Call Me Nasty

If you are a mom of a child under three and you had a shower today, you are one lucky lady! Elle is not a patient child and getting two boys on two different buses in the morning puts me at the bottom of the "to do" list. If I can get a shower, I love the bonus day of the day where I don't wash my hair. For men out there, this may gross you out. But, most women wash their hair one day and skip a day. People that color their hair are told to do this so their hair is a bit healthier and less likely to look like a Brillo pad.

I have read time and time again about the new Suave dry shampoo. People were raving about it in magazines. I didn't think it would work for me because I have super oily hair and I work out a lot. So, in my attempt to not be gross, I thought it was worth the $2 to give it a shot. Guess what? I LOVE IT! I think my hair looks better with it in it even on the second day without washing my hair. You don't see the powder at all. It gives my hair body and it smells great.

I am in love. And I just want to shout it from the roof top that I found a product that does what it says it is supposed to do. It does more! So girls, add it to your list. You may have to search a little bit for it. I found it near the other Suave products after two attempts. It is a new product so not all stores may have it yet. You will love it. You really will.

Leprechauns' Magic

A month ago, Ryan was saying that there was no way a bunny could bring Easter baskets to our house. "It can't be real" he told his little brother. With Easter about a month away, I figured we would soon have to have the talk.

Yesterday, Ry flies into the house screaming something that he has to go upstairs and check his room to see what the leprechauns brought him. I caught him before he ran up the stairs because Elle was napping. "Sorry honey. Leprechauns do not come to this house." He said he didn't understand. I was just in Ireland and we decorate for St. Patrick's Day so they must come. They came to school.

I exhaled and put down my tea. Since when was St. Patrick's Day a kids holiday? I know this sounds horrible. I think of it as a party day. Maybe some West siders really go downtown sober to watch the parade but most of us either party or wish we were. Teachers have really gotten into stories about leprechauns and each classroom has a story about their desks being turned over, gold coins being left and little tricks being played. When did this all start? And isn't Ryan done with the Easter Bunny, Leprechauns and Santa? If he wasn't, I better get in the game.

I exhaled again and grabbed our big tub of old candy. Sorted out the gold and green ones and hurried up the stairs. Messed up their messy room unsure if they would even notice and left the chocolates on their pillows. I left Irish flags in their rooms and green things on their beds.

As Elle woke from her nap, Ryan ran as fast as he could up the stairs. I felt relieved that I made the right choice. I knew I was holding onto these special days where he and Kyle still believed in magic. He loved telling me I was wrong that the leprechauns had come after all. I was completely wrong Ryan. Thank goodness I was.

Bad TV Did Some Good

I turn 40 this year. Gulp. I am not really upset by it. More excited about the party I will throw to celebrate hitting a big one. I had a friend pass away a couple of years ago from cancer at a young age, so birthdays do not bother me anymore. Each one is a gift. The wrinkles on another hand...I could live without them.

I watch a lot of crummy TV. The kind most people don't fess up to in public. In my defense, usually I am on the treadmill watching it closed caption while blaring the Black Eyed Peas. So, as long as I am working out, I think it cancels out the negative effects to my brain. As I watched the Housewives of Orange County on Sunday night, I realized that the Housewives have saved me tons of money. I know without a doubt, I will not be getting any Botox, lip injections or a face-lift. These women go to the best of the best. And they look HORRIBLE! They are trying to look younger but they look like freaks.

Here is Tamara from Orange County getting Botox.

If you know me, you are probably thinking that I am not the type to get any work done. I am pretty sure that I never would have wanted a face-lift in my future. But, I might have been talked into Botox in the next decade. But, now I am cured! I see how it turns out and I think I will stick with my lines. They show how happy I have been and all of the laughing I do. And that is fine with me.

So thank you Housewives of Whatever County. Continue to get your plastic surgeries. Would you also start showing a downside to fabulous make-up, hair and shoes? Thank you.

Hudson

When I was little, I drove my dad crazy by waiting until the last minute to tell him I needed money for a school trip or to buy something extra. It wasn't that he didn't have it. I am guessing that I forgot once until last minute and then he yelled at me for forgetting to tell him earlier. I then hated to ask him because I was afraid he'd yell again. But I would ask late and of course, he would yell. Vicious cycle. I still hate to ask anyone for anything. Would rather figure it out on my own or suffer. It is just who I am.

Yesterday I was driving through Hudson on my way to a doctor's appointment. It is a quaint little town with a cupcake shop, a private boarding school and above average income levels. The McDonalds even blends into the community. So as I drove passed the McDonalds, I saw a man with a sign asking for money. Not even sure what it said, I was too surprised to read it. I just couldn't believe it in Hudson.

So what to do? Part of me wants to give him every dollar I have. The other part of me says that his sign looks old and he begs for a career. But what if he doesn't? What if his family needs food or medicine. I have more than I need. I should give more to others. But then what if it goes to alcohol and drugs? But what if it doesn't?

We all are faced with this downtown. We look the other way. We say we donate more to the Cleveland Food Bank. We throw a few dollars into the saxophone players case. We feel good if we give a few away. But to see it in the suburbs, it is a shocker.

I still feel torn up a little today. I guess all I can do is say a little prayer for the man, bring more food into our church collection and send off a check to the Cleveland Food Bank. Times are tough for so many and even in the suburbs, people are in need. I hate to ask anyone for money. But I will ask you to do a little more. Whatever you do. Let's all give a few extra cans to the pantries. Donate a little more at the grocery store when they collect for the Food Bank. And remember those that are struggling around us. Yes, even in Hudson.