Dear Blog,

Dear Blog,

I miss you.  I miss the time I used to have to focus on you, b*tch about my work and other life things.  I miss being able to spend countless hours researching how to grow you, make pictures beautiful for you and devote time to JUST you... well, me really. 

However, things have changed.  I'm breaking up with you.  Ok, not really but I'm temporarily putting on hold the expectations that I once had for you.  I do promise to spend more time on you, but it wont be enough time.  It will never be enough time.  It will be just enough time to have a written journal of our life to look back on because Lord knows I don't have the memory for it all. 

You see, there's this girl.  She's my tiny human and she's really more important than you if we're being honest... and I'm always honest, to a fault.  Getting up for work at 5am, feeding her at 6 and on to my commute, just to spend a day at work, commute home, feed her, feed me, get things ready for the next day, pump, go to bed at 9ish and wake up to feed her before continuing my nap just doesn't leave enough time for you.  I am hopeful that on weekends when the tiny human is napping I may be able to spend time with you and then I think I hear the voice of the washing machine and I'm not so sure.  Also, on these weekends I need to soak up as much of the tiny human's time and essence as I can.  I may even try to see this giant ball of light in the sky people keep telling me about...I'm not convinced.   

So, my dear friend, I can promise you this.  I will commit to trying to make more time for you but I can promise you that I love you, and miss you, and will one day be able to nurture you like the diamond seedling you are.

Until next time my friend...

5 Unbelievable Pregnancy Encounters

There are so many things I thought were exaggerated about pregnancy before I was pregnant.  Now, I get it.  I would like to say that I was expecting them but some things are so out there, that until they actually happened I’m pretty sure it never even crossed my mind.  Mind. Blown.  Here are just a few of my favorite moments I’ve experienced in pregnancy so far.

I’m a fragile little lamb-  It seems that once you hit the “whoa baby” noticeable stage people are so afraid of breaking you.  For instance, I’m not sure if it’s more about liability at work but people are afraid if I walk fast, drop something on the ground or get up to do something.  It’s pretty comical, in fact.  It’s such a nice feeling to have people at work give a damn that it almost makes me want to play along… Yes, I am in fact Queen of All Pregnant Ladies and you are my subjects.  Haha  But then I snap out of it and think, hey I’m still normal, just makin a human over here.  I’m perfectly capable of picking up my pen…. Well most times, unless I’m sitting at a table and if you’ve ever tried to put a purse or beach ball on your lap and bend over you know physics are not working in your favor. 

Virtual strangers touching my belly-  Now, I have to say at 34 weeks to the day I’ve avoided this so far.  I was seriously hoping it was a complete myth.  Unfortunately, I’m here to tell you that it happens.  It has happened to me and it will, most likely, happen to you.  Today, my friends, my belly was patted for the first time with a loving look from a gentleman I work with.  To say I was shocked, would be an understatement.  Not only did I get an unsuspecting pat, but I also got a “look at you” comment.  Double whammy.  My FB post went a little something like this:

Comments about the size/shape of my belly- Twice, people have made comments about my belly and have *barely* lived to tell the tale.  No, sample lady at Costco, I am not having twins but thank you again for the lovely TWO samples you insisted I take.  Yes, outspoken TSA Man, I am having a girl and thank you so much for your observation that I am carrying high.  FML.  I feel like that youtube kid on drugs after the dentist.  Is this really real?  Yes, yes it is.  I can’t make this up.
 

People sharing their stories with me- Thank you for enlightening me on your birthing experience even though I didn’t ask.  I loved hearing about your episiotomy and how that went.  *warning, do not google it* Oh, I’m so sorry your drugs wore off mid-pushing and you felt everything.  Wow, you went natural and really think I should too.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Shoot. Me. Now.

My life is over-  This may be my favorite of all moments.  When a haggard, yet seemingly put together woman proceeds to tell me what I have NO idea what I’m in for and that I better appreciate every late morning and free moment of my time because it will NEVER happen again.  Wow, first of all, let me say I’m sorry for you.  Truly.  I appreciate the concern on making sure I soak up all experiences now before our lives change forever, but I’m good.  You may believe I live in Never Never Land, but I assure you that I currently reside in California and am well aware of the changes my life will encounter.  However, and this may be the smug new parent in me, I fully believe that after the first couple (6) months of newborn haze that I’ll be ok.  My life will never be the “same” but that’s ok.  I know wine night with the girls, date nights with the hubby and a general life will be mine again.  So, thanks for trying to scare the beegeesus out of me but I’m good.

