I'm a mom on a mission to get my kids through the jungle of puberty while keeping my sanity along the journey.
Welcome
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Monday, July 7, 2025
Monday Musings – The Grocery Store Gauntlet
A few months ago, I participated in a Comedy Gauntlet. There
were sixteen comedians, we each had 90 seconds to sling our jokes, make folks
laugh, and hope our efforts would reward us with the title of Champion. The
competition was lighthearted, and fun. This was not the same experience with my
grocery store gauntlet.
A gave my grocery store visit the name “gauntlet” because it
fit the definition that I came across. Gauntlet can be defined as “a series of
challenging, dangerous, or unpleasant experiences – often with obstacles…giving
you a hard time.” Yep, that fits my grocery store excursion.
As I entered the store and tried to grab a cart, I
discovered a great deal of strength was needed to pull the carts apart. I don’t
know who my grocery store has retrieving carts from the parking lot. I imagine
the person to have the physique of the Incredible Hulk, and his temperament when
jamming the carts together.
My attempt to pull the carts apart reminded me of playing
tug of war as a child. I planted my feet in a firm stance, placed one hand on
each cart. I began pulling one cart toward me, while pushing the other in the
opposite direction. I’m pretty sure I was grunting loudly. After a few tries, I
gave up on that row of carts and moved to the next one.
My first stop was at the produce section where I immediately
became immersed in a math problem, fractions. For the love fruit smoothies in
the summer, I was trying to determine the best deal on blueberries, the one pint
for $6.99 or the 9.8 ounces that were two for $8.99.
You may look at that scenario and say, “that’s easy math” or
“it depends on how many blueberries you want”. The bottom line was that I didn’t
want to think, I just wanted to grab enough blueberries to get me through a
week of smoothies. Now, if you love math, here’s a story problem for you.
If little Angie wants to make three smoothies in a week
and she uses a ¼ cup of blue berries in each smoothie, how many 9-ounce containers
of blueberries would she need?
When you have the answer to the story problem, post it for
me and I’ll take the info along on my next shopping trip.
The next ingredient for my famous smoothie was strawberries.
They looked fresh, then again, it could have been the overhead lights that made
them look appealing. The price was right, they usually cost $5.99 per
container, but were on sale, two for $6.99.
I grabbed the strawberry deal, but knew it meant I would
need to make more than smoothies in the coming week. Experience has taught me
that when strawberries are on sale, they are near the end of their shelf life
and will need to be eaten within a few days.
I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed in the fruit
section, but I wasn’t giving up yet. I was in the midst of my grocery store
gauntlet; faced with one challenge after another. I still needed to select my
melons, not for the smoothie, but just because I want other fruits for my
meals.
Ah, the melons – watermelon and cantaloupe were what I wanted.
Off I went to inspect the melons – sniff, thump and listen. I thumped the watermelon, listened for a
hollow sound, and hoped I had selected a sweet, ready to eat melon.
My grocery store gauntlet was NOT fun like the Comedy
Gauntlet. I made it through because I knew I would transform the situation into
humor at some point.
What exciting, wacky, or odd things have you encountered at
the grocery store? Don’t stress about it, laugh at it.
Monday, June 30, 2025
Monday Musings - Gratitude served with a side of humor
A week without a razor, can you imagine what that looks
like…if you have a menopausal mustache? I nearly experienced such a travesty on a
recent vacation. I am grateful
that I had my pink Gillette double blade razor.
I won’t get into the debate over the use of razors versus
tweezing or waxing. I will say that when it comes to hair in unwanted places,
my motto is “hair today, gone tomorrow.”
On a trip with friends, I had many opportunities to express
gratitude. One morning as I was washing my face with the white hotel washcloth,
I noticed something white left behind under my chin. It looked like a small
piece of cotton. I attempted to wipe it away, but my effort was futile.
Upon close scrutiny, with my head tilted back, chin in the
air, and leaning toward the bathroom mirror, I came to a conclusion. What I
thought was cotton, was really one, lone grey hair, fighting for survival.
Well, not on my watch. I grabbed my Gillette double blade razor and swiped it
away.
Satisfied with my temporarily smooth chin, I put the razor
away. Those annoying hairs would return before the end of the week, but I would
be ready.
