The Couch Chronicles...Continued

Someone once said, "Oh, you're THAT mom..."  I claimed it.  "Yes, I'm that mom."  And although I don't feel the need to explain my parenting style to anyone, the comment did make me do some self reflecting (which is a helpful life tool, some people really need to learn to do this).   So to the person who made that comment, thank you, and in case you're curious about what makes me ThAt mom, here goes:   I am the mom that didn't want children because I was so career driven and wanted to be debt-free, buy a house and travel. The same mom that once I found out I was pregnant with #1, went into overdrive to learn all things mom related. The mom that knew #1 really needed #2 since I would be taking a break from my career to be a stay at home mom, after someone I love and admire said, "Why do people have kids, if they aren't going to be the ones raising them."  Having them both at home for those few short years are some of my favori...

Yeah I'm glad you have your life "together" and you're doing "better" and are making some "changes" that you wish I could see.  I'm happy for you... There are "some habits" I need to be broken of...hmmm?  Yeah, that's my cue to say, "See ya." And you can "take care" of me and my biologicals and treat me like I'm supposed to be treated...I'll pass.  Thanks.  I can take care of myself and my biologicals.     You're "gonna miss" me while you're taking care of your family obligations...Ok. No need to hang out in the bathroom to continue our private conversation...I was fine not having a conversation to begin with... You want to "meet for drinks" sometime...will your wife be joining us too? So nah dude, I'm good with where I'm at.  I don't need to be rescued.  I got this.  I don't want to hook up or hang out.   I'm F-I-N-E, fine.  for all the pa...

I have often dreamed of having a job that allowed me to travel but I was lead down a different path. My career has been both fulfilling and rewarding but my longing to travel has never gone away.  So I made a promise to myself to get out and see the sights.  Over the years I've been here and there and in between and I've learned a few things.  So here are some travel tips that may or may not serve you any purpose.   when on a long road trip, wear comfy clothes and don't forget your music because you'll be forced to listen to old country music that you might know the words to and you may want to sing along and your kids may not like it make sure to pack a change of clothes in your carry on because your luggage may stay in Phoenix where you have a four hour layover and although you might enjoy a good Italian meal near the university, it will suck not to have all your clothes in Alaska if traveling to Mexico don't give all your change to the little old man playing...

So I got the "Guys are asking for you again" text from my sis.  And by "guys" she means the ridiculously funny, completely random group of friends she hangs out with at a place that will remain anonymous.  I've shown up there twice in the last year.  It's a hole in the wall on the wrong side of town but I am guaranteed a fun time.  If I lived a little closer I might be a regular.  I like to joke that I'm slummin' in but in reality the clientele are hard working,, fun loving people that I am honored to know and privileged to hang out with; the kind of people that will give you the shirt off their back, their last dollar or the food on their plate...hell they even make sure your beer never runs out and you get to hear your favorite tunes.   At my last visit, I had the pleasure of meeting a regular we will call Sheila.  Sheila, by all definitions, is a tranny.  She was singing her lungs out when I arrived and we made e...