In closing, I’d like to offer some of the only things you should say to a pregnant woman- like EVER:

• You’re simply glowing
• Congratulations!

• You look so amazing

• How exciting, I hope everything is amazing for you

• You are going to be such a fantastic mother

Until next time...

 

 

Frank Fridays: #lifehacks

Happy Freaking Friday!!!  Today is a great day for many reasons but the most important three are:

• It's Friday!
• Thanks to the legging trend I wear yoga pants to work!
• Today is the last day at my current job!

Can I just tell you how excited and free I feel?

 I've been pretty good about not talking about my current job on here, or to anyone except close friends/my hubby and I'll keep it that way.  Let's just say that no one quits a job because they love it?  Am I right?  Today I feel the weight of the world lifting off of my shoulders.  I feel my creative juices returning to normal levels.  I feel my soul remembering that it exists!  Yeay, me!

I don't think I told you yet that I did get another job!  I actually got it the day before I turned in my resignation!  In a tiny tiny town, word travels fast and opportunities usually fall into your lap even before you know you need them! #closingdoormeetopenwindow   I'm happy to report that I'll be working at the hardware store in town.  Yes, you read that right... I will be working at a hardware store.  hahaha- stop laughing.  Unless you're minion laughing because those little twinkies with eyes sing my heart song!  

This is not the hardware store, this is just too adorable for words.  #you'rewelcome

The owners of the store are amazing people, who just happen to be friends with my in-laws.  I married up, folks!  I'm so excited to be able to work with people in a more relaxed setting, have easy work that doesn't make me stay until all hours of the night and it comes with a pretty rad view!  While I'm not going to be a hardware connoisseur, I'm going to check you out like a champ (minds out of the gutter people) and point you to an owner for the hard questions!   I've already learned what a carriage bolt is and the different between brite, stainless steal and galvanized.  Booyah, owned you.  This is going to be fun, check out my new view!

So yesterday I tweeted this:


I know I might be late to the party on this one, shocker, but I am seriously excited about this life hack!  Yoga pants to work... sign me up!  With the whole leggings trend, yoga pants have become an acceptable form of work pant and I couldn't be happier!  I really hope that's not just in Cordova.






Think about this, leggings look great on almost anyone... well, I take that back, I've seen the funny "as seen in Wal*Mart" sites and if you could run a mile being chased by zombies, you can probably pull off yoga pants.  I'm pretty sure they were sent from God in a vision to the fashion designers to compensate for all of the trends that only look good seriously skinny people with no boobs!  #ihaveboobspeople!  But seriously, boxy and flowy shirts are a great idea until they just hang off of your lady shelves making you look like you're wearing a box.  Not attractive.  And can we talk about half shirts coming back- wait, let's not and pretend that's not happening.  Yoga pants, on the other hand, hug your J.Lo making you feel like you're wearing a sexy cat woman suit.  Anyone?  No...?  Just me... ok, whatevs!

Either way you look at it, today is a good day.  Happy Frank Friday y'all!!  Now go out there and be frank!

Until next time...

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Frank Friday's: Everyone's getting pregnant but me.

Happy Frank Friday!  I've been MIA for, oh I don't know like, 50 of these.  my bad.  Hey Boo, I'm back!  This is a personal lady post so *insert little krill voices here* swim away if you don't want to read.  You've been warned!

So it's not secret that last June I shared that we were trying to have a little Ladd.  During one of the most traumatic lady Dr visits I've ever had, I was told that after taking out the baby barrier, things could happen immediately or could take up to a year.  Well folks, we're getting darn near that year mark and I can't tell you how impatient I'm becoming.  There are so many emotions that go along with this that it's not as simple as "just don't think about it and it'll happen".  If you think I'm even remotely capable of that, you have never met me.

I know there are TONS of factors in getting a bun in the oven.  First let's talk about the most obvious part to this equation... having your husband home.  Yeah, easy right?  Wrong.  Thanks to the lovely boat that my husband is stationed on, which I've been lovingly calling the boat that shall not be named... I'm a fan, can you tell?...  thanks to the boat my husband has done more tours that a Japanese person on vacation.  Long, short, sunny, arctic, you name it and he's been gone for it.  And when he is home, it's really a crap shoot on if it's the "right time".  So there's that.

