Life in the Slow Lane

Bah Humbug! Now I know I can't be the only person that feels this way. Christmas has gone from the best day of the year with so much family piled into the house that you can't breathe, to omg is it over yet? Maybe it has come with age for me, maybe it's being so far away from family year round, maybe it's the fact that it's always Christmas in my house, who knows. Whatever it is though, I can tell you nothing can make the Humbugging worse than some sad ass Christmas songs. So in no particular order I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. Why six? No good reason other than these are the ones that came right to mind. Blue Christmas by Elvis This cd has been a staple in my life forever. I have a special place in my heart for Elvis, so his holiday stuff is no different. This one is somber, catchy, and bluesy. Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg At least 90% of my friends can relate to this song whether they want to admit it or not. To bump into someone, usu...

I'm so over you. I'm so over you that I'm already looking ahead. I'm counting the days until I can be rid of you for good. I didn't want you at the beginning, and I definitely don't want you now. You've been a headache since day one. You've been sucky to me. I've had to wake up to you day after day. You've been hot and cold and everything in between. I've had to revolve my life around your calendar. I can't get rid of you fast enough, even though I've been trying for months now. I've been as patient as possible, but we all know I'm not a patient Mama. So pack your bags 2010 * . You have sixteen days to get out of my life. Don't expect any postcards from me. * Wh at did you think I was talking about? ;)

A whole, roasted hazelnut atop of whipped chocolate filling, hugged by a generous portion of dark chocolate. Sound tempting? IT IS! Perugina(now Nestle) Baci are hands down my favorite little treat at this time of year. Baci are available throughout the year these days, but are much more accessible around the holidays. Individually wrapped in a silver foil, and each contain a small piece of paper. What is written on the paper is not a fortune, but rather a love note. Quotes about love and relationships. Thoughts to ponder as you bite into this heavenly piece of chocolate. Here's some examples of what you might find: There is no instinct like that of the heart. ~G. Byron Kisses kept are wasted; Love is to be tasted. ~E.V. Cooke Every great love begins with a kiss ~Anonymous I usually get a box when I go home and hit my favorite bakery in the world. But nowadays they are easier to come by, and sometimes I stumble upon them right here in the middle of nowhere!   So if you'...

Flashback to early 2007. I'm climbing the biggest mountain of my life: trying to balance the boys and home life, a possibility of going back to work, getting my son much needed services, dealing with some family issues in NY, and being sick. Having no one local to lean on I wasn't sure what to do, and honestly was a bit sad about it. Being in a different place and making new friends was tricky. Especially mommy friends. Now I was not only looking for friends that I have things in common with, but that our kids get along. Ugh, great, a new dynamic on an already difficult task. Then the icing on the cake, I have a child that is not typical, and I weed out yet another handful of potential friends as they turn out to be ignorant. K, so back to my flashback. 2007. Made a few mommy friends, but eh, it was more about the kids than me. I guess that's just how it goes and was ready to make peace with that. But then one day, I was in the basement listening to ...

So many games have been purchased, opened, and put on a shelf to collect dust in this house. But not this one. I stumbled onto it at least 3 or 4 years ago, and even today we played for almost an hour with it. I'm not even sure if it's made anymore, but wanted to share. Let me take you back for a second. Back to when my Alex played with nothing. NOTHING. Sure he'd fly his reindeer around and sing, but as far as toys went, we were stumped every birthday and holiday. So part of my being a stay at home mom job was wandering the aisles of Target, ToyRUs, or anywhere else there may be that something he'd play with. This came in a fun package, was reasonably priced, and certainly worth a try! Now don't get me wrong, Alex certainly didn't take to it right away, but from a mom/teacher perspective, it was a great toy. I love toys that have multiple uses. I knew the therapists would love it too. It's meant to be a simple game of Memory. It comes with 10 animals that...

As the boys get older, I realize more and more how little they listen. Not hear, LISTEN. It's an amazing thing that selective hearing. I'm not even sure I could do it. To intentionally hear but not hear someone...well that's a true gift. Anyway, as time has gone on, I've tried a few things to get this bad habit to stop. If I was yelling firmly telling the boys something, I'd make sure they were looking me straight in the eye. Well, eventually they were looking through me. Then I'd have them repeat what I said, and that was like playing Operator when you're about 10, it's never the same the second time around. But then, then I figured it out. Hush. No, not you hush, me. I simply whispered. It not only confused the hell out of them, but made them think I was so nutty they just had to hear what I had to say. Sure, just because I said something, they didn't always follow the directions, but they  heard me. Yay for no ear doctor appointments, THEY HEA...

