mamasaysmine

I think the concept behind Mr. Linky is awesome - a way for people to link to specific posts.  I use it whenever I can to publicize my giveaways and share blog posts on a specific topic.  And for that, it is awesome.

When it works.

And it frequently hasn’t been, at least for me.  So when I read MckMama’s blog post about the new linky system she developed (you know, when she wasn’t caring for her FOUR children, one of whom has a major medical condition, because if someone has spare time, it’s her) called… wait for it… MckLinky. Cute, no?

I haven’t had a chance (read: a reason) to try out MckLinky, but judging from what I can tell, it seems pretty cool (and it works, which is always important). Go to the MckLinky site here and check out MckMama’s blog here.

I had originally planned to NOT discuss Michael Jackson here, as this is not, after all, an entertainment blog. Or one where I share my memories of childhood. Or even one where I really discuss social issues, although those creep in from time to time, because I am, after all a social worker.

Which is not to imply that there isn’t much to be said. Example: I had no idea that MTV only played videos by white artists until “Billie Jean” hit the airwaves. (seriously? insane.)

It’s one of the ways we can divide ourselves by age without getting into real numbers: do you remember when you could just LOVE Michael Jackson… before he went nuts? (and, frankly, before his music started to slide too?)

Here’s what I want to talk about: his mother is filing for custody of his children. (allegedly)

Here’s what freaks me out: clearly, this woman was incapable of protecting Michael from whatever made him the way he was. (whether that’s beatings on the part of his father, His children have already lived remarkably strange lives. Is she really the best option for them?

Is the woman he was married to, who signed away custody, a better choice?

Was he at all capable of making informed decisions for his children?

Really, the mind boggles.

I was busy working on a baby gift post (since everyone I know is expected to pop any day now, seems like) and had a lovely list of books included. 

Why books? Not only are they great gifts, but (I planned to say) Barnes & Noble’s return policy is awesome… they’ll take back books without a receipt or gift receipt and give you store credit. Awesome!

Well, turns out, I was wrong. That WAS the return policy. I went there today with a duplicate birthday gift and was informed (after waiting for the cashier to finish her 5 minute personal conversation with another employee - have a great vacation in Minnesota!) that they won’t do a return without a receipt.

Are you kidding me? The PRICE IS ON THE BOOK. I’ll even settle for a discounted return, in case the person who purchased it is a member and got a discount.

This kind of bogus “customer service” is why I buy my books online. I get so frustrated by stores that won’t accept UNUSED merchandise for STORE CREDIT and expect me to ask the person who gave me the book if they kept the receipt.

So, Barnes and Noble, you are off my list of great places to buy gifts.

(sidenote: this policy isn’t posted anywhere in the store or online. considering how different it is from their past policy, you’d think they’d do people, like the ones who got me this book, the courtesy of informing them.)

Confession: I do not watch John & Kate Plus 8.

Confession: I didn’t even watch last night’s episode.

Reality: I can’t escape the drama. They’re everywhere, invading my trashy celebrity magazines, all over the interwebs and on my mind.

Here’s the thing. Announcing your divorce on television is tacky. I don’t care how many people “care” and want to know. I’m thoroughly disgusted with John, Kate and TLC. Again, WHO ANNOUNCES THEIR DIVORCE ON TELEVISION???

And this “for the kids” line should be believed by no one. You want to do something for the kids? Stand up to whoever told you it would be a good idea to announce your divorce on camera. And then do that stupid stunt where you file the day the episode airs.

(want a great recap of the episode? go here.)

Now, I’m off to watch the Real Housewives of New Jersey Reunion Special (part 1 of 2). Because I have standards.

I got a comment last week (thank you thank you thank you - I do so love comments) suggesting that I post the winners of the giveaways. 

Do people really want this? Here’s my rationale for not doing so: I get really irritated with sites who require that you come back and see if you’re a winner. I like to enter giveaways for two reasons: one, to win free stuff and two, to explore new blogs. If I don’t like your blog, I’m not going to come back, and that’s ok, right? You want a blog leadership that actually wants to read what you’re writing, right? So, I don’t have any requirement like that on my giveaways.

The other reason is because today.com sometimes closes my posts before the giveaway is over, meaning I can’t go back and edit them (for example, to write on the original post, “Giveaway now closed, congratulations Becky on your win!”), which is how I’d prefer to announce the winners.

I really don’t love the idea of creating a separate post for giveaway winners, although I’ve certainly done it before and it isn’t such a big deal (just kind of seems like a “whatever” post). BUT, if I hear from more readers that you want to know who’s winning, I’ll absolutely post winners.

I’m just that kind of gal.

I’ve taken some much-needed time away from the computer over the past couple of weeks, partially by choice, partially because we were staying with my mother-in-law and her computer was on the fritz, and partially because of stormy weather knocking out my own internet for awhile. 

Here’s the thing:  it wasn’t too bad.

I’m starting to realize how much time is wasted (by me) online and am kind of disgusted by it. 

So, today finds me back to blogging, with some kind of interesting things to talk about, maybe, but with a renewed perspective on where I put my precious energy. (really, there’s not a whole lot of it to go around)

On that note, here’s one of the things I love about the internet: being able to link to Obama’s Father’s Day letter in Parade magazine (see here). No matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on, I think it speaks directly to what we need from the men in our lives, both as parents and as daughters (and sons). I envision quoting this speech, particularly the parts about non-violence, in presentations for years to come.

I am so very tired.Here’s the thing.  I actually BROUGHT my Wii to spend a week in Nebraska seeing family so I could do my EA Sports Active 30 Day Challenge.  (I did NOT have the internet all week, which was both a bummer and totally refreshing) (and not because the internet doesn’t exist in Nebraska.  it does.) And I did it.  Every day.  Faithfully.But I skipped Sunday because we were traveling and I was exhausted.  And I think I’m going to skip today for the same reason.  I’m teaching a summer class at my church with teens and I’ve had to rework my lesson plans every day because the students refuse to talk.  (never in my life have I encountered such a resistant group.  they are very hard to love, especially as I try and entertain them by reworking my lesson plans.  that really irritates me.)So, tomorrow, I’ll try to get back on the wagon.It may require me getting up at 5:00 am.  That makes me sad.But I really want to finish this 30 day challenge.More from the trenches tomorrow. 

I am so sore that it will be difficult to write this post without profanity.

Lucky mama that I am, I got a copy of EA Sports Active for the Wii to test out.  (haven’t heard of it?  the rock you’re living under must be lovely.  but you can read all about it here.) 

Because I am too sore to go into details of the game right now, let me just say that this beats the Wii Fit out of the water. It’s a solid workout, I really enjoy it, and (thankfully) you workout for two days, then take a day off. Even through my pain, I’ve been motivated enough to do extra drills after my workouts (I KNOW! INSANE!).

And I hate hate hate going to the gym, so this is perfect for me. Perfect.

Now I am going to dissolve into a puddle in the floor. I promise a more in-depth review soon, but if you were already thinking about getting this game, do it. Now.

Pediasure and Scholastic are teaming up to give you a free book, and this one looks to be one of my faves - Gregory the Terrible Eater! 

Zyrtec (my absolute favorite allergy medication) is partnering with Scholastic to send you a free book when you send in a UPC. Here are details:

Mail one original UPC from any Zyrtec product along with your name, daytime phone number, email address, and complete mailing address to:

Zyrtec Book Offer
557 Broadway
P.O. Box 711
New York, NY 10012

Offer good through November 30, 2009 or when 10,000 have been given away.  (full details here)