Secondly, at the same amazingly horrific Dr appt I was told that my weight was a factor.  Ok, let's slow your roll for a second lady.  While I'm no Gisele, I can rock an awesome outfit with my J. Lo and feel fabulous.  Also, I totally and completely fit comfortably in an airline seat- so there.  Yes, I've put on some lovin' since moving to the frozen tundra, but I'm still on the side of the US average so let's not get carried away and think I'm Honey Boo Boo's Mamma... just sayin.  I have made an effort and lost 11lbs that has stayed off so far.  I'm still working with all of my Advocare products and will continue to shed this blubber before we leave for sunny Cali! Also- over weight people get prego and have babies ALL. THE. TIME.  *insert seriously annoyed face here*




I can't even talk about everyone who is getting pregnant on the first try, not trying or not, not trying but if it happens it happens.  Seriously, I can't.

Does anyone else's body play tricks on them?  I swear every month when I pop open my baby makin' tracker to see when my "aunt" will visit and see that I'm a couple days away I get down.  Then, about a week later I'm wondering where it is.  So I pop open my app and get little butterflies in my stomach.  I get hope.  Then, like clock work for the last couple of months it will be one- maybe even two weeks late, I'll call my two best girlfriends and of course the hubby with the "possibility" of something... maybe take a test and boom... like a horrible April fool's joke it starts.  Literally I've waited and waited to say something, finally decided to say SOMETHING and that day it starts.  I'm beginning to think my body hates me.

Maybe I just have a hostile V?  Maybe it's like a little swimmer kill zone *thinking of the Hunger Games scenes now*  Maybe I've been trying for so long to train it to stop the baby makin that the old dog can't learn a new trick.  Did I just call my V a dog?  I guess I did... can I take that back, that sounds weird??? 

Which brings me around to the title of this post... everyone is getting pregnant but me.  Frankly, I'm pouting.  I can't tell you how ecstatically excited I am for everyone around me because I truly am, but I'd be lying if I said that every month my heart didn't break when it doesn't happen. Tears are inevitable.  I don't always feel like I can be honest and express this with my friends who are and aren't pregnant because A) I'm sick of the comments.  Seriously, I know.  "It'll happen when it's horrible timing.  It'll happen when you stop trying.  You have to stop stressing about it..." and on and on.  I know...  B) I'm sick of the pity looks.  Sometimes I think people either really don't care or understand how badly I want this.  And seriously, if you don't want to talk about this with me- then stop asking when I'm going to have kids.  It's like a woman asking if she looks fat in an outfit and not wanting the answer.  Yes, if you have to ask, you probably do look fat.  #you're welcome

So, that's what's been going on in this little noggin lately.  I just had to be frank.  Can we all just take a moment and send prayers and positive thoughts my way?  I would be SO thankful!!

What about you?  What are you going to be frank about today?

Until next time...

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Like an oasis in the desert...

I have to be honest and tell you that I've started about 20-30 posts in the past couple of months and just haven't been creative or driven enough to finish them.  I feel like every time I get this great idea and it's just going to come bursting out of me when I have the time to actually write... nothing.  It's like my mind is playing tricks on me! 

It's no surprise that I've been SO super busy for the last couple of months with cheerleading, work, home life and actively trying to lost weight, but something else just seemed off.  I've toyed with the idea to quit my job for about... oh, I don't know... 6 months now.  I mean everyone has days where they dread going to work or they feel drained after it's done (hence why they call it a job, not fun) but normally there are some good days thrown in as well that renew your faith in what you do or breathe some fresh air back into your lungs.  Well, sad to say I had to check C, none of the above for the past couple of months.  It felt like I was going through the motions as a shell of person.  Ok, that's a little melodramatic even for me, but the truth is I was miserable.  There are tons of things I could tell you were causing it, but the bottom line is... it wasn't one thing, it was everything.  So, after much discussion with my better half, I put in my notice.  Even now, with a month left that statement makes me smile and all of a sudden the anxiety, pressure and stress I once felt seems to be lifting. 

March 28th is my last day!  *Double takes* You gave a month?!  Yes... I gave a month.  My job isn't brain surgery by any means but in a tiny town with a tiny job pool, I wanted to give my employer the best chance at finding someone quality for the position.  And... I'd be lying if I didn't hope a little good karma comes my way from not leaving them in a bind.  You see, when I got the job I had only 3 days of training before I was thrown to the wolves- and I do mean wolves.  When you run the HR, District Office, all School Board everything and much, much, MUCH more, you have to know what you're doing, and I want to make sure I have quality time with the next person to give them a fighting shot.  Now, is it my fault if no one applies or they don't make a decision soon enough?  No.  Will this effect my cheerleading since Districts are next week and State two weeks after that?  No.  I can do it all folks! 

