Muse girl's homework assignment

Dear Readers,
Here is a correspondence I recently received from my favorite blogger muse girl. Please review at your leisure.

Okay-in an effort to be more authentic, first I must tell you that your new found optimism was chapping my metaphorical ass. Then, I realized I was just envious that you can still summon that feeling and I really can't. So, then I decided WWDBD? I've embraced the new optimistic you (hoping you'll come to your senses eventually) and decided to issue you a challenge. You can use this message in your blog if you want. I'm issuing you some homework--find the positive side of the following subjects:
1. laundry
2. dental visits/bills
3. grading essays
4. snarky parent emails
5. offspring fighting in public
6. YOUR PERIOD
7. pissy husbands
8. camping trips in Nov.
9. carpet stains
10. in-laws
There's the list. Don't want to kill your buzz, really. I think you'll succeed in finding the positive in all of these and you'll do it with humor and eloquence!!! LOVE YOU!!!!!!
Muse Girl

Alright, muse girl, I’m gonna put my money where my mouth is. I’m going take a swing at this positive attitude thing…you keep score.

1. Laundry-is my trump card for not doing stuff I don’t wanna. For example: Mr B recently asked me if I wanted to join him for a Saturday round of paintball. Instead of saying, “Hell no!” (because I really would rather do laundry than be shot in the ass) I just sweetly reply, “I’ve got the laundry to do, sweetie.” Laundry is the trump card that creates harmony in a marriage.
2. Dental visits/bills-I have paid so much money in dental bills over the past few years that I actually own the @#! lounge chair that I am lying in. My name should be on a plaque on the back. So I like to check in on my investment at least twice a year. It makes me feel good to know that others are enjoying the comfort of my chair right before they get screwed too.
3. Grading essays-well, it is better than scrubbing toilets or getting a pap smear…kinda.
4. Snarky parent emails-Squashing bratdom and stomping on entitlement is exquisitely self-satisfying. I consider it a calling. And yes, you will get bloody and dirty and sometimes shot in the ass (my version of paintabll).
5. Offspring fighting in public-It validates every evil thought you ever had about your baby's daddy’s DNA contribution.
6. Your period-Well, it is a vacation, of sorts…from other…um…obligations.
7. Pissy husbands-the best reason for girlfriends!
8. Camping trips in Nov-OK, these really suck. Really bad. But the bitching rights you get from your one-time-trek into the wild means that you never have to go back again. And after all that whining and complaining, no husband in his right mind would ever want you to either.
9. Carpet stains-a chance to purge pent up f-bombs!
10. In-laws-the reason for joyfully sending Christmas cards while enjoying your own peaceful home each holiday!

Love you, muse girl! But seriously, this calls for a shot of tequila…

***Breaking News***
Check in with muse girl on New Year’s Day to read her top 5 list for promoting World Peace! And as a special bonus feature, she will be listing (in the style of Julie Andrew’s from The Sound of Music) 10 of her most favorite things!! You won’t be disappointed!!!
You’ll certainly find me there… Cheers!

Thought for the Day...

With all the New Year's sentiments that are whirling around the virtual world, I found a little nugget that actually made me stop....and think. Not the typical response in the speed-read-blogosphere. This came from the blog, Did I Just Eat That Out Loud. Check her out in my blog list.

Happiness is an action. And even in the face of adversity, or especially in the face of adversity, I choose how to react. I choose. And I am getting back to that place where my choice is happy. Maybe not ecstatic or thrilled or satisfied or content. Maybe just happy enough. But happy nonetheless.

Happiness is an action? Not a state of being or a birthright or passive, emotional stasis? Happiness is action-the act of doing and being? For those of us who struggle with this, this concept is strangely empowering. I can actively create my own happiness-in spite of (to spite?) my circumstances or failures or grievances. ...I've got some more thinking to do...and hope you do too.

Over the Fence

You may not believe this-but I have a touch of optimism in my nature-with a strong streak of realism. I am an equal opportunity supporter of Santa AND New Year’s resolutions. I am a sucker for the sentimental nature of the holidays and even more so for new beginnings. I love the idea of “newness:” never-worn shoes, a fresh lipstick, a new haircut, an outfit with the tags still on it, unsharpened pencils, a fresh notebook never written in are a few of my favorites. So yes, I will be making new plans and dreaming old dreams for the upcoming year. Will all my dreams and ambitions be fulfilled? Will my talents and will power stand the test of time? Likely I will fail in many areas. That’s reality. But I’m optimistically embracing faith in the future, faith in myself, and faith in my fellows. The New Year is hurtling towards us, so why not take a swing and hope for the best? I have faith that we’re gonna knock it over the fence this time!