Once again, thank you Shazam . I often find myself half listening to the radio lately, which is sad. I love music. I live for music. But when a million things are going on in life at once, it takes a backseat. But anyway, that's the bestest part of Shazam. I can remind myself to re-listen to a new song, remember to download a great oldie, or just use it to check out some lyrics. The song I recently Shazam'd was new, intriguing, and right on the money. Life....well.....too much for one blog post at the moment, but some days I feel like this song. Then there are the days that are one step forward, three steps back. Those are actually the more common days right now. But for me, to even have one day a week where I feel ahead of the game, well that's enough for me. See, here's where that 'baby steps' comes in again. If I didn't live by that motto, I would have cracked long ago..... A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evanas Woke up late today, and I could still feel ...

Hello blog world!! Life has been upside down to say the least over the last few months. I've enjoyed my yarny life and have learned so, so much. I never thought I would become a knitter, always a crocheter at heart. Well I'm here to say that I love knitting! It creates such beautiful finished products, and while it does take some getting used to switching to use of 2 needles, it's so worth the aggravation. I've made some fun little projects, and get a little braver each time. I'm currently on a pair of socks. In other life news, the boys and I are doing fine and gearing up for the holiday season. Their Christmas lists change and grow each week, so eventually I'll just have to tell them that Santa has reached quota and all future requests will be rejected. One can only shop so much! I've missed blogging and am ready to get back into the swing of things. I've missed alot of things actually....baby steps, right?!?!

I've completely neglected you over the last few weeks. But with good reason. With all the depressing life changes that have occured here recently, it's time for a happy change...a new business venture! I've been working very hard on opening my very own local yarn shop! Where we live in the Poconos, there isn't much in the way of retail shops. Sure, you can drive a half hour in any direction and get to some civilization and any store you need. But here, in the small town, local community, there just isn't enough. One thing I've always wanted since I moved here is to be part of the community, so now's my chance! The Yarn Barn will be located just outside Hamlin, PA on Route 348. If you're local or visiting, stop in and say hi. If not, visit me on Facebook here , or check out the website. Comments and suggestions always welcome!! http://www.allisonsyarnbarn.com/

Then by golly, be sure to listen to this song. Of course it's lovely, but man what a downer. Yet like a train wreck, I can never avoid it when it comes on... Arms Of An Angel Spend all your time waiting for that second chance For the break that will make it ok There's always some reason to feel “not good enough� And it's hard at the end of the day I need some distraction, oh beautiful release Memories seep from my veins They may be empty and weightless, and maybe I'll find some peace tonight In the arms of an Angel, fly away from here From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn There's vultures and thieves at your back The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies That you make up for all that you lack It don't make no difference, escaping one ...

I have to get started. And even if I do start this week, there really is no guarantee I'll be done before Christmas! I've been eyeing this tree skirt for about 3 years now, but with all the friends having babies, then doing all the etsy stuff last year, I just couldn't get it started. But today may be the day! It's not really complicated, more time consuming than anything. So stay tuned for progress reports and either a completed project post at some point, or more likely a defeated crocheters block post:)

Yes, I know you are on vacation right now, and I know it's 80 degrees and as humid as can be. But this year I'm asking big, so I figured you may need a little extra time to prep for my gift. I want said item below, just as shown, in Surf Blue. Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Mama.

Optimism: hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something. Sadly, I'm a real half glass empty kind of gal. Always have been. Not sure why. I had a good upbringing. Good family, nice home in a nice neighborhood, plenty of friends, good health. Yet, I never saw the positive side of life. Then, around the time I finished college and got married, my glass was a little more than half empty. Life changing things were happening all around me to those I loved, and there was nothing I can do for any of them. The glass was at about a quarter full. Now as a grown woman, smart mama of 2 super kiddies, I find myself once again looking at things pessimistically. Why me? How did I wind up here? How did I let this happen? What now? I can't do it. I won't do it. I'm not as strong as people think I am. My glass is now about an eighth full. I have some super positive people in my life, and that helps a little. I like seeing that happy, easily positiv...

Multiple mouths told me a few years ago that my boy wouldn't talk. They'd say he can't hear, of course he can't talk. Mother's intuition knows best, and this mama knew that they were all wrong. I'm just here today to say Suck It NaySayers! The boy will be 5 this week...talking, laughing, and better yet, starting to read sight words.

Sorry I haven't put up freebies in a while, but here's some great ones this week. And of course don't forget today is FREE DONUT DAY!! I'm most excited about this one this week. I'm ready to paint my walk in closet something exciting and new so I sent for 2 FREE Glidden Paint Samples ! I love all Aveeno products so was excited to find a sample of Shampoo and Conditioner . Walmart has a Free Sample of Cottonelle How about some free Moist Sure Hand Sanitizer ? Perfect for summer outings! Enjoy!!

