For the entire month of October I posted my daily outfits to Flickr as part of Definitely RA and Operation Pink Herring’s Mission: Put Together. (Check out all the participants submissions here!)

During this time I was contacted by one of my readers about my look. Kate had been inspired by my outfit posting and wanted to send me some of the AWESOME fused glass jewelry that she makes by hand. (Holy crap, some people are just so freakin’ talented!0 Kate was right in assuming that I needed a little something, something to help jazz up my typically all-black-wardrobe. I graciously sent Kate my address and in a few shorts days a package arrived in the mail from Wisconsin.

The package from Kate was full to the brim of a plethora of fused glass pendants she had made in every color imaginable. I was instantly in love with all of them (and maybe even in love with Kate, a little bit). I kid you not, I went straight to my closet and began deciding what pendant would go best with what outfit. I decided the next day I would wear a lovely green silk top. Alone the top is sassy, but dude, add a little fused glass and bada-bing:

It really just adds the perfect umph to my dreary work attire. Seriously, how freakin’ awesome is this pendant?

I couldn’t stop e-mailing Kate to thank her for the goodies and to tell her how impressed I was with her artistic talent. I’m not even sure how you make fused glass, but I’m pretty sure it’s a little harder then the things I know how to do. I eventually asked Kate if I she would be interested in doing a give-away on my site.

Because Kate’s so amazing and giving she happily accepted my invitation. But get this, she’s taking it to the next level. So starting today I will be offering a FREE GIVE-AWAY of one of Kate’s fused glass pieces EVERY FRIDAY until Christmas.

To enter, all you have to do is head over to Kate’s Etsy page and have a look around. Then come back here and leave a comment on this post about which of Kate’s fused glass pieces you like the most and why you like that specific piece. (I think my fave is this blue bracelet. I would marry this bracelet if that were even possible.)

Don’t forget to keep checking Kate’s Etsy page. She’s promised me she’s going to keep adding new stuff, including rings. Man, I’m dying to see her rings. I can assure you I will be ordering one for myself. And since her prices are super reasonable, I may just have to buy this barrette for my sister. And I know my mom would love this bookmark to keep with her scriptures. And I just love this yellow pendant. Especially since yellow is the new black this season.

There are six Friday’s until Christmas. Oh man, I’m excited for these give-aways!

The winner of this week’s give-away will be chosen at random from all comments received on this post. You have until Monday night at midnight (PST) to enter. Anyone can enter. Just be aware that any winners will have to give me an address to ship to!

I have yet to call my doctor to reschedule Monday’s failed colonoscopy.  I know I need to do it before the month is over.  I know!  Instead of making the phone call to my colon doc today I think I’m going to call around for some quotes for a maid.  I wonder if only having them clean three of our four bathrooms will save us some money?

You see, I’m extremely good at ignoring something in hopes that it will just disappear.  (This, for the record, rarely actually works.)

I have a lot going on in my mind and with my body right now. But guess what?  I’m not ready to talk about with the interweb.  Why is it that I’m totally comfortable sharing the epic story of my colon and my foray’s into nudist resorting, and yet there are certain things I’m still not ready to say out loud type out?

Yesterday, while visiting a new doctor for a totally non colon related appointment, she asked me, “are you here for your eating disorder?”

“My what?”

“Your eating disorder.”

“I don’t have an eating disorder.”

“Oh.  Sorry.”

I like to think this was just a case of mistaken identity and that I don’t look like I have an eating disorder.  However that looks.

I ate rice crispy treats for dinner last night.  Babboo has taken to waking up in the middle of the night and yelling out for The King.  The King, still asleep when being called out for in the middle of the night, has taken to sleeping with Babboo in his crib.

No, The King doesn’t fit too well in the crib.  Yes, he wakes up every morning with cramped legs and bags under his eyes.

I’m working with a reader on a super duper awesomely cool giveaway.  I’m hoping to have it ready by tomorrow.  Or maybe Monday.  Stay tuned, for it will be super duper awesomely cool.   And, be assured, you will want some of this giveaway action.

I’ve been perusing the interweb for some crafty homemade Christmas gift ideas that I can make myself.  Crafty people like this lady and this lady inspire me.  I have piles and piles of felt that is dying to be made into lovely gifts for the people I love.