It seems as I age, my hair grows where I don’t want it and
disappears where I do want it. If you stand too closely in my personal space,
you may notice that hairs have shifted from my eyebrows down to my chin. I am grateful
to my chin for being so accommodating and welcoming. However, I’d rather the
hairs disappear…like my waistline.
I’m not complaining, just navigating the maze of life
through steamed eyeglasses due to hot flashes.
If I could choose a superpower, I would want it to be
laughter. My cape would have the letters ‘LL’ branded on it for Lady Laughter.
I would go around brightening people’s day by making them laugh. Wait. I do
that now, with comedy.
I am grateful for humor, laughter and the opportunities that
arise for me to share a giggle.
My challenge to you is to flip the script on any challenging
situation this week. Instead of being frustrated, take a deep breath, and find
the funny,
Friday, June 20, 2025
Fun Friday – From Buffet to Barbell: A Cautionary Tale
Are you old enough to remember
the old TV show, Gilligan’s Island? The lyrics of the song went like
this, “just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a faithful trip…”
This is a story about the moments
when vacation ambition meets reality. My faithful trip started with good
intentions. I preplanned in my head, that I would workout and make healthy
eating choices.
The first day of my trip was a
travel day, a twelve-hour ride in a van, with stops for gas, food, and the
occasional restroom break. I packed healthy snacks to sustain me throughout the
weeklong trip. I had done so much sitting that I was happy to spend time in the
hotel fitness center the next morning.
I stepped onto the elliptical for
a ten-minute warmup. Panting and puffing
I made it through the warmup, then walked around the room to steady my breathing.
My eyes locked on the sign on the wall that read, Fitness Center Rules. Let
me break down some of those rules.
Rule #1 This facility is not supervised.
Use of the equipment is the responsibility of the guest.
The first mistake the hotel made
was to assume I am responsible and to trust me to be unsupervised.
Rule #2 Guest is responsible for knowing
his/her own physical limitations.
Hmm. My physical limitation is
that I need to learn how to put my fork down and push away from the dinner
table.
Rule #3 Please, no wet bathing suits or
bare feet.
First of all, I’m not about to
put on a dry bathing suit (let alone a wet one), until I can transform
some of my flab to fit. And bare feet? I know better than walking around a
fitness center with bare feet. I hesitate to walk bare foot around my house. I’ve
stubbed my toes enough to know how to walk cautiously.
Rule #7 Use at your own risk.
This rule should have been listed
first. I had already broken several rules before reading number seven. The
moment I waved my room key and entered the fitness center; I was on my own.
During my weeklong vacation, I
was in many buffet lines. I enjoyed sampling the flavors of the area I was
visiting. I ate meals without regret because I also walked a lot while visiting
museums and other attractions.
From the buffet line to use of the
barbells in the fitness center, finding balance is key. I caution you…don’t
stress over being perfect. Laugh a little, have fun, and keep showing up for
yourself.
Share a humorous tale you have experienced.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - Humor Happy Hour - The Church Meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - Humor Happy Hour - The Drive-thru
Monday, June 2, 2025
Monday Musings – From Grumpy to Grateful: Flipping the Switch on a Bad Day
Grumpy is easy to achieve, but so is being grateful…well, it
should be easy. Now that I think about it, expressing gratitude can require
practice, especially when frustrating circumstances pop up. I like to flip the
switch on a grumpy day by using humor and expressing gratitude that the
situation was not worse.
My son once told me, “Ma, you’re the most positive person I
know. If I tell you, I broke my toe, you’ll say, ‘at least you have nine other
healthy ones.’”
That is not a totally true statement. I strive to practice
positivity, but there are glitches in my system. Sometimes complaints flow from
that hole in my face, called a mouth, like a waterfall.
I’ve come home from work to dirty dishes in the sink, mail
scattered on a table, and so many shoes at my front door that it looks like we’re
part owner of a Footlocker shoe store. Before I even make it to my bedroom, I
stop to straighten couch pillows, straighten shoes, and move random dishes to
the kitchen. I do all of this mumbling and grumbling.
Instead of stressing myself over the little things I decided
to flip the script. I set my mind to resolve this situation with humor tactics.
The President of the United States has the State of the Union address, I
created the State of the House address, and it’s not the House of
Representative.