Packing Up!

Time to put away the Christmas crap! Hope you like the new decor!

Better Than Paper Dolls!!!

If you're a regular blither blather reader, then you know that I am a Mad Men fan (AMC channel), and I think everyone should watch this TV show. It has the cultural staying power of major hit shows such as The Sopranos and Lost. Not to mention that the story line and characters/situations are exquisitely ironic. So when a friend sent me the address for creating Mad Men avatars, I wasted no time. Folding laundry or emptying out the dishwasher can wait-trust me. Creating these 1960's alter egos is a creative and free way to idle away an hour of your afternoon. Even Mr B made an avatar for himself. So you are looking at the 1960's wanna-be versions of Mr & Mrs B-circa 1960. Check it out!!! Seriously-way more fun than paper dolls!

http://www.amctv.com/originals/madmen/madmenyourself/

Fishy Business

I caved and allowed big kid to get a facebook page. I know-the jury is still out on this-but once you walk through a door, you can’t very well walk back through it again. So if we made a mistake, you know I’ll be the first to holler. Mostly big kid is friends with family members, both parents, and some middle school cohorts and seems to be enjoying the virtual games. Seeing his status updates has been weird though. Even though I live with him and should know everything, it’s kinda neat seeing this different angle to who he is. So really my problem is not big kid on facebook (although I have been consciously monitoring my own status updates so as not to get a Puritan reprimand from him)-it’s lil brother who’s the pain. He’s pestering me to get on facebook too. Not gonna happen. So that means he’s always hovering over big kid's shoulder to see what’s happening in big kid’s virtual fish tank on facebook. It wasn’t until he reported this to me that I actually sat up and paid attention:

lil brother (very excited): De fishes make out! Den dey make de egg and DEN you get a baby fish! (a little sad) …But I only get to mate once a day…

OK-guess who has a facebook fish aquarium now??? MR B-of course. Because we didn’t sign up for all this mating/egg business. So Mr B is the Official FB Monitor now. So now when I get on facebook and see big kid’s fish tank postings-Mr B’s fish tank is right there also. And guess what Mr B is doing with his fish tank now??? …mating once a day!

Texting/Sexting-relax, people!

OK-so my first attempt at texting didn't go so well. I thought I was texting my friend M-(who was expecting my text) but who acted like she didn't know me. Yeah, right-I’ll show her! So I called her a b#tch...and when "M-" wanted to know how I knew her...well…I said…well…something I shouldn’t have. So I will probably go to jail for texting/sexting an innocent bystander. I mean-I was just off by one number-puhleeeze. But I'm hoping some of my pals will visit me in the slammer and bring me some chocolate chip cookies and Vick’s Vapor Rub (an ancient Chinese cure-all). And why is it that some people have NO sense of humor? I mean if some stranger called me a b#tch, I think I might laugh that off. Right??? So my texting (sexting?) days may be numbered. Not to mention that I text like a retard...random letters and all with only the curse words right...sigh...(I am hoping that the text-ee will assume I'm Russian with all the extra j's and p's thrown in.) I’d like to say I have learned my lesson from this, but honestly, I am sure this is only the beginning of my texting/sexting faux pas’s. And I understand if you don’t want me to have your number….really.

For the record: I did type the word "apologies" to my unintended victim. Do you know how looooonnnggggg that word took me?!? Miss Uppity didn't act like she appreciated my attempt at civility. Some people...

Christmas Aftermath

In the profound words of lil brother: Dis was the de best Christmas EVER!

Yes, indeed... yes, indeed. Hope your day was filled with joy, magic, surprises, and peace. Blessings!

The Man in Red (who shall not be named)

Mr B has laid down the law to lil brother. He is going to see the man in red-like it or not. Mr B will not back down from this. Lil brother, on principle, is a conscientious objector. And I can’t blame him. I sure wouldn’t want to have to explain some of his “tricks” this past year.