The King and I have been fans of Gossip Girl for quite some time.  We might not fit into the typical GG demographic (or maybe we do), but we love the show.  But lately, what is up with Jenny Humphrey’s new hair cut?  And could she maybe ease up on the charcoal eye make-up.  Also, how can I get my hands on all the awesome trench coats they wear on that show?

When uploading a video to my 80G iPod last week I was informed that IT IS FULL.  Full! As in I have 80G worth of crap on my iPod.  So full of crap that I wasn’t able to fit the latest Charlie Brown episode on it.  Thankfully I was able to delete some old Bear Grylls crap to make the needed room. Sorry Bear, but Good Old Chuck is a priority in our house.

Did I tell you guys that my younger brother is out of work right now?   The poor guy has a wife, two adorable kids and a mortgage.  And um, no incoming income.  I’m desperately trying to assist him in locating a income.  It’s been a few weeks and, unfortunately, he’s getting very desperate.  So if any of you know of a job in Utah, I’d be happy to send you his resume.  And maybe some cookies.

My mom just sent me an e-mail informing me that Southwest is having a sale on plane tickets from Seattle to SLC right now.  $79 , each way.  I remember when you could get them for $49 each way.

Did I tell you about how I caved and did something my mom used to do, that I totally hated?  Yeah, I bought my husband and child matching shirts.   And then I made them wear them with matching pants. And matching shoes.  And then I made them sit for some pictures.

HAAA.  Am so evil.

But come on, how freaking cute are these boys and their little matching shirts?  I’m half tempted to find myself a coordinating outfit.  I hate being left out.

And thus ends the post where I talk about everything and also, nothing.

I walked into work this morning with a spring in my step. Maybe it was because it’s a little brighter then usual out. Maybe it was my kicky boots or my new jacket. Maybe it was the Old 97’s on my iPod. Maybe it was the ticker tape I was stepping over.

Or maybe it was the smell of change in the air.

Whatever it was, it’s thrilling and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Now that election season is over (!!) I know the top question on everyone’s mind is “what was Babboo for Halloween?”

He was a pirate, thanks for asking. Except that in our house we refer to pirates as garibaldi’s. (It has something to do with a pirate sticker book with a pirate named Garibaldi that My Sweet Babboo loves.) Babboo was rocking a skull and cross bone (knitted) beanie, an eye patch, a sword, a sash (also known as one of daddy’s old ties) and a pumpkin flashlight.

ARRR! Ahoy mates. Swap the poop deck. And any other pirate phrase I can think of.

He made out with a hefty sized bag of goodies that is still sitting on our kitchen counter. The kid really didn’t understand what was going on. All he knew was that mommy kept telling him to say “trick-or-treat” and “thank you” and that his friend Vesper kept asking him to say “swap the poop deck”.

It was Babboo’s first time going out on Halloween (he was sick last year) and The King’s and my first time doing this as proud parents. I admit it was pretty fun. But also, pretty nerve racking. I was worried about poisoned candy and unruly teenagers and scary costumes and drunk drivers.

Whatever. Mostly I just wanted to go home and dig into his candy.

So tell me, how was your Halloween?

(And just admit it, this is the cutest Garibaldi you’ve ever laid eyes on!)

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Did you get out and vote last night? While I’ve been voting since I was 18, last night was the first time I’ve ever voted in person and it’s my latest New Thing!

And don’t forget to read my post over at Amalah’s Advice Smackdown. Make sure you leave a comment about your favorite drug store brand products!

Did you guys miss me yesterday?

Oh, you didn’t notice I wasn’t around the interweb?  Great.  Thanks.

Jerks.

I remember listening to Howard Stern years and years ago.  He was talking about how he had been prepping for his first colonoscopy and had pooped himself in his limo.  I listened to him tell the story with fear in my heart.  Sure I laughed at his expense, but I also feared that by laughing at Howard Stern’s poop story I was somehow setting myself up for the same fate.

Dude, I never want to poop myself.  Even if it’s in my own limo.