Even as I'm writing this I'm thinking of a million things I want to tell you.  Thinking of everything going on right now and how I want so desperately to write about it, but I'm just too tired.  Was it the 23 crockpot freezer meals I made today, or the wine I drank last night?  Perhaps.  But I just can't seem to make the words jump out of my brain and onto the page.  Hopefully, alleviating this mentally draining job will be the first step to my creative juices returning.  Either way, I think it's a step in the right direction.  I mean, I can't just tell you about cooking a million crockpot freezer meals and not post them, right?!  #cliffhanger

Before I end this little conversation, I do really want to thank my husband.  D, you see me.  You support me when I need it most and realize what makes me tick.  I'm a better person with you around... I love your face!

Watch out for those meals later this week!  They are fast, healthy and will stock your freezer in a flash!

Until next time...

Frank Fridays: Step Parenting is Hard!

Just for clarification before you start reading this, whoever you are :) , these are my thoughts, opinions and theories.  I wasn't sure if I was going to talk about the hard situations my family is facing right now but holding back from my blog would be bottling something up, silencing my voice and letting negativity win.  This is my blog, my space and I have decided that I will be expressing every emotion that comes along on my journey.  Enjoy, or don't...?

First, I chose this.  I am not biologically programed to love your child, I choose to.  I think it takes a special person to be a step parent.  Being a product of a step-parent lifestyle I can say that I respect and love mine with all my heart.  My only wish, is that everyone wanted to be involved.  It's such a foreign concept to me that I'm now in a situation that has four loving adults (two bios, two steps) and one part of the equation is trying to sever the ties.  I can't believe that would ever be in the best interest of a child. 

"If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do." ~ Mohandas Gandhi

The bumper sticker quote we've all come to know and love was shortened to "be the change you want to see in the world" but I believe this has a deeper meaning.  I will not wait for someone else to change.  I will not be vindictive or malicious.  I will continue to be funny, goofy, loving me and continue to do what is best for the children. 

However, support for blended homes is crucial.  Did you know that about 65% of remarriages involve children from the prior marriage and form blended families?  We are not alone and we are certainly not unique in the tumultuous relationship between all adults involved.  But, I can't help but wonder why.  We're all here for the same goal, so what's the benefit in all of this resistance and maliciousness?  Everyone loses in this situation, but the ones who lose the most are the kids. 

I will be a role model.  I will always be gracious and caring.  I love them regardless.  I believe that children will grow up acting the way you act and while the mirror is harsh in the bright morning light, sometimes it's necessary.  I believe that how I act, will be how they act... and even though these children aren't mine biologically I will always be someone they can look to, come to and be a positive person in their life.  I can only hope that all involved will act the same.

There's the age old saying we heard from our mothers and grandmothers engrained into my mind "Treat others how you want to be treated".  Religious beliefs aside, this one just makes sense.  One day these children will grow up and might find them selves in a similar situation to the one we find ourselves in now.  How would you like their story to turn out.  Sure, it's easy to say this would never happen to them, but there's no way to know.     

In the spirit of new beginnings and a new year,  let's start over.  Hello, my name is Annalee Ladd.  I am 30 yrs old with a Bachelors in International Affairs with a minor in Government.  I am married to D. Ladd.  I enjoy shopping, cooking, going to movies, DIY crafting, reading books (YA are a guilty pleasure, but some of my favorites are The Help and Memoirs of a Geisha) hanging out with friends, blogging and of course, all things Pinterest.  I have been a responsible, productive member of society with a job since I was 15.  I have worked for everything I have.  I believe in God.  I am a normal person and if it weren't for my relationship status, I'm pretty sure you would like me.  I will be in your child's life for the duration and will continue to hold out hope for a cooperative and positive relationship with you.  I want nothing more than for the ladies to know all parents love, respect and want the best for them.  I believe if you choose it, we can all work together to make them the best they can be.  It will take all of us working towards a common goal.  Negativity does nothing but poison all relationships involved.


I did a lot of thinking, reflecting and researching before I wrote this.  Heck, I wrote about 7 drafts and have been keeping it for about two weeks.  I have never been a quiet person, but I have never found myself in this position before.  I finally decided it was time to say something after reading this.  I will not bullied by what others think of me but I will rise above.  You don't know me, but if you took the time to you would see how great I am.  I live a normal life with my loving husband.  I am neither lazy nor am I selfish.  I am a great person and I am a darn good step-mom.  That's just me being frank.

