Quality Time With Your Teen

It's so hard with teens/young adult kids. I call them all teens but only two of them technically are. Even my little William is now 21. You are far away from the days when they are all over you and driving you bonkers. You know, those days when you yearned for a break and people … Continue reading Quality Time With Your Teen

How Not To Ride An Electric Scooter

Before the holidays are completely in the past, I would be remiss in not telling this story. The kids are quite amused by my skills on the electric scooter so maybe you will be too. Ha. Did you know that I'm a bit clumsy? I have never been accused of being graceful. And definitely, no … Continue reading How Not To Ride An Electric Scooter

It Was A Chinese Christmas

This was a quiet Christmas. We had a death in the family and no one was feeling particularly festive. I focused on making sure the kids enjoyed the day and they did. So it was a success. Brian and I were ready to cook dinner. I was tired so I wasn't really looking forward to it. … Continue reading It Was A Chinese Christmas

Maybe Everything Does Happen For A Reason

Being a working mom is challenging; basically everyone knows that. Around 10 years ago, I attempted to go back to work full-time and become one of those working moms. My three kids were so little and we were going through the adoption process with Kaleb. There was a lot going on and honestly, it was … Continue reading Maybe Everything Does Happen For A Reason

I Thought I Was Getting Scammed At Work

Scammers are a part of reality now. It really is depressing that you have to keep your guard up so much because you just don't know who you can trust. I have had a couple of scammy experiences already like when I thought I was being hired for a work from home job or when … Continue reading I Thought I Was Getting Scammed At Work

I Just Want To Be Liked

You know how they say that when you get older, you stop caring what people think of you? I have heard that too. Well, I'm older but I'm apparently not one of those people. 😁 I do feel more confident, the older I get. But, yeah, I still care. What can I say? I just … Continue reading I Just Want To Be Liked

The Challenges Of Paying For College

So I'm going to school on-line at UNF. At least, I think I am! I do know that I'm enrolled at the moment. But it could blow up in my face any moment. Ok, here's my story! One of the challenges for getting my BA, besides my ridiculous lack of motivation, has always been money. … Continue reading The Challenges Of Paying For College

Transitioning To Full Time Work

I’ve been quiet on the blog for a few weeks because I started working full-time and I have been too exhausted to write. It was really hard to make the decision to go back to work and it felt so big. I felt like I would be trapped potentially in the wrong place. The last … Continue reading Transitioning To Full Time Work

Week Recap: Work, School, And Crazy Dogs

Welcome to a weekend coffee share hosted by Natalie the Explorer ! I haven't blogged in a few weeks. I feel like there has been so much going on and it is, as they say, a whirlwind. I haven't been able to get a toehold but at the same time, I feel very hopeful for … Continue reading Week Recap: Work, School, And Crazy Dogs

Week Recap: Life Changes

Happy Saturday! And welcome to the #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie the Explorer This week has been consumed with filming. Brian has really put together a good group of super talented people. It is amazing how committed these people have been to basically a passion project. If we make money, they make money but there are … Continue reading Week Recap: Life Changes

Week Recap: It’s Wet In Florida

How was everyone's week? This is another #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie the Explorer Natalie the Explorer! It's been dark and rainy here in Jacksonville but on the upside, it hasn't been as hot. Internet Trolls Beware I wish I had something new to say but we have been busy preparing to film our movie. Four … Continue reading Week Recap: It’s Wet In Florida

Did I Give Birth To My Adopted Son?

I was laying in bed, this morning, wishing I could fall back to sleep. And I started randomly thinking about how my son wants to be called Will but Brian and I still insist on calling him William. Well, not insist. I mean, I have tried to switch but it never sticks. So instead, I … Continue reading Did I Give Birth To My Adopted Son?

We Are Making A Movie

Internet trolls. Almost everyone has experienced some kind of trolling from a jerk on the internet. Well, that was what inspired my husband, Brian, to write his screenplay and successfully make a movie. (Well, I assume. It’s happening tomorrow!) This has been a dream of his since basically forever so I'm insanely excited for him … Continue reading We Are Making A Movie

Tips For A Successful Cosplay

So you want to cosplay? Well, cosplay is for everyone! No matter your body-type, your gender identity, or race; you have the right to join in the fun. However, that also means that everyone has to struggle with the challenges of cosplaying. So, here are some things to remember when cosplaying! Wear Comfortable Shoes Wear … Continue reading Tips For A Successful Cosplay

What Happens At A Science Fiction Convention?