My State of the House address would include the following (directed
to my offspring)…
Fourscore and 20 years ago we moved into this house. A
declaration was created, giving you unalienable rights. However, those rights were
under the discretion of “The People” hereafter known as “The Parents.” Article
7 Clause 2 says Honor thy mother and father…oh wait, that statement is from a
different book. But follow it anyway.
If you look at the photo attached to this article, how many
people would you think reside there? If you guessed any more than three, you’d
be wrong. The reason they are so neatly arranged is because I organized them
for the photo.
I no longer get frustrated when things are out of place. I
enjoy the company of laughing with my son and turning his shenanigans into
comedy. And I wish him well when he has kids. Just to prepare him for what is
to come, I demonstrated when I visited his house.
My son had a few pair of shoes neatly lined up at his front
door. I said, “Oh, your shoes re so neat.” I gave each pair a little kick, “Now
that’s better.”
My son looked at me and rolled his eyes.
You may have heard it before; Laughter is good medicine; it
can turn your day around. The next time you’re having a grumpy day, stop, take
a deep breath, then engage in something that will make you laugh.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - Are you single and feeling old?
If you're feeling old, you are not alone. Check out Mike Paramore's Dry Bar comedy special for his humorous perspective on feeling old.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - Grandmama Said...
YouTube Video: Grandmama said
Grandmothers are wise, funny, and have their own special style
Friday, May 16, 2025
Fun Friday - – How to get your body summer ready – 3 Easy steps (maybe)
Welcome to the weekend! With summer knocking at our door, I thought this would be a good blog post to share again. I first posted this one over a year ago...
Have you
ever heard advertisers make the statement, “get your body summer ready?” If you
are beyond a certain age of maturity, this is not as easy as some people make
it sound.
Let me paint
a picture for you using the canvas of my experience. Some women say, “Oh, I
don’t tell my age.” Not me. I will tell you my age, my credit score, my social
security number, but I will NOT tell you, my weight.
Due to my
menopausal midsection, my jeans have betrayed me. Trying to tuck in my tummy
rolls is like working with a clump of clay. Trying to put a popped can of
biscuits back into the container would be less taxing.
Before you
begin working to get your body summer ready, answer this question: What does summer
ready mean if you’re in your Golden Years? Here are three ideas of what a
summer ready body means for the over 50 ladies.
1.
A
body free of aches and pains.
2. Being
able to rise from a chair without grunting.
3. You
have bathing suit confidence. In my mind this is the moment you realize that the
perfect beach body means having a body and going to the beach.
4. Sweat
acceptance - this means you made peace with the fact that you’ll be perpetually
glistening (due to hot flashes).
5. Being
a Yoga Yardie – this involves stretching out with morning yoga in your backyard
enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature.
Now that you
have an idea of what it means to have a summer body, what are the steps to get
there? Well, I’ve worked with a fitness coach, a nutritionist, practiced yoga, and
meditation. Yet I feel like I’m in a fight of my lifetime…against my
metabolism. Why can’t this journey be a little easier? Well, it can.
Three steps
to get your body summer ready:
1. Change
your mindset – accept your body the way it is, bumps, lumps, and imperfections.
Make small changes for steps toward the body you want. Give yourself time.
2. Pamper
yourself – when you feel good, you look good. A foot massage, full body
massage, a facial, all good methods for pampering and taking care of your body.
3. Laugh regularly – just because it’s fun and it can relieve the stress of worrying about whether your body will be summer ready?
What are
your tips for getting your body summer ready?
Friday, May 9, 2025
Fun Friday - Humor Happy Hour - The Blooper -A promotional video gone wrong
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - Church Humor
Monday, April 28, 2025
Monday Musings – Spring is in the air and so are my toes
As I sat thinking about spring, the mild days with the warm sun kissing my face, the lyrics to the children’s TV show, Sesame Street popped into my head. “Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away… everything’s a-okay…” I smiled, dancing with my thoughts I breathed a refreshing sigh and said,” it’s toe out season.”
My little piggies wiggled with excitement at the thought of
being in the open air, ready to boogie to a beat. There was just one thing I needed
to do before they were exposed to the world – treat them to a pedicure. I
grabbed my flip-flop shoes and off I went to my favorite nail salon.
Once I arrived at the salon, there was an empty massage
chair waiting for me. In a split second, my shoes were off, and I pressed the power
button on the massage chair. The rollers in the chair pounded gently on my
back, and I dipped my big toe in the water. The temperature was exactly right –
all my toes dived in.