Mr B: “You are going to take a shower and wear church clothes! (the kiss of death) It’s like going to confession. You just gotta look him in the eye and face the music.” (We’re not Catholic-btw-because lil brother and I would never leave the parking lot.)
Lil brother (nervous giggling): “Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

I kinda feel sorry for lil brother. Being good is just more stressful for some than others. Just glad it’s not me…

Matchy-Matchy

OK-I confess: I am guilty of this. Why is it that moms love matchy-matchy? Seeing this ad makes me realize how retarded (sorry-that’s very politically incorrect) it looks. It’s the kind of thing that makes others roll their eyes and throw up just a little in their mouth, but you’re so enamored of the matchy-matchy that you can’t see the revulsion you’ve inflicted on innocent bystanders. I actually had to give up on my dreams of matchy-matchy a few years ago when big kid rebelled right before the annual Christmas picture at…drum roll…WAL-MART (the center of purgatory). Getting the annual Christmas pic sends our family into a kamikaze nosedive which makes all of us act out in front of America's finest customers. Mr B becomes a domineering drill sergeant; I become a frazzled harpy; big kid becomes sullen and whiney; and lil brother runs amok and touches everything he shouldn’t which causes Mr B to bark orders…which causes me to bitch at Mr B…which causes big kid to whine about how hot his sweater is making him…which causes lil brother… you get the idea. No picture on earth is worth all this hell. So the last year that I put the boys in matching sweaters, big kid walked 50 feet behind us so that others would not correctly assume he had a lil brother with the same sweater, Mr B got all pushed out of joint about big kid’s attitude, the photographer started talking baby talk which mortified big kid which ramped up lil brother like a baby high on hot chocolate which caused me to fight with Mr B. So when the phone in the studio rang and the photographer ran to grab it, Mr B said some very threatening things to all of us (which I will not repeat), grabbed the camera, and threatened to beat @ss if anyone moved a hair out of line, and actually took the most amazing Christmas pic we’ve ever gotten. The photographer was actually a little confused when she returned and we were all packed up, but no one said a word because Mr B still meant business. And of course big kid walked 50 feet behind us all the way through a crowded Wal-Mart parking lot hoping that everyone would assume he was an orphan who could handle things on his own. So that was the B—family swan song for matchy-matchy and the organized Christmas pic. And honestly-we are better people for putting the matchy-matchy madness to rest.

All God's Creatures

The boys and I will be making peanut butter birdseed pine cones for the birds and critters on Dec 24th (the longest day of the year). This annual event usually draws bored and antsy kids from all over the neighborhood. It gives us all something to do while we impatiently wait for Santa. It's messy and sticky to be sure but a good way to while away an hour and get some fresh air. Afterwards it's hot chocolate and marshmallows. Caring for God's creatures on Christmas eve just feels right. And of course the reindeer will be wanting their carrot and celery sticks as well.

Blessings!

Two Faced

I’ve got a bunch of two-faced friends. But please-don’t feel sorry for me-I like it that way. I actually consider them one of my greatest blessings-outside of Mr B and the boys, of course. Do you know how convenient it is to have a pool shark, a psychic and a fly-girl at your disposal, 24-7? But here’s the thing: to look at them-you’d never guess it. Under their cool, level headed exteriors beat the hearts of warriors, gypsies, queens, jesters, temptresses, healers, bandits, saints, (unrepentant) sinners, lovers, mothers, power brokers, and she-wolves. And it is a privilege that I am allowed to see their many faces. I have earned that right with time and trust. These women are no less enigmatic than Cleopatra, Nefertiti, Madonna, Mother Theresa, or The Steel Magnolias. And yes-they have pasts-and baggage-and secrets-and regrets. And I love them because they are unpredictable contradictions. Because here’s the deal: I’m two-faced too. Sometimes I’m loving and vengeful, reasonable and mean spirited, loyal yet jealous, and every other messy, two-faced contradiction you might imagine. So I need my two faced friends. Because they get me, support me, and adore me. And I them. So believe it not, I hope you’ve got a few two-faced friends too. Because the other kind are simply too boring. Here lies the lesson...

In the spirit of those great gals from Steel Magnolias who remind us of the power of female relationships that nurture and sustain us, enjoy their delightful yet wicked humor!

When it comes to pain and suffering, she's right up there with Elizabeth Taylor.

Clairee Belcher: Well, you know what they say: if you don't have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me!

Ouiser Boudreaux: You are too twisted for color TV!

Ouiser Boudreaux: I'm not crazy, I've just been in a very bad mood 40 years!

Ouiser Boudreaux: A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Clairee Belcher: Oh like she cares. Ousier's never done a religious thing in her life.
Ouiser Boudreaux: Now that is not true. When I was in school, a bunch of my friends and I would dress up as nuns and go bar-hoppin'.

