Goodbye, Retirement!

Announcement! Now I am not only a Metal Mommy, but a Hot Mama. Before you start thinking, "man, this girl is totally full of herself!" realize I'm talking about the fact that I am a newly employed person at the fancy-schmancy boutique store called Hot Mama! Oh wait, not just an employee...but a stylist!! How cool is that??

And how did this all come to be, you are wondering? Well, I'll tell you. After 2 years of trying to break into talk radio and dabbling in other artsy things I started to realize that kind of thing is just not going to happen on my time line. Being home during the school year all day long without the kids, I needed some new motivation. And when it comes right down to it, we could use the extra money! Silpada is a wonderful thing and I make great money at it...but any direct sales business is never a sure thing, never on a schedule. We needed the extra we could count on. Like everyone else in the country right now, we're feeling the pinch. (and our kids aren't getting any younger...which means they are needing more and more of our money!)

So now I am out of retirement. I have to tell you, the idea of this didn't come easy. When I really decided it was time to start checking Craig's List and the classifieds for jobs I just got more and more depressed. How can a Metal Mommy fit into the work world after she's been out of it so long? A Metal Mommy with years of life experience behind her--hey, one never knows what kinds of useful skills singing in a rock band can produce--but not a lot that looks good on paper. Certainly not in the--dare I say it--corporate world. It's embarrassing to admit, but I certainly got myself into a mourning period--not so embarrassing to admit to realizing it's a new chapter in life and means the children really are growing up (sniff!)--but I am ashamed to admit that darn it all, I just didn't want to work. Most people in this world have to work day in and day out at a job they may not love, but it pays the bills. What makes me any different? Absolutely nothing, but I still had to have a pity party about it for a day or so. Then I brushed myself off and realized that at least I could start by hitting places that I would find fun places to be, and go from there. I let the ads hiring secretaries in mortgage offices glide right down the computer screen, hoping it wasn't going to come to that.

My first stop was Patina. I am a big fan of this place. My heart literally skips a beat when I walk in there, it is chock-full of lovely little tchotchkes that I want to call my own. And jewelry. And purses. And things that smell good. A woman's paradise, really. I knew any retail job wouldn't pay much, but I figured I could start there and try to see if eventually there was a possibility to move up into other things...such as display, merchandising, that sort of thing. When I walked into the store to meet the manager I felt positively ancient, as she was about half my age. We set up an interview for the next day and my spirits did lift a bit as I arrived then to see a woman who could share my birth year behind the counter. Whew. The interview went very well and I was offered a job on the spot. I have to say I was surprised to find myself feeling excited as I left. I went in worrying I would feel the growing dread of retail drudgery, but instead I felt inspired. And let's face it, it was just nice to be wanted.

I didn't accept the position right away because I knew I wanted to stop into Hot Mama on my way home and see if they were hiring. I've only been in this store a few times but I really love everything about it. I could point to any article of clothing in there and want it. Or purse. Or shoe. (okay, maybe not the maternity clothes they sell...please not those!) They have a little space set up in the middle of the store that is a play area for bored kids who are dragged to the store with their mommies. Just like the name implies, it totally caters to moms. To make a long story short I eventually got an interview with the manager there. Although I had left Patina feeling pretty good, I left Hot Mama knowing this was the place for me. I can tell it will be an exciting company to work for--and darn if I have to wear some of the clothes as a stylist. ! The hardest part about being there will be not spending my entire paycheck!!!

Since I'll be on the schedule in October, I will cherish this last week of September. This last time period of scheduling errands and coffees with friends or pap smears with my doc any time I please. Of course I'm only working part time so it's not like I won't still have some days, but it is definitely the end of an era for me. And the beginning of a new one!

I Made It!

Last night I found myself driving over the new 35W bridge. It's very bizarre, considering other than being horrified at the news when it came crashing down unexpectedly one year ago, it really didn't effect my life that much simply because I rarely have a reason to use it and thankfully I didn't know anyone that went down with it. Well, last night's Silpada party brought me over to that side of town, and all of a sudden, there I was. I came over the bend and realized as I approached the wavy monolith-type memorial thing that I was indeed driving on hallowed ground. They have that memorial on both sides of the bridge as you are coming on and going off. Something weird came over me and before I even knew it I was crossing myself as I left the bridge behind! And I'm not even catholic! When I went back over it later that night the memorials were lit up a ghostly blue--it was quite the sight, I have to say. Definitely makes you think. Vivian was worried when she heard I was taking that route, but I wasn't--heck, I figure it couldn't be any safer than it is the day it was rebuilt!!

Colder Than a Witch's You Know What!

Just what does a person do with themselves when it is this butt cold outside??? Well, this Metal Mommy braves the cold anyway as the hearty Minnesotan she is. (okay, not exactly hearty...I'm in and out as quick as I can be, that's for darn sure.) She soldiers on selling her wares at Silpada parties, shopping (but of course!) and making comfort food like creamy homemade macaroni and cheese.