The nail technician pampered my feet and gave all my toes special
attention. She didn’t even frown at the sight of my thick toenails or the
bunion on that one toe. The experience was true bliss. I would not have gotten
that type of treatment at home. Just ask my son.
I was so pleased with my pedicure that when I got home, I
told my son about my euphoric experience. His vision of my visit was a
flashback to a time when he was in elementary school, and he agreed to give me
a pedicure. He grabbed a large bath towel, large nail clippers, and put on swim
goggles. He wanted to protect himself from any flying clippings.
I confess, my toenails are a little thick. Given my toenail history my son asked, “did you go to a pedicure shop or a tree trimming place?”
I let my son have his laugh, then I told him, “Some things
are hereditary, and you’re like your mama in many ways.”
Have you let your toes out to explore the fresh air lately?
Treat yourself to a pedicure, dig your toes in cool sand, or walk across warm
grass barefoot. Whatever you choose, be kind to your feet, they do a lot for
you.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - Humor Happy Hour - Have you ever played the Squeeze In game?
Friday, April 18, 2025
Fun Friday – The Great Debate – Pajamas or Party
It’s a rainy Friday night, and you have been invited to an
event – do you go, or do you stay home in your pajamas? Here are your
parameters – you’re over fifty, you’ve just worked all day, and the event
starts at 9pm. If you have ever experienced this scenario, you are eligible for
the I’m tired club.
Here’s my story…
I signed up for a comedy open mic; after it was confirmed
that I made the list, I sent a text message, “by the way, what time is the
show?”
“Nine o’clock.”
I was glad we were corresponding through text message
because my eyes said, “oooh, that’s late.”
I stopped by my mom’s house to relax before heading to the
show. I pulled off my shoes and melted into her faux leather recliner.
It was early evening when I started calling friends and
family to see if anyone wanted to ride with me. It was a local venue, but I
like to have someone ride with me to late shows.
My brother was my first call. When I asked if he wanted to
go to the show he said, “It’s raining outside, what time is the show?”
“Nine o’clock.”
He said, “Oooo, I’m under the covers. Call ne back if you
can’t find anybody else.”
My mother was in a recliner next to me, drifting in and out
of sleep. I called out to her, “Ma, do you want to go to a comedy show with me
tonight?’
“Mmmm, no I have to get up early tomorrow.”
“You’re retired, and tomorrow is Saturday.”
That was strike two.
I was beginning to feel like I was in a fairy tale where
something happens three times before success is achieved. You know, like Goldilocks
and the Three Bears or The Three Little Pigs.
There was one more person I could ask, my son. He agreed to
hang out with me, but he had just gotten off work and had to go home and change
clothes. I was already dressed but feeling like I wanted to reunite pajamas.
We finally made it to the venue, mingled with others, indulged
in the snacks provided – popcorn and alcohol-free beverages. I didn't want a
pop, so I tried a mango-flavored sparkling water; it was bubbly and tasty.
I sipped on that 16-ounce Mango beverage throughout the
night as I enjoyed the comedy show. It was a good night…until I tried to sleep.
It was 11:30pm, I was snuggled under warm blankets, but my
eyes were wide open. I tossed and turned until after midnight.
The next morning, I read the side of the can of the Mango
water; the word ENERGY now jumped out at me, along with the statement 200 mg of
caffeine. The reason behind sleep avoiding me was clear. I don’t drink energy
drinks, and never would have tried one at 9pm, close to my bedtime.
Reading is fundamental. I should have read that beverage can more closely or better yet, stayed home in my pajamas. But then I would have missed all the fun.
What would you choose on a rainy Friday night, a night out
or pajamas?
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - The Craziest Police Stop - Comedian Sam Adams
YouTube Video Credit: Dry Bar Comedy - The Craziest Police Stop You Ever Heard - Sam Adams
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - Getting Older Can be Funny
Check out Dustin Nickerson's take on being (almost) old.
YouTube Video Credit: 30 Isn't Old, But It is Almost Old. Dustin Nickerson - Dry Bar ComedyMonday, March 10, 2025
Monday Musings – National Reading Month – 7 Ways to Celebrate
It’s National Reading Month! That’s right March is
celebrated as National Reading Month. It’s a good excuse to curl up with a good
book, relax, and tune out everything around you. Think of it as a form of
self-care.