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Until next time...

Call me, stalk you!

Hello!  I am finally back among the living and only slightly under the weather.  This last week gave me plenty of time to catch up on my shows and spend way too much time on the internet!

Speaking of....  Have you ever wondered if people are Facebook stalking you?  Have you ever wondered why you were looking at one person's page and 10min later are looking at their brother's cousin's friend's boyfriend's page?  Well, D and I came up with an interesting list of reasons why we think people stalk/get stalked...  enjoy!  Yes, these are really the types of conversations we have...

Top ten reasons why people look at your Facebook in no particular order:

1.  To see your house and how it's decorated

2.  To see if you're making more money than they are- dolla dolla bills y'all!

3.  To check out your significant other- Heeeeyy Hotties!

4.  To see if you've gotten fat after college, I'll save you the look... yes I have :)
5.  To *innocently* see what you're up to

6.  To see if you've procreated yet

7.  To see your relationship status

8.  Stalking an ex. Don't lie.

9.  To see the places you've vacationed and secretly dream of going there too!

10.  Just to make sure you're still friends....

Come on and fess up that you're either laughing because you do it, or... yep, you've done it! 
What are some reasons you stalk? 

Happy Stalking!

Until next time...

El Presidente!

Monday, September 9: Take this short personality test and respond to your results.

Humanmetrics Jung Typology Test™

Your Type

ENFJ

Extravert(33%)  iNtuitive(38%)  Feeling(38%)  Judging(22%)

• You have moderate preference of Extraversion over Introversion (33%)
• You have moderate preference of Intuition over Sensing (38%)
• You have moderate preference of Feeling over Thinking (38%)
• You have slight preference of Judging over Perceiving (22%)

via Google

     "ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation -- ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are.

      ENFJs are global learners. They see the big picture. The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability.

      ENFJs are, by definition, Js, with whom we associate organization and decisiveness... ENFJs are organized in the arena of interpersonal affairs. Their offices may or may not be cluttered, but their conclusions (reached through feelings) about people and motives are drawn much more quickly and are more resilient.

    ENFJs know and appreciate people. Like most NFs, (and Feelers in general), they are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others. They have thinner psychological boundaries than most, and are at risk for being hurt or even abused by less sensitive people. ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear. "

So what you're saying is I'm a judger shocker, not, who manipulates with my powers of good and appreciation of people?  Sounds about right!  So from this I gather I can rule with world through manipulation, love and charisma by always being 5 steps ahead of everyone else due to my amazing intuition.  Yep.  Completely right.  I am a super hero. 

Want to psychoanalyze me more?  I got the description and more, here!

Career Choices for Your Type

Social Services

Counseling

Psychology

Social Work

Technical/Science

Science 

Computer Programming

Management

Management

Fashion Merchandise

Politics

Famous Personalities Sharing Your Type

• Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States
• Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1997 to 2007
• Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross
• Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States

So really, what I got from this is I am going to be the first female leader of the free world.  You can cast your votes in the next election.  Your patronage is welcome and appreciated!

Not so much?  Treason! Is Mexico hiring?

Until next time, America...

Frank Fridays: 3 Day Weekend!

Not only is it a weekend, it's the super charged, extra shot, pour on the glitter you only have 4 days to work next week, kind of weekend.  It's a 3 day weekend!!!  *and the crowd roared*

I know you're all super sad about being away from your chains desks for an extra day so I'm going to cheer you up with some random rantings on the who/what/where/why of Labor Day! 

You're welcome.

Here is a great explanation straight from the good 'ol D.O.L (that's Department of Labor to you!)

The History of Labor Day

 

How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.
Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."
But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Labor Day Legislation

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

A Nationwide Holiday

The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

There you have it folks, straight from the horses mouth!  On behalf of the American workers I would like to thank Mr. Maguire & Mr. McGuire (tomato, tomatoe?) for the opportunity to work less, relax, eat awesome BBQ food and bask in the last short days of summer! And let's be frank, who doesn't want another day off??  Gentlemen, we salute you!

Until next time!

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Happy Hump Day

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Who came up with this anyway?  Also- what, exactly, were their intentions??

Either way, I'm two days from a 3 day weekend!  Boo yeah!!  

Until next time...

Frank Friday: Random Rantings

Hello there!  Ready for today's installment of Frank Fridays?!  I am!!  Guess what, I've decided to take Frank Fridays to the next level!  There is a little button at the bottom and a link up!  So go forth and be frank!