Ouiser Boudreaux: Don't try to get on my good side…I no longer have one!

Laundry Day

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry. EB White

Ya'll know how much I hate laundry. It is my albatross and my nemesis. Just when I think it's done, I find the boys have been stockpiling a hidden load upstairs. Or rolled up socks creep from under the bed to flaunt their smelliness and deliberately laugh at me as I come unhinged. Or I find that good child (sweet ol' Murph) has a cache of old panties that he's been secretly enjoying in some forgotten, dusty corner (his only character flaw). It is Never. Ever. Done. On the day I pass, the laundry will be overflowing. And it will probably be my last earthly regret that I didn't get it done before going. It is such a huge part of my life now, that Mr B, without a hint of sarcasm, calls it my hobby. And since I spend so much of my free time doing it-well-I guess it is....dammit....

So here's my never-heard-before confession: I am actually looking forward to doing the laundry today. Knowing that I have two weeks in which to piddle around my house and get things done, takes the pressure off the typical Saturday-laundry-scream-a-thon-marathon. So for the record: I am stain removing, sorting, stuffing, and folding all the while thinking kind thoughts about my family and the universe. ...or maybe I'm just high on Tide...

Last Day of School for 2009!!!

Hatin' on Tiger

Ya'll know that I'm a celebrity rag-mag junkie. And my last hater episode was all about Jon Gosselin. But now I have moved on to Tiger Woods. And no, I am not a golf fan or a Tiger fan. The level of deceit and utter lack of regard that he had for his wife is-well-shocking-even for a mega star. The details are so sordid and shocking that I make Mr B analyze every breaking detail with me. I update him on all the new angles and even made him try and explain to me why Tiger could be such an ego-maniac. Which was a bad idea-because then it sounded like he was defending him-which made me even madder. And there I was soaking in the tub-trying to relax-but was mad as dirt at both Mr B AND Tiger. So hatin' on Tiger has not been good for Mr B.

But for the record, I am glad Tiger's wife is leaving him. No woman deserves that utter lack of regard or respect or protection. And there is no amount of money on earth that can substitute for self-worth and living an authentic life based on love and honesty. I guess more than being mad-Tiger makes me sad. How is it that the man who has "everything"-really has nothing of value at all. To quote the Greek playwright Sophocles, "I would not give so much as the shadow of smoke for all he owns...he is a dead man walking." Tragic. Just tragic...

By-gone era

This holiday pic is like a scene out of Mad Men. I am recommending this series to all my pals. Getting to look at the 50's and 60's with a modern eye is a juicy delight! It will remind you of your parents and grandparents....and make you wonder how our own time period will stand the test of time under the glaring eye of the future. I'm afraid those episodes of The Real Housewives of_______________ (trash-ville!) will come back to haunt us... So watch a few episodes of Mad Men (we're a netflix family) and you will be hooked on the plot and characters (oh my!) and the time period. Promise!

Enjoy the groovy colors!

Holiday Humps

Even the man in red has holiday difficulties to overcome. Good to know, Santa...good to know. Keep working on your merry!!!

Justice or Vengeance?

A neighbor kid knocked on our door this weekend, so I hollered at big kid to deal with it. Big kid slowly and casually wanders over to the door while neighbor kid watches him through the glass side panel. Neighbor kid asks if lil brother can come outside to play. Big kid (all deadpan) says, "No, he won't play with you." and then slams the door in neighbor kid's face. I am stunned by big kid's rudeness. As big kid idles past me (with my mouth hanging open in shock like a bass mounted on a wall plaque), he says, "I've always wanted to do that. He does that to me all the time. And now I finally got my chance." And you know what, I gave the kid a high-five. Because I. Get. It. And I did not waste my breath by giving him the "be a better person" speech either. Because sometimes being "the better person" isn't the right thing to do. Turn about is fair play. I recently had an opportunity to dish out a little bit of benign mischief to someone who is persistently childish, insecure, whining, and passive aggressive. And quite frankly, it was WORTH IT. So I let big kid have his moment. Because nothing feels more satisfying than fair turn-about.

And if you're feeling morally superior after reading this, then by all means, pat yourself on the back.

