Diary of a Metal Mommy

Brrr, ’tis a cold and rainy Saturday…but that will not keep this family down, no sir! After a lounge-around kind of morning we braved the chilly drizzle and headed out to the Como Zoo. We started out in the conservatory with the plants–it was plenty warm and humid in there!–and checked out the new rain forest exhibit. VERY cool. (or, not.!) It was so refreshing to see green and the bright colors of beautiful flowers. Amidst the adorable turtles and fish, however, was the biggest f-ing tarantula I have ever seen. It was in a side-tipped bucket and was kind of hunched up, but I swear if this thing spread out its legs it would be the size of a small dinner plate. UG! Reminds me of an image I saw a while back that has haunted me ever since…what was hinted to be behind the clock, and then what was revealed. There are no words ladies and gentlemen, no words. All I can say is that if I had something like this in my home, I would leave and never come back.

So instead, we’ll go back to the lovely images that my daughter took today whilst at the zoo.

Today whilst shopping at the mall for Vivian’s upcoming birthday, Ms. Coach and I just HAD to stop in her mother store. I wanted to see if they had their new fragrance in yet, which of course they did. And of course, I love it. Ooooh, it has such a nice spring scent! It actually sort of reminds me of a more springy version of my beloved Juicy Couture scent. (which I have yet to buy…so far I’ve been living on 2 different samples. nice.) And of course it has amber in it, which is a note that seems to be included in every perfume a like. (but not Juicy, interestingly enough…)

After spraying it on, I asked if by any chance they had a sample for me to bring home. They gave me two. Total class! Reminds me of Nordstrom, when I went in there asking for a sample of the Juicy perfume I mentioned above. Where as the woman at the Macy’s counter just shrugged and said “I’m sorry” when they ran out, the woman at Nordstrom just made me one by filling up a little blank sample bottle. Again, class! Those little things make a big difference when you are looking at quality service, no?

Wow. The day it’s 79 degrees in March here in Minnesota is the day a wild turkey runs through your suburban yard. Oh wait…I guess the high really WAS a balmy 79 and we really DID have a wild turkey bolt through our yard! I kid you not, we were sitting having dinner and Digby let out a chuff–not too unusual, he’s found his voice lately and barks a bit at passerby or random people coming to the door (it’s so cute!)– and there he was, Mr. Tom Turkey, looking like a little dinosaur as he jogged by. Hilarious! I don’t know why but it really hit my funny-bone. It was so random! Unfortunately I couldn’t get to my camera fast enough, so you’ll have to gaze at this stock shot of a turkey instead of the real thing. We watched him go down a few yards and then he was out of sight. Good luck, Tom! I hope no one decides they want to gobble you up for their Easter dinner!!

You know it is truly spring when you don’t even mind picking up poop in your back yard. Yes, at 62 degrees and sunny, it is INDEED spring. Wahoo! The kids have a couple of days off because of school conferences and they couldn’t have picked better ones weather-wise. Yesterday we took a big long walk down to the park, Digby and all. He was amazing–he’s come a long way in the walking department. He used to only get a few steps from our house then look back at it and whine. Not anymore! We played at the park, explored some trails behind it and came out into another park. There and back again! That’s my kind of adventure.

This morning our house was blessed by Cooper-doo’s presence, and he had quite an adoring audience. This afternoon, just chillin’ and pickin’ up poop. Life is (mostly!) good. (considering picking up poop isn’t exactly a pleasurable experience..!)

Question for you…have you given much thought to your ‘Field of Dreams’ lately? No, not the corn field that you could turn into a ball field in your back yard…the Field of Dreams is the title I’ve given to my list of things I’d most like to do in my life. For me it’s been number one on my mind recently, an obsession if you will. (me? Obsess???) For whatever reason–40, the on-coming spring (which of course means new beginnings), my son soon to be in all-day school–I feel like I must be having a mid-life crisis or something, just craving something I can call my own. Oh, of course I love being an at-home Mom and wouldn’t have it any other way–but, it’s time. And of course I only want the perfect job…one that is creative, not stagnant, challenges me, and not 9-5. (I do want to be home when my kids get home from school.) Is that too much to ask? I’ve often heard when you are trying to ‘figure out who you are’, you should write down anything that comes to your mind, no matter how crazy or impossible it seems. So here is my list:

1) My ultimate number one job would be to have my own View-like talk show. It wouldn’t have to be national, I’d settle for something local only. I can’t imagine anything more fun than getting paid to hang with some cool women (and of course it would be women that I choose!!), chat with interesting guests, report on the goings-ons of celebrities and things around the world/my city. I love the hustle bustle and ultimate primping that goes along with show business.

2) In this vein I would like to take my talk to the radio. Ever since I started Feminine Hijinx I’ve had the broadcasting bug…and getting into the final 10 of fm107’s Undiscovered Divas and doing a one hour live spot made it so close…but yet, since Kim and I didn’t win the grand prize, so far. For a while I was pretty bummed about that and not feeling very inspired, but recently I’ve decided I’m not going to give up that easily!

3) I’d love to write a column for a magazine or web site, or a blog for that matter. I don’t care what it’s about, just let me write! As you can probably tell, I LOVE to write. Getting paid to ramble on and on would just be so cool, woudn’t it???

4) I’ve written a children’s book called “Sugar and Spice” that maybe someday I’ll get off my keester and work a little harder on getting published. That is such a daunting task for me. Like most creative people I’m sure, creating is the easy part–it’s the marketing and homework-doing that’s required to actually make something happen with it that is so difficult. I started an audio recording of it that I thought I’d use to release myself and maybe shop around to publishers, but that soon got over-shadowed by Warbride. Now that Warbride seems on hold indefinitely, I need to get back to that.

So much to think about, so little time! But it’s fun to dream, isn’t it? For me it’s all about taking that big step back into the work-world after so much time off with my kids, knowing that the world really is my oyster, and where do I begin? Maybe for you you are already working/doing something that you enjoy but would like to explore more. With my new-found 40 metal attitude, I’ve decided I don’t want to just dream anymore and I want to take steps to coming as close to my dreams as possible. Who knows what will happen, but it sure is fun and satisfying to be trying. I have to give a big thanks to my new friend Donna who has given me such a (loving!) kick-in-the butt. I’m telling you, an inspiring friend can go a long, long way. I am so lucky to have inspiring and supportive friends and family in my life. A cheering section on the sidelines of your field really can keep you motivated!

G-d, I sound like a Life Coach or something. (which is actually something ELSE I’ve thrown around in my head!!!) But this is what has been on my mind lately, and lucky you faithful and curious readers have to be privy. Now go out there and till your field!