I've been going to conventions for years. I used to hear them referred to as sci-fi conventions but really, it's more than sci-fi. It's about pop culture, fashion, history, movies, tv shows and just about everything else you can think of. And one of the hardest things has always been trying to explain to others … Continue reading What Happens At A Science Fiction Convention?

Week Recap: Becoming Olaf And Making A Movie

Welcome to another #weekendcoffeeshare hosted by Natalie The Explorer! As some of you may know, I attended Enchantment Con a couple of weekends ago as a table helper for my friend, Candy. Although, I choose to refer to myself as her handler, it sounds so much fancier! I was working on an Olaf cosplay, and … Continue reading Week Recap: Becoming Olaf And Making A Movie

Foster Care Adoption: Getting Matched With A Child

Foster care adoption taught me many things, including how to advocate for myself. I wanted to be a mom and I wasn’t going to let beaurocratic red tape stop me. Not for long, anyway! So in this post, I’m gonna talk about what you can do to help control your fate while trying to adopt. … Continue reading Foster Care Adoption: Getting Matched With A Child

How Do I Adopt From Foster Care?

How do you go about adopting from foster care? What are the steps involved? I have tried to summarize the process for you! (Disclaimer! I haven't researched each state or any other countries so don’t go arguing with anyone official based on what I say, haha, but this will give you a general idea of … Continue reading How Do I Adopt From Foster Care?

Week Recap! Convention Bound

Welcome to my week’s recap and coffee share hosted by Natalie the Explorer This was actually a pretty lousy week. I don’t know, maybe mercury was in retrograde or something. I don’t really understand what that means but I know people say it a lot. My daughter ran down my car battery. My job got … Continue reading Week Recap! Convention Bound

Week Recap – The Coffee Share

Happy Coffee Share day, hosted by Natalie the Explorer! I haven’t really had a lot of interesting things happen this week. (But keep reading anyway!) I mean, my car broke down on Monday (it’s better now) but that’s not really a fun story. So I'm not gonna bother telling it. But, on a side note, … Continue reading Week Recap – The Coffee Share

Struggling To Be Healthy

Man, I was doing so well with my new healthy living lifestyle but now I’m in bed, eating a Hershey bar. This is basically exactly what I promised myself I wouldn't do. But, as we all know, it is hard. So hard to stay the course. Especially when life works against you (and when chocolate … Continue reading Struggling To Be Healthy

Trying To Take It Easy – The Coffee Share

I’m finally joining the weekend coffee share, hosted by Natalie The Explorer! Today my coffee is in the form of a smoothie but I’m happy to say that there is caffeine involved! I don't have a lot scheduled this weekend and that was exactly what I wanted. The week was a typical loop week of … Continue reading Trying To Take It Easy – The Coffee Share

How To Make Simple Mother’s Day Tea Sandwiches

I don't know how you will be spending your Mother's day but I'm going to spend mine, making my family eat sandwiches with me! Not just sandwiches but sandwiches with herbs and edible flowers, like Impatiens! Hopefully, this isn’t all that we will do together because this is a quick activity but, still, I am … Continue reading How To Make Simple Mother’s Day Tea Sandwiches

Remembering To Be Kind

I work for Eldergrow. It's a really cool program where I go into assisted living faciliites and do gardening related classes. It’s incredibly fulfilling. Anyway, there is a resident there. She is a real spit fire, as they say. If they still say that. She is sarcastic, snarky, and hilarious, She still smokes and has … Continue reading Remembering To Be Kind

Ant Eaters by Lola Lariscy

Today, I want to share a short story by Lola Lariscy. Lola loves to write about Science Fiction and is a former podcaster. Like me, Lola is a big fan of all things involving movies, tv shows and books. Lola lives in Jacksonville, FL with her beloved kitties and dogs. Oh and she is also … Continue reading Ant Eaters by Lola Lariscy

The Time I Accidentally Stole A Dog

I pride myself on being an animal rescuer. I love all kinds of animals and I'm someone that people call when they find an animal in need. Sometimes, this is a bad thing because I don't know how to say no. Case in point, last week, I rescued a baby possum and a few days … Continue reading The Time I Accidentally Stole A Dog

Tunnel Vision For My Coffee

I like to think I'm an intelligent woman but the most intelligent person can still do nutty things, especially when she are low on caffeine. I recently went to McDonald’s and had another one of those moments. So I was making my morning trip to McDonald's to get my coffee. And apparently, I really needed … Continue reading Tunnel Vision For My Coffee

