Reminding Myself to RELAX

I haven't written a post here for far too long.  Mostly because I've been busy.  Partly because I've been lacking the motivation to compose my thoughts into a blog post worth reading.  If you throw in a bit of anxiety that I have been having about my health and add a loving touch of family encouragement to get pregnant (keep in mind I'm 40!) then I am sure you can understand why I can't think straight these days!  I'll also admit to feeling just plain LAZY....I'm sure that we all have days like that.

I've had a lot on my mind.  Usually I like to "blog it out", but not lately. Here's a few things rattling around in my head:

• I am considering a career change.  

• Our son recently weaned - all on his own accord.  I was NOT ready for that.  I haven't breastfed in weeks and I'm a little sad about it.

• My dear MIL has SEVEN grandsons (bless her heart).  Her one & only birthday wish:  She REALLY wants a granddaughter.   She blew out the candles and made her wish OUT LOUD. My husband & I have been "designated" to take care of that wish. Uh...

• I have a small mass (let's not call it a tumor yet) on the back of my leg that I couldn't "wish" away.  I am getting it checked out tomorrow.  I should have seen the doctor  months ago. Let's pray it's nothing.  I am hoping that you will send your "it's benign" thoughts my way.

I hope to get over my non-blogging rut very soon.  I haven't been keeping up with reading blogs either, so please fill me in on what's been going on out there.

BlogHer '11: My 15 Minutes of Fame

Today I read a tweet entitled: BlogHer Conference Update -- August 12, 2011 | BlogHer.  Cool.  Since I attended the conference, I wanted to read the write up.  I open up the attachment and lo and behold!  I see my face!  Admittedly, it is not the most flattering of photos since I am clearly in mid-speech!  I was telling my new blog buddies what I blog about.  I am thrilled all the same.  What a great souvenir of my BlogHer moment!

Asher-Sears Photography

I am now able to cross "Have my photo on front page of BlogHer website" off of the bucket list! It's already quickly being bumped lower and lower on the page as more posts are put up. But at least it was up there at ONE point. I'm giddy!

Also pictured is Nicole Aro of The Sunlight Foundation which is a non-profit. I met a few ladies that are involved with non-profit organizations. She was kind enough to ask if I wanted company at breakfast since I was eating alone. It touched me even more that she came up to me because there were PLENTY of other empty tables available.

Shopping for Summer Shoes!

I think that I have probably mentioned it a time or two that Summer is my favorite time of the year.  I have many reasons for picking the Summer as my favorite.  From happy memories of being on break from school, to family vacations, to spending time at the beach and/or pool - my list can go on and on.  I'll spare you the details of EVERY little thing that I love.

I was inspired to write this post because I LOVE summer dressing! Shorts, dresses, sandals!  Though I can probably get away with summer dressing year round (since I live in Sunny San Diego) - I always look forward to the summer months because it is so enjoyable during the warm evenings out and about with my family.

I could go on and on about my favorite clothes but will stay focused with this post!  As you know, I spent the past weekend at BlogHer '11 and thankfully I had the shoe savvy to stay comfy!  I wanted to share some of my fave footwear.

One of my favorite looks for my feet is either flat white sandals or silver flip flops to show off my french pedicure!  Though I haven't had a chance to work on a summer tan, I think that these two options that I mentioned look extra summery!

Even though I'd like to live in sandals & flip flops, I do need to wear actual SHOES once in a while, especially between pedicures!  I am not a huge fan of bulky, clunky, "shape up" types of shoes (you know which ones I mean).  I prefer a sleeker, old school look like the nike eclipse ii.  More comfy and retro looking. But whatever your choices are, just stay comfy!  I hope that you all have a fun summer season!  I know that I will!

Thank you to our friends at www.become.com for supporting Confidential Conversation.

BlogHer '11: Day 1

Too tired to blog about it as there is SO MUCH to say! I will post a few photos though. I didn't bring a camera since I didn't have a buddy to snap photos for me/of me/with me. I will bring one tomorrow.  I apologize in advance for the poor quality photos taken with my DumbPhone.  I think I was the only one in the entire Convention Center without a SmartPhone or a Tablet! OH - and the only one without business cards. Well...I ordered some but not in time. Boo.  Oh Well.

Note: No pictures of me with fellow Bloggers = I was feeling shy!  No shyness though with the Sponsors.  Weird, I know.

One of the Welcome Banners & Attendees Registering

Meeting Room for session that I am in charge of the Mic.
I scoped it out early for Saturday's Session, just planning ahead!

EXPO Floor: Awesome sponsors!  Met really sweet people.

Diane Amos & Me: That's the power of Pine Sol, baby... 

Cookie Monster, Elmo, and ME.  I plan on bringing our son  before the conference ends.

Brawny Man & Me

My Coke Rewards Schools Program

This post brought to you by My Coke Rewards. All opinions are 100% mine.

Some of my favorite school memories are art and P.E.  OK, it may sound silly but those two things really stick out.  Recess = fun. Making art projects to bring home to mom & dad = fun.  We did a lot of homework and a lot of studying of course.  But things like art and playground activities (jump rope, dodge ball, tether ball) really bring back great school memories.

School budget these days probably don't allow for much anymore.  But we can easily do our part to help schools by simply donating our My Coke Rewards points to the My Coke rewards for schools Program. Due to my Diet Coke consumption, we accumulate quite a bit of points but even the smallest point contribution can lead to great things for students in your community. If you donate to your school, it can get rewards like art supplies and sports equipment, and support all the ways kids play.

Parents, please check with your children's school administrators to see if their school is enrolled in the program.  If not, you may want to encourage them register their schools in the program so they can make great things happen for their students.

 

There is a catalog of items that can be earned by redeeming points for the things they need like classroom supplies, sports equipment, books, etc. To view the catalog visit: http://www.mycokerewards.com/school-catalog.

From July 13 through September 30, Sprite is giving away 25 playgrounds, worth $25,000, to schools and are giving consumers who purchase and enter a code from any package of Sprite/Sprite Zero an entry into the sweepstakes to help their school win. In addition, every three points donated to the school through the Sprite Spark Parks for Schools sweepstakes will give the school additional chances. Any new school that registers will be given a chance to win.

How it works for Schools (How to Donate)

• Purchase your favorite participating Coca-Cola product (there are 15 participating brands)

• Enter codes at mycokerewards.com/schools to get points.

• Pick your school and donate the number of points you would like to give.

• Your school uses the points to get rewards like athletic equipment, classroom supplies and more.

How it works for Schools (How to Registration)

• Identify a School Coordinator to manage your school’s account.

• Go to mycokerewards.com/schools and click on “Register Today” to find your school and complete the registration process.

• Once you’ve completed registration, start spreading the word & encourage parents to donate My Coke Rewards points to support your school.