This past Sunday was spent with me fasting and then forcing myself to ingest 32 horse-sized pills that would induce my stomach to expel anything that I had ever eaten.  But that wasn’t enough.  On top of that I had the flu.  So while my stomach was being torn to shreds by modern technology (via pills), the flu virus was trying to push whatever was left in my stomach out through my mouth.

I lost eight pounds in two days.

I woke up yesterday ready to drive myself in for my fifth sixth colonoscopy.  I planned on taking Babboo to daycare and then hoping on the freeway to my downtown hospital.  Only problem was that I was still throwing up….and um, using the potty.  At the last minute The King’s mom had to be called in to drive me to my appointment.  Nothing is more embarrassing then quietly sitting in your mother-in-laws new SUV hoping and praying liquid won’t eject from any opening on my body.

My MIL dropped me off at the front door of the hospital and I ran into the surgery check-in desk, just in time to make it to the potty.  Eventually it was my turn to undress and get my IV started. Problem was, I WAS TOO DEHYDRATED TO START MY IV!  Duh.  It took three times before they got a vein that didn’t collapse.

Great fun.

Next thing I knew it was 4:30 and I was waking up on my couch at home.  I vaguely remembered The King picking me up and taking me home.  I remembered eating something with Nutella on it.  And I remembered throwing up.  Again.

And then I remembered the worst thing possible.  The doctor wasn’t able to perform the colonscopy!

I would have to come back next week!

And do it all over again!

Apparently my colon was “too dirty” to finish once the doctor had started the procedure.   Apparently I had thrown up all the pills.  Apparently it was all for naught.

I may have shed a few tears.  Andy then thrown up again.

I wonder if this is my payback for laughing at Howard Stern for pooping himself?

There was girl that lived one block over from me in high school. She was a year younger, but way more mature then I was. Or rather more mature looking. If you know what I mean. (And I think you do.)

She came from a family of a million kids. They had a kid in every grade at my high school. The family lived stuffed inside their three bedroom house. They were poor. And yet, she always dressed super trendy and cute. She had the perfect cinched waisted GAP jeans (this was the early 90’s, remember) with huge belt and baggy top. Her hair and face always looked pristine. I never understood how she could look so hip and yet, be so poor. One day I learned her secret. She had an older, richer cousin who lived in California. Apparently this older cousin sent her bags and bags of trendy hand-me-downs every summer. Just in time for the new school year.

I had other friends with this same mythical older, well-dressed, cousin. My best friend Marci had an older cousin who would hand-down her formal dresses. I dreamt of received garbage bags full of new hand-me-downs. I longed for the day that my cousin would ask me if I wanted all her used skirts and tops.

The thing is I was the oldest girl cousin in my family. I didn’t have anyone to hand their clothes down to me. There wasn’t anyone in my life to share their wardrobe bounty with me.

Not even an older aunt.

As I’ve gotten older I’ve been the proud recipient of an overabundance of a quite divine hand-me-down maternity wardrobe courtesy of my good friend Marci. And let’s not forget the hand-me-down goodies that Mrs. Squirrel has sent me over the years. I’m talking shoes and skirts and sweaters.

I know some people don’t like hand-me-downs. Let’s make one thing clear; I’m not one of those people. I love having something new-ish to hang in my closet and wear to work. I love knowing that my new favorite skirt was once loved by someone that I love. It just makes my heart feel good.

My little family had dinner over at some friend’s house last Friday night. They served us a glorious artichoke and chicken soup with the yummiest salad I’ve ever had. And bread. And ice cream. Not to mention the lovely conversation and fun kids for Babboo the play with. It was just a good night with people we love. At the conclusion of the night my friend asked if I wanted to go through the boxes and piles and bags of clothes her son had recently grown out of. She was planning on donating them the next day.

I tried to hide my excitement as I told her I’d love anything she had to offer. She took me upstairs and I was giddy when I saw the piles of winter pajamas. Babboo has needed some bigger and warmer jammies, but I just haven’t been able to justify spending all the money just yet. It just hasn’t been cold enough. Yet. My friend put pajama after pajama in a pile for me to take home. Before she was done I had more pajamas for Babboo then I’ve he’s had in his entire life. The kid is set for the next two winters. And I couldn’t be more grateful.