How To Make Bird Feeder Citrus Cups

Did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month? And, yes, I'm aware that I am writing this in May but it's still true. National Bird Feeding Month became official in 1994, thanks to Illinois Congressman John Porter. February is one of the most difficult months for birds to make it through so the … Continue reading How To Make Bird Feeder Citrus Cups

Another Day In The Life, A Poem

I was inspired to write a poem after reading this one by Pooja I used to love to write poetry but haven’t in years. So please be gentle, haha😁 I hear my son before I open my eyes, He is bonding virtually with someone across the country. And I realize another day has begun. I … Continue reading Another Day In The Life, A Poem

How To Manage Your Post Con Depression

Depression. Seasonal depression. Manic depression. There are so many different kinds. But, they all stink. For me, right now, it’s Post Con Depression. Yes, it’s a thing. You see, when you go to a convention, you are insulated in this bubble of people who get you. We might have different fandoms but we all are … Continue reading How To Manage Your Post Con Depression

Adopting An Older Child From Foster Care

I’m a big supporter of foster care adoption, as some of you are aware, and I’m so very glad we did it because it brought us to our children. But it wasn’t all simple. Adopting from foster care is a lot. You are at the mercy of case workers and judges. And adopting teenagers is … Continue reading Adopting An Older Child From Foster Care

Meeting Steve Burns

Steve Burns. I met Steve Burns! You know, the guy from Blue's Clues? The original? The guy who paved the way? The guy who graced our screens with green stripes from 1996-2002? Yes, that guy! And he was everything that I hoped he would be. I mean, he didn't ask me to abandon my family … Continue reading Meeting Steve Burns

Conquering Fears And Making It Through

We all have fears or phobias. My son is afraid of heights. My sister is afraid of being trapped. According to google, there are many who have a phobia of holes. And I'm no exception. I have fears and things that just plain freak me out. And I have spent most of my life letting … Continue reading Conquering Fears And Making It Through

Effective Ways To Lose Weight By A Novice

Some time ago, I told my doctor strange my concerns about my breathing. (He’s not really strange, I’m just a fan of Doctor Strange!) Dr. Yalch really is a good doctor. Anyway, I said that I get out of breath very easily and I was worried something was wrong. And he asked me if I … Continue reading Effective Ways To Lose Weight By A Novice

Ten Things You Should Know About Bunnies

For several months, I have been fostering bunnies, in addition to my personal bunnies. This is definitely not something that I expected but now I could never live without them. Throughout this adventure, I have learned a lot about these big -eared goofballs. Did You Know This About Bunnies? So here are 10 things I … Continue reading Ten Things You Should Know About Bunnies

Teenagers And Texts

My teenage son and I have had a difficult time. It's hard to navigate the teen years and the challenges of post-adoption life. There were times that I wanted to give up on our relationship, but, I knew I couldn't. But now our relationship is shockingly good. He has gone from a boy who didn't … Continue reading Teenagers And Texts

The Buddy Bandana Is Perfect For Your Buddy (Or Not)

I am adding to this post due to the fact that after posting it, I received several comments from people (as can be seen below) who had negative shared experiences with the company. Not receiving their paid for products and not being able to successfully communicate with the company are the common themes. As a … Continue reading The Buddy Bandana Is Perfect For Your Buddy (Or Not)

Adoptive Mothers Are Just Mothers.

I’ve been seeing a lot of mothers’ day posts going around.  Well, really, I have seen two.  I just keep seeing them.  One is asking moms to post a picture of their pregnancy, their infant children and their children now.  The other is a survey about the delivery and birth of their first child.  I … Continue reading Adoptive Mothers Are Just Mothers.

Ten Things You May Or May Not Know About Foster Care Adoption.

Still Trying To Pay For My College

A couple of months ago, I talked about how I was going through it with the financial aid office and guess what?? I still am! SInce last time, I have appealed and while I haven't been officially rejected; they have repeatedly requested more information. The thing is it is really hard to defend why you … Continue reading Still Trying To Pay For My College

Taking Care Of Yourself As You Age

*This is an affiliate post. Getting old is hard. It is for me, anyway, As much as I want to pretend that it’s not happening; the wrinkles tell a different story. And, of course, my achy muscles confirm it, as well. That’s why it is so important to take care of yourself. Here are some … Continue reading Taking Care Of Yourself As You Age