I have had 4 Silpada parties in the past 6 days--whew! It's been busy, and fun. I do love my job. Where else could a girl make ridiculously easy money, small talk it to death, laugh and giggle with both friends and new women she meets, and try on fabulous jewels?? I often wonder why everyone doesn't want to do this. I guess there ARE people out there who cringe at the very thought of every one of those points...well, except making easy money of course. Hard to believe.

I'm already itching for spring and the retailers know it. Why else would they be selling short sleeved shirts, shorts and sandals when it's -13 outside with no hope for a decent thaw for at least 2-3 months??? They suckered me right into Banana Republic to buy a fabulous lavender oh-so-spring-like jersey dress...that I've already worn even, black boots and all. Metal! Black boots and a lavender dress, black boots being oh-so-metal on their own, of course, but also the sheer paradox of it all. Then at DSW I bought some crazy-fab shoes that--alas--I WILL have to wait for spring to wear. Metallic silver faux snake-skin loafers with a white wedge heel. Another paradox, for sure! As soon as I finish this sentence I'm think I'm just going to have to make the heavy metal salute.

Nothing says home and comfort like macaroni and cheese. I have nothing against the Kraft kind, mind you, I've been known to eat some in a pinch....but I'm talking about the REAL stuff--which honestly with the Velveeta cheese I use isn't much more un-processed than the processed kind, for sure...but I was feeling a bit adventurous and did add my own flair by making the sauce half Velveeta/ half Havarti. Another paradox!!! I do believe I made myself some Metal Macaroni and Cheese! nice. I just whipped up a little roux with butter and flour, then added the milk, cubed Velveeta and cubed Havarti. That's it my friends, very easy, very creamy and will totally give you that satisfying lump in your stomach. Just remember to eat your apricots. (and Steph, aren't you proud of me and my roux???)

Unfortunately since my braving the arctic elements really only consists of dashing in and out of a heated car, store or home, I won't be getting out and working OFF that Metal Mac and Cheese any time soon. Just storing a little extra for the winter, I guess--and I'll need it, didn't Punxsutawney say we're getting some extra? Dang.

Don't Give a Damn About a Bad Reputation

Ah yes, yesterday got better and better with time. Remember the bitchy car mom and her loud gaping maw at Sully's school? As I waited for my peanut at the end of the day I had another mom come up to me and tell me that she saw that whole thing and felt terrible for me! She was so nice, it restored my faith in my new 'burb. Of course I'm sure the fact that I was blasting "Bad Reputation' by Joan Jett , literally banging my head with my 11 year old daughter sitting next to me was enough to give her pause and think maybe that other mom was right...ha!

From there, on to my daughter's first conference of Junior High--I love her homeroom teacher! Always a good feeling. Then off to Stephanie's house for a rockin' Silpada party! Stephanie has the greatest friends, it was just a blast. As usual she outdid herself with amazing vittles and drinks. I am always totally pampered when I'm at her house--whether I'm just hangin' or being Susie Sales!!!

Today I get ready to welcome my brother and two of my nephews who will be crashing here tonight. Tomorrow bro John will be in a soccer tournament nearby, looking forward to that. I'm not usually a sporto, as you all know, but once in a while an outdoor sporting event can really be fun--especially when it's a beautiful fall day!

I think we'll be having another IKEA experience this weekend as well--why do we do it to ourselves?? I'm praying they have what we are looking for, the makings of my new Kitchen Island we'll be putting together for the new house. Did I say WE'LL be putting together?! Guess that will be the Coreman...heh heh.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Welcome to Cake Eater World...

Nothing like having your day started by being yelled at by some uppity Mom in a Lexus at your son's new school. I was innocently ignoring the 'no parking sign' to quickly run my son in--although of course I know I'm 'breaking the law' by doing so, who can resist that little face needing his Mommy?? This and the fact that I've seen many other moms doing this very same thing got me out of my car and heading into the school, only to hear a loud blaring horn accompanied by a loud blaring voice behind me. Long story short, this woman started off by saying," What makes you so special that you think you can ignore the sign? Can't you read??" uh, hello. This woman was totally ranting, it was actualy hilarious. She even asked me who Sullivan's teacher was so she could report her, since she had told me it was okay to do just what I was doing. Like I was going to tell some crazy lady with obvious anger management issues where my son is every day??? (that's one of those things I wish I had said to this woman at the moment, but alas, I was too shocked by the fact that she was yelling at me to be witty) I have to say it did make me think twice about the kind of 'burb we are going to be living in, after I went into the classroom and upon telling the teacher who was completely aghast at the story and hearing another mom close by describing this woman to a tee and saying that she also yelled at a friend of hers for the same thing, I felt better. You have to feel sorry for a person like that, really--imagine going through life known as a complete B?? OK, sometimes that's a good thing, not in this case!

