are looking for a man who uses his car to cut-off vehicles being driven by women traveling solo. He then gets out of his car and shows off his ensemble which consists of a garter belt and black high-heeled boots. The article doesn’t say whether he puts on a performance beyond that. Since this has never happened to me, I can’t be sure how I’d react, but I do think I’d pee myself laughing. Guess I’ll have to wait for the video… “Well, He Was Wearing a Garter and Boots”

 

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Do you know of a child who deserves a laptop? Sarabeth from i once was hp is searching for the right person to give this laptop from One Laptop Per Child to. For all the details, see her post, “Technology or Why the OLPC Laptop Won’t Work For My Children.” The deadline is March 15 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

 

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