In addition to reading, there are other ways you can
celebrate reading month. Below is a list of 7 Ways to celebrate National Reading
Month.
1.
Support local bookstores.
2.
Read to a child.
When my sons were in elementary school, their
school had a program called D.E.A.R. which stands for Drop Everything And Read.
They had designated times during the day allotted for this program. There was
also a day where parents could visit the school and read to the class, or maybe
that was a different program I’m thinking about. Either way, reading to a child
or with them can open their minds to new things.
3.
Listen to an audio book. I like listening to an
audio book when I have a long drive somewhere. It helps the drive go by faster.
On a recent four-hour drive to a conference, I listened to one of my favorite
authors, Mary Higgins Clark. It was a good “Whodunit” mystery. In case you’re interested,
the title of the book is Where Are You Now?
4.
Host a reading challenge – set a goal for the
month and invite friends and family to join in. Have a prize or celebration at
the end of your challenge. Better yet, reward yourself. Purchase a new book, a
book light, or something else bookish.
5.
Follow an author – learn more about your favorite
writers and explore their works. You could even try reading something by an
author new to you or read a different genre than you typically read.
6.
Start a reading journal – keep track of the
books you’ve read and write down favorite quotes or reflections.
7.
Write a book review – share your thoughts on a
recent book, to help others discover great books.
Just for kicks and giggles here are some book related jokes
I came across while surfing the internet.
1.
Why did the book join the police?
It wanted to go undercover!
2.
What’s a book’s favorite drink?
Tequila Mockingbird.
3.
Why don’t books ever get cold?
They wear book jackets.
No matter how you participate, National Reading Month is an
exciting time to embrace the joy of books and lifelong learning.
Friday, March 7, 2025
Fun Friday – Women’s History Month – 10 Fun Ways to Celebrate
It’s Women’s
History Month! During the month of March
make time to celebrate the women in your life.
Think about
someone in your life who has impacted you in a positive way, call them up and
tell them. Better yet, invite them and a few friends to celebrate together.
Below is a
list of 10 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month.
1.
Visit
a Museum or Exhibit – explore women’s history through art and cultural
exhibitions.
2.
Create
a Themed Movie Night – watch movies directed by or about influential women.
3.
Play
a Women’s History Trivia Game
4.
Listen
to Female-Led Podcasts.
5.
Read
Books by Women Authors.
6.
Cook
a Meal Inspired by a Woman Chef.
7.
Support
Women Owned Business.
8.
Volunteer
for Women’s Causes – help organizations focused on women’s empowerment, health
or education.
9.
Highlight
Women in Your Community.
10 Host
a Women’s History Comedy Night – attend a stand-up comedy show, featuring
female comedians.
My motto is,
“A laugh a day keeps stress at bay.” With this motto in mind, I encourage you to
take a break from your everyday routine and drop in at a comedy show.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Wordless Wednesday - The Comedy Gauntlet - College Kids
This is what it looks like when you enter a comedy battle for the first time...a fun experience
YouTube Video: The Comedy Gauntlet
I was one of 16 competitors. I did not win, but had fun trying.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
Fun Friday - Pulling back the curtains of comedy
Kick off your weekend with humor. There is something exhilarating about engaging in laughter. The happy endorphins are flowing through your body, you're relaxed, and it's pure bliss.
As a comedian, I have just as much fun at the audience when I'm on stage, If you're laughing, I'm having a blast. As with any career, comedians are at different phases and levels in their journey. I had the opportunity to open a show for veteran comedian (years and years in the game), Drew Thomas.
After doing my set, then introducing Drew, I sat int the Green Room and and engaged enjoyed his humor. He immediately captured the audiences attention and engaged them in what he was saying.
Check out a snippet of Drews comedy below. You can see his full special at Dry Bar Comedy.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Words of Wisdom - Finding Happiness in Humor
"Laughter is good for the soul." How many times have we heard that catch phrase? Well, I find it to be true. A dose of laughter can change your mood instantly. It's also okay to create your own happiness.
Take a laugh break everyday, do something that makes you smile, giggle, or laugh out loud. To get you started, I want to share with you a book that a friend just published. The book releases today and is titled, Burnt Gloveboxes, Volume II, by Gina Ramsey.
Grab your copy and discover the funny in life's mishaps.
Keep Laughing.