Today's Frank Friday will deal with all sorts of random rantings.  Let's get to it, shall we.

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1.  Talk to my eyes.  First of all, I want to thank everyone who checks out my lady lumps.  While I may be .5 seconds from punching you and slightly offended in the there's nothing here for you, kind of way I am also secretly flattered.  Now, before you go all 1960's women's feminist movement on me, let me just say this: I like my fun bags.  I am proud of my pillows and therefore take it as a slightly skeezy compliment when someone checks them out.  Also, I should note that this "look" is not reserved for the male species- ladies do it too!  Whether it's envy or objectification, let's try to talk to the eyes people- they're pretty too!

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2.  Not all showers are created equally.  I have seen so many wonderful and beautiful showers on Pinterest lately!  They look extremely inviting and you can only imagine living in the lap of luxury in these beauties.  However, have you ever taken a shower in one of these "open concept" showers?  Let me be the first to tell you that they are freezing!  Think warm waterfall while you're in and Antarctica for any body part that should happen to venture outside the circle of trust!  The moment you reach for anything, some part is going subzero.  There's your warning.  You're welcome.

3.  I am not a mind reader, like Team Edward here.  I know I look like the Great and Powerful OZ with my powers of perception and persuasion, but alas little readers, I am not.  Well, I am really observant but I digress.  If you would like me to do something you must ASK ME.  Foreign concept, I know.  It really gets my goat when people would like you to do work for them but yet fail to actually ask you for something and then blame/get aggrivated when it is not done correctly.  If you come at me like that you will see my Eye of the Tiger and hear my roar.  Thank you, Katie.  However, if you would like dating advice, know if someone is totes crushing on you or if your BFF is seriously MIA because you LMFAO'd at the wrong moment- I'm your girl.  

How was your Friday?  

Did you want to drink at noon?  I did... apparently that's frowned upon.  

Link up and tell me about it!

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Everlasting Gobstoppers

Bloggers are not everlasting gobstoppers.  Sure we change flavors faster than Violet Beauregard turned into a blueberry but eventually we run out of steam, or flavors if you were really into the analogy.  At some point we have to stop tasting like bubble gum and cotton candy and be real- and by real I mean by this time we're probably tired, stinky and slightly haggered.  Yum, you say I smell like teen spirit, I say I taste like haggered.  Potato patato.

On one rainy blustery day, oh yeah- today, I was sitting at my picturesque window looking out and I just thought... 

What the hell am I going to do?  I hate my job.   

I need to make money, well that was more of a period.  I need to make money.  Not the rich and famous kind, but the I don't want to eat top ramen and we have a goal to get out of debt plus, duh- I'm a grown up with grown up bills.  Thank you $20k for an education that I don't use, but I get to proudly say- I'm a college grad- go me!  Worthless.  Except employers, no one cares if you went to college or not.  That little piece of paper does not measure your worth and really... Some of the dumbest people I know are college grads- sorry guys.  

So what now?  ( and there I sat for about 38.6 minutes until I realized I was hungry and went out for seaweed snacks an chocolate ice cream.  No joke.  Don't judge me, I'm a woman of diverse tastes.) 

#whatdoyoudowhenyouhatewhatyoudo? #firstworldproblems but this is my real problem... I just want to write.  I just want to be heard.  Do you think anyone would listen?  Why don't we have spellcheck in real life?Do you think Debbie Downer is a real person?  What would happen if she took uppers?  

The great thing about this tiny corner of the world wide web, is that it is mine.  All mine.  Of course I want you to tag along for the ride, I mean... I've never met an audience I didn't like... but I get to call the shots here.  I've decided to create Frank Fridays--- I'm going to say everything that's on my mind!  No holds barred... Or whatever that saying is!  It could be good, bad or ugly but I'm gonna just do it- because Nike said so. 

So these are my ponderings for today.  Are these the rantings of a vitamin D deficient woman in a sideways rainstorm with no thunder or lightening?  Creeptastic, I feel ya.  Well ...maybe.  But these are definitely the thoughts of a woman who needs more out of life.  

If you happen to know of any positions that pay based on awesomeness, creativity, Dr. Phil services or random spoutings of a twenty-something (yes, I still qualify- shut it), then let me know.  I'm pretty sure I could make a pretty penny and look pretty fly for a white guy or girl doing it.

I hope you enjoyed your first Frank Friday!  Peace out trout.

Until next time...

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