Last night I was folding all of his new jammies after getting them out of the dryer. Babboo recognized that they were new clothing items and kept asking me, “Mommy, what that jammie?” I explained to him that his friend William had been nice enough to give him all of these new clothes. Babboo got excited and proceeded to call them all “William Jammies” and requested to wear the firetruck “William Jammies” to bed last night.

I have a pile of clothes Babboo’s grown out that I can’t wait to pass on to his little friend “Cabub”. It’s like a piece of my baby that I’m passing on and I want them to go to a good home.

So tell me, what has been your favorite hand-me-down?

I’d have to say mine was the gray maternity shirt Marci gave me. As seen here when I was just barley pregnant with Babboo.

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Holy crap, I’m guest blogging for Amalah today over at the Advice Smackdown.  This is like my wildest fantasy come true.  Head over to read about my favorite drug store products and make sure to leave a comment about your favorite drug store products.

And also, check out my latest New Thing. I tried out some new make-up, but only because I had a $5 off coupon.

In no particular order.

I’m jealous of girls with fancy shoes and better hair. I’m jealous of girls who don’t have to wash their hair everyday or shave their legs. I’m jealous of people with designer jeans. I’m jealous of stay at home moms. I’m jealous of people with better jobs then I have. I’m jealous of people that work part time. I’m jealous of two car families and skinny people.

I’m jealous of A –list bloggers and freelance writers. I’m jealous of people that make more money then we do. I’m jealous of people that get to travel more. I’m jealous of people that get to sleep in and take afternoon naps. I’m jealous of people that have more time for television watching. I’m jealous of people that can cook and bake. I’m jealous of people with enough time to see movies. I’m jealous of people with pretty purses and trendy belts. I’m jealous of people with home internet and laptops. I’m jealous of people that drink soda all day and eat sushi for lunch.

I’m jealous of people who get to hang out with their mom and their sisters on a daily basis. I’m jealous of people that get to visit their family more then I do. I’m jealous of people that are well-read. I’m jealous of people that are clever and funny. I’m jealous of people that are good at crafts and jewelry making. I’m jealous of people that have organized spice racks and kitchen cabinets.

I’m jealous of people that can eat whatever they want and stay skinny. I’m jealous of people that make excellent homemade pizza. I’m jealous of fun moms and moms that sew their kid’s Halloween costumes. I’m jealous of people that decorate their houses super cute for Holidays. I’m jealous of people that are educated about (and understand) the economy and politics. I’m jealous of people with good superior vocabularies. I’m jealous of people that are well-read and articulate. I’m jealous of people with more friends and/or better friends. I’m jealous of people with immaculate houses and clean toilets.

I’m jealous of people that have cute jackets and big red necklaces. I’m jealous of people with perky boobies and manicured fingernails. I’m jealous of people with husbands that don’t care how much money they spend on clothes or at the grocery store. I’m jealous of wives that have rich husbands. I’m jealous of people with awesome mother-in-laws and sweet sister-in-laws. I’m jealous of people that have friends over for dinner. I’m jealous of people that throw amazing parties. I’m jealous of people that are pregnant. I’m jealous of people with more kids. I’m jealous of people who are patient and giving and loving. I’m jealous of people that are willing to serve. I’m jealous of people that always smile and ask questions.

I’m jealous of people that are fun and happy and enjoyable. I’m jealous of people that ask the right questions. I’m jealous of people with no health problems. I’m jealous of hipsters and punk rockers. I’m jealous of people that go to shows. I’m jealous of people who know a lot about music. I’m jealous of people that can play the piano. I’m jealous of people that have good singing voices. I’m jealous of people that are good teachers. I’m jealous of people that know a lot about the scriptures and church history. I’m jealous of people that are good at math and know all the grammar rules and are good spellers. I’m jealous of people that can paint and draw and create. I’m jealous of people with amazing art collections and good furniture. I’m jealous of people with nicer houses with lovely art on the walls.

I’m jealous of people with big rings and dangly earrings. I’m jealous of people with huge diamond rings. I’m jealous of people with pretty dresses at church and better toys for their kids. I’m jealous of people with better marriages and fun date nights. I’m jealous of people with better church callings. I’m jealous of people with better treats at their house.

I’m jealous. And I need to work on that.

So tell me, what are you jealous of?