...that is the question. Being an out of work teacher can be very stressful. Knowing that you have all this education under your belt, love the job, and are good at the job, makes it suck even more. This area is overwhelmed with teachers, and it's all who you know. So perhaps it's time for a new line of work. Or better yet, perhaps it's time for a business venture. How do I take that jump to the unknown in the business world? Where do I start? What if I fail? These are the most common questions in my head. But as life has changed alot lately, I'm starting to trying to look at things in a more optomistic manner. New questions like 'when can I start? ' and  'how will it improve our community? ' are seeping into my vocabulary. Not to mention excitement, curiousity, and wonder of the unknown. Should Mama take the leap and try something exciting and new? Should she just stick to her day job and substitute teach for the rest of her days? The answer my frien...

Walk On And love is not the easy thing The only baggage you can bring... And love is not the easy thing... The only baggage you can bring Is all that you can't leave behind And if the darkness is to keep us apart And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off And if your glass heart should crack And for a second you turn back Oh no, be strong Walk on, walk on What you got, they can't steal it No they can't even feel it Walk on, walk on Stay safe tonight... You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been A place that has to be believed to be seen You could have flown away A singing bird in an open cage Who will only fly, only fly for freedom Walk on, walk on What you got they can't deny it Can't sell it or buy it Walk on, walk on Stay safe tonight And I know it aches And your heart it breaks And you can only take so much Walk on, walk on Home...hard to know what it is if you never had one Home...I can't ...

I have a Banana Republic sweater that I absolutely love. It's oversized, overly soft, and comforting. The other day I told someone that it was like my security blanket. But then after thinking about that statement, I realized it isn't. My real security blanket hangs in my closet. My high school boyfriend worked at the Gap. That was way back when the Gap was considered the 'expensive store' to shop at, but he got a good discount. I got some great clothes that I had for years, and sometimes I'd steal stuff from his closet. One thing in particular was a sweatshirt. A vibrant green, plain ol' sweatshirt. That was 18 years ago. That sweatshirt was worn all through high school, then came to college with me. During those few years away from home, it was comforting to have something to remember home and friends. When I had finals or stressful projects, I'd chew on the cuffs a bit. If I had a bad day or was sick, I'd go to the dorm, put it on, and crawl into be...

Were the M&M people inside my head at some point in my life? Musta been, because they finally combined what I always hoped for. A lovely little pretzel surrounded by a delicious, chocolate candy coating. Stumbled upon them at CVS yesterday and enjoyed trying them. I try not to buy stuff like this too often(excluding goldenberg peanut chews since I have a severe addiction), but I do hope they stick around for a while:)

I'm sure most of you will be nodding your heads and agreeing with me through most of this post. Old Navy flip flops may be one of the best inventions of the last decade. At 2/$5 ($3.50 if you want metallic!), why would you not own every single color they make? I live in flip flops from March to at least late September (I REFUSE to put on anything else in that time frame!) . I remember my first year I had a black pair and a white pair. The next year I grabbed 3 or 4 more. But by the next summer, I was buying colors I never thought I'd see on my feet, and don't even get me started on the metallics they brought in a few years ago. At a buck a pair more, they are super fancy and comfy! They take up hardly any room in the closet, they pack into a small spot in your luggage, they clean easily, and if you lose one flop or a whole pair, who cares at that price? Tomorrow is $1 flip flop day, so I definitely don't recommend you going running out to get them tomorrow if you ne...

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to find those products that will help us look our best without emptying our wallets! I’d like to take a minute now to share with you some of my favorite spring/summer girly products that will keep you looking fresh and fun this season! I've always used Suave shampoos. I like the one that is 'if you like Biolage try me', and I love their 2 in1 shampoo/conditioner for those hurried mornings. But this new line is wonderful. Wonderful like $20 shampoo at only $2ish a bottle. This specific one is Shea Butter and Almond, and leaves your hair soft, smooth, and shiny. Not to mention it smells awesome, and really is great for after a day at the beach or tanning.  Available at most drug stores/walmart/target. Mascara as all of us ladies know is a tricky, tricky buy. You study the brushes, the colors. Do I want plump?  How about some volume? Length? Conditioning? Ugh, just make my lashes look like that magazine picture! There's on...

My oldest decided this spring that he's finally ready to try out a sport. Not the most athletic child in the world, but was willing to give it a go. Got the flyer for little league sign-ups, and he immediately said yes. Hooray! Mama is ready! I always knew I wanted my boys to play baseball. Not soccer, not basketball, definitely not football(thanks to watching my nephew get hurt too often!) But baseball, the all-American boy sport, yea, that's the one for us.   We've had a handful of practices and a few games. While he is one of the youngest on the team, and adjusting to all the new rules/friends/etc, he's truly enjoying himself. Sure, he strikes out and picks flowers in the outfield like every other 6 year old does when they start. But he's making new friends, enjoying something new, and getting fresh air! Good deal all around.   I look forward to the rest of our baseball season, and hopefully many years to come of baseball. If they don't want to play, I gue...