Not only did I myself need to rant about this thing because these kinds of confrontations always make me uneasy and angry for quite some time after, but it also makes me want to get a point across...when are people going to learn that someone is much more likely to listen to what you have to say if you are NICE about it? Elementary School 101, people. If this woman is truly worried about the safety of our children, then more power to her. But she could easily say in a nice voice, "I'm sorry, but did you realize that you aren't supposed to park here? I know it's a pain but I am worried about the safety of the kids. Maybe you could park over *there* if you have to run in? Thanks!" Wow, now wouldn't that have made both of our days so much nicer? But of course I have a sneaking suspision that the safety of the children really isn't her main concern, I think it's just plain trying to make herself heard in a world where she must not get that very often. I drove away looking at yet another empty car parked in the circle wishing she were still there so I could point and say, "SEE!" I'm sure she wished she had seen that too, yet another innocent soul to pounce upon to make her feel worthy. I promise when I have my Cadillac I will NOT act that way...ha!

OK! Enough ranting. I have yet another lovely day ahead of me--I may even go shoe shopping. A girl needs a new pair of fall shoes, that's just all there is to it. I am loving the glossy patent leather pumps that are in style right now--that candy apple red color is to die for. So is the sparkly pewter! ooooh! How is a girl to decide? The nice thing is that I have great boots, shoes, and tennies so really I only need one pair of funky fun shoes this season to rock my Silpada parties. Need, she says. heh.

And as a matter of fact, I just happen to have a Silpada party tonight! At Stephanie's house! WOO! I can't wait, what fun that will be. Stephanie could be pushing Life Insurance Policies at her house and it would still be a fun party. That girl knows how to entertain and of course you can't get better company. So I'm very much looking forward to that!

Back to School Shopping

(not the most attractive photo of me, but at over-40, I just don't give a shinola anymore! yeah!)

Ah yes, the school year has begun indeed, which means weekly coffee dates once again with Stephanie--and now Kim!!--and Metal Mommy gets to go shopping. I had a couple of gift cards burning a hole in Ms. Coach and of course now that I'm free to take all the time I need (well, at least of a 6 hour day) to contemplate Gap Classic boot cut jeans or Curvy fashion ones, I'm going to take advantage. And here's some good news, at least to Metal Mommy who has had 2 kids me...the rise of jeans is rising once again. Oh, you can still get the low-rise, but now you have a choice of low, mid or high. I'm not a high-rise jeans type person, but middle is JUST right. No more Muffin Top! Wooo! Unless you are a total Skinny Minnie, low rise jeans definitely give you the dreaded Muffin Top, Bacon Belt, whatever you want to call it. Whatever it is you call it, it's not attractive, so this is a very good thing. I guess fashion had to make up for Wide Leg pants that are now in style--had to throw us shorties who wouldn't be caught dead in such things a bone. I mean, isn't that Wide Leg pant thing what rebel kids wear in Junior High and High School, along with pants that hang down past their butts?? Well, I guess one way to get them to stop rebeling with them is to make them fashionable. We practically had the butt thing going with those low-rise jeans.

But enough about fashion! (for now.) After a bit of a rough start, school is now going fabulously for both kids. They are getting into their grooves, thank goodness. Here's a nice photo of Sullivan looking pretty relaxed at his new desk. No worries there!

Into a busy weekend ahead with a goumet dinner and a Silpada Jewelry party. Yay!

All I Ever Wanted

Vacation, that is. (are you singing that Go-Gos song now? If you are of my generation, you are...!) Just got back and it was heavenly. A week's worth of fun, relaxation, watching the kids have a ball and hanging with my childhood friend and her wonderful family by the lake. When I'm there I literally have no clue what's going on in the world for an entire week, and that my friends is a wonderful thing. I also had my very first Silpada jewelry party there, and even though it was a bit quiet because the staff decided to go have their annual dinner that very evening and therefore many guests went out as well, it was a success. I have also received my first official check. woo! I am a Money Maker once again, a contributor. Feels good, I have to say.

We got home and it was right back at it. Actually, we didn't even really get to be home...not an hour after we arrived we had a showing since our house is now officially on the market. We walked in the door, talked to our agent, and realized we needed to high-tail it back out of there. Crazy! All of us dirty, needing a shower, just wanting to get in and unwind. My lovely friends Stephanie and John were so kind to let us crash their pad, even with them leaving us to take their weekend drive. Of course Digby has to come with us whenever we leave the house, and he proceeded to pee on their floor. ! He hasn't done that kind of thing for months, it must have been a combo of being at Grandma's for a week, being whisked over to Stephanie's, and then smelling ol' Sigmunds' smells all over. sigh. From there it was dropping Vivian off to a party, but not before a trip to Target to buy a gift we had already bought for the birthday friend that had gotten lost in our house cleaning frenzy. (I have since found said gift in a kitchen drawer along with my baking utensils. How silly of me not to look in there in the first place....!!) We had yet another showing at 5:00, so off to Petsmart we went, the only cool place we could think to go to that would take the Digs. They may be seeing a lot of us...! Nothing like 2 fast food meals eaten in the car, in one day. Is this house-selling thing fun yet?! And it's only week one....

The good news is we do have some interested buyers already, but we're in that frustrating in-between stage where we don't know what's really going to happen. It would be amazing in this market to have or house sold within a couple of weeks. We shall see! The one we love is still available, I'm just holding my breath on that one. Could life be any more crazy right now??
Don't answer that...!