Name: Zoe Mama Wallace Nicknames: ZoZo, Pupper Woofington Age: 13 Breed: Shorthaired Standard Dachshund AKA: doxie, hot dog, weiner Color: Red Favorite Foods: pasta, meatballs, turkey, peppers. Likes: sniffing around the yard, barking at squirrels/deer/turkeys, burrowing under blankets, attacking stuffed animals. Dislikes :cucumbers, taking walks, riding in the car, kids trying to ride her like a horse. She's my first dog ever, and I couldn't ask for a better. I'd love it if she'd bark less, but she's still my furry baby:)

Hmmm, not really sure how to start this post. It's a  tad super nerdy, and some of you won't believe it. Some of you cringe at the thought of having to do it, never want to see it again once out of school, and certainly don't want to help your kids with it. But that's why there's people like me in the world! I love math! I love numbers! I love everything that can be done just by using numbers. I love solving logic puzzles, word problems, quadratic equations, and everything in between. I took every math class available at college at the time, and probably should have gotten my Master's in math instead of reading, but oh well. Most importantly these days, I love being able to share my love of math with the kids at school Sure some of them ' like ' math, but to really love it, they have to have a reason to love it. By using some awesome projects with things they are interested in, they realize that it's not the suckiest subject, they can excel in it,...

My older son has a memory like I've never seen. 'Hey Ma, remember that time when I was two...' or 'Two summers ago when I went for that walk....' are really common sentences for him. Today's was fun too, 'I remember the first time I ate a turkey sandwich. It was March 5th last year.' Myea, ok! Anyway, digressing. A sentence I said to him when he was 3(and probably just to get him to zip his lip!) was: " yes Chris, when you turn 7 I will let you get a fish ." Well my friends, that time has come, and the boy with the memory is cashing in. I'm trying to convince him how silly it would be to have a fish. We have a great dog, we didn't do well with the guinea pig, and ultimately it will be my responsibility. But I PROMISED . Grrr, it's all on me. Then I tried to get him to go for a hermit crab instead. I figured a bit less cleaning, and more portable if we go out of town. Please correct me if I'm wrong with that thought! Anyway, no...

I love food. Lots of food. There I said it. I don't feel bad, I don't want to step on a scale, and I don't care that my jeans hardly fit. Well, I say that today anyway. Tomorrow I'm sure will be a different story as it always is. I worked very hard last year to get to the weight I am at, but with everything going on in life I tend to stress-eat, thus the pretty new jeans I bought are currently a no-go. So what's a girl to do? Stop getting stressed so I'll stop eating? Impossible. Throw out the Oreos? Gosh, I had a hard enough time typing that no less actually throw them out. Or accept myself as I am right now and realize that this is just a bump in the road. Yea, that sounds like the best option. Not sure how long this bump will last, or how many peanut chews I will eat from now until I'm over the bump. But I do know that this too shall pass, and if cookies is the way over, around, down, or through, then please, by all means, pour me a glass of milk to du...

I hear this on at least a weekly basis. Yes, it's 25 minutes away from our home. Yes there's a public school about 6 minutes away. Yes, I have one child in each school and bounce around constantly. But if you never went to, or don't have kids in Catholic(or just private) school, then you really just can't understand! Today was a day when I was reminded why. Sure sure, they learn religion, go to church, come out as lovely, respectful, moral human beings. But they also gain some lifelong friendships, and are part of a large family. I always find in public that there's so many kids and families, you get lost and too often become just a number in the system. In private, all families know each other, the whole school of teachers knows almost every child in the school by name. If a child needs help with a subject or needs some enrichment, it's not ten people's worth of red tape to get through, it just gets done. Have a problem? Just walk into the office and talk ...

Where does the time go? I look at my last post and see it's over 20 days ago. What the heck? Where have I been? What's so important in life that I don't have time to be here for a few minutes a day? lol. Tons, but I am back:) My thoughts for today revolves around a saying that I don't care for. There are many sayings I don't care for, but this one is up there on the list. Time Heals All Wounds. Says who? Where did that come from? Who decided this huge thing? How does the passing of days, weeks, or even months make something better? Is the something being replaced? Simply forgotten about? I feel like what is being said is, 'hey, sit back and relax, soon enough you won't be sad.' I've had a few things happen in life that I can truly say have not been healed by time. Maybe the person that came up with the concept decided he/she just needed to tell him/herself something to look forward to. I'd love to hear some feedback on why people actually t...