Book Fair Underbelly

In the midst of one of the most stressful weeks of 2009 (see previous posting for scant details), lil brother kept pestering me about the book fair at his school. And because I was a frazzled, preoccupied (bad) parent, it took 4 times before I actually did anything about it. Yes, I'm a language arts teacher-appreciate that irony. I'm too busy to be bothered about reading. ANYHOO... So I finally paid attention, got it on the calendar, sent the email to Mr B about stopping by the bank to get lil brother some real money who then left work early to fight rush hour traffic all in the name of lil brother's future happiness. So on Friday, I sent a happy lil brother off to school with a 10 dollar bill to foray into a world of literary possibilities.

Fastforward to afternoon: Lil brother's not saying much about his book selection when repeatedly pressured to show and tell. Even big kid gets involved.
BK (disgusted): Noah, just tell us what you got!
LB (resigned): 'Is dus a scam.
Me (confused): A scam? You got a book about a scam??? That's the name of the book?
LB: No. 'Is dus a scam. At first I liked de book, then later I didn't like de book...dus a scam.

And he refused to say another word. I have yet to see evidence of the book scam. So when I later reported this incident to Mr B, his only question was, "Did he get any change back?" And all I can think...'Is dus a scam.

Exhausted Yet Victorious

All's been quiet on the blogging front this week because my presence was needed on the front lines of the battlefield. Usually the general hangs back and barks commands to the underlings who rush along obeying orders. But this week I had to lead the charge, carry the flag, beat the drums, slay the enemy, decode intelligence, parley with top officials, tend the wounded, maneuver my field position, rouse the masses, send in the peace corps, bank the fires of dissent, pull the trigger on the trigger happy, decapitate traitors, and then deliver the press release. All in one week. So-I'm exhausted-although that word is really not strong enough. If I were a rich celebrity, I would check into the hospital right now and my publicist would be issuing a statement about respecting my privacy while I take a much deserved break from the pressures of public scrutiny. Instead I'm on my couch at 3 something AM brewing coffee and talking back to the voices in my head who woke me up for instant replay of hell week. The fact that I'm not a casualty of a bloody massacre is downright providential. I took some risks that should have blown up in my face. But when you lock and load, there's no going back. Gotta look it dead it in the eyes and go for glory. So yes, I got blood on my hands. It wasn't pretty-never is. You don't fight three different battles and survive to tell the story without having to commit a few questionable acts in the process. But it's done. And I gave as good as I got-and then some.

The Endless Possibilities

Whole lot of this going on at my house. My boys are always working on THE LIST-adding, deleting, thinking, shuffling. It's a real living, breathing document. No matter what toy/gift they think up for the list, I never say no-although most of what is on that list won't be bought. Because you know what I've figured out? It's not what's on the list (or even under the tree) that's so important. It's the endless possibilities that are so magical and mesmerizing. And making the list costs nothing. Christmas is the season for possibility and hope-and you don't even have to spend a dime. And how heart-warming is that??? Guess it's true-there are some things money just can't buy.

Here's hoping some of your wishes come true this holiday season.

Holiday Throw Back

Operation Santa is in full swing. And Santa's helpers are thicker than thieves. Hope they don't blow their cover...

"Raw Cat" Report

The "raw-cats"(that's rockettes if you're recently tuning in) were GREAT! In spite of the girlie nature of the show, both boys were enchanted and big kid even asked to borrow his dad's glasses (since he left his at home) to better see all those high kicks-which caused Mr B to raise his eyebrows and Honey (the grandmother) to chuckle. Looks like big kid is paying attention to all those skirts and legs. And I loved it all. You kinda feel like a fool for smiling so much-but it really was entertaining and heart warming and impressive. Worth the money-definately.

The unintended hi-lite of our Christmas day trip though was our lunch at the Aquarium restaurant (overpriced but worth the aquatic experience of dining with sharks). The boys really enjoyed walking around the circular tanks making discoveries and snapping pics (I will post a few of their favs). And the food was good...you never know at these places. But my only regret was that I waited so long to give in to lil brother's constant requests to pet the sting rays (another opportunity to hand your money over to strangers). So after 3 hrs of dodging and redirecting-I couldn't take it another minute-I marched him over and shelled out the bucks for him to completely soak his sweater and wipe shrimp-goo down the front of it (sigh). But he totally loved petting the "ex-a-rays" so actually it made me happy for getting to make his day.

Hope your family is enjoying some of your own excursions! Will post a few pics soon...

Lil brother is under the illusion that we are going to see the "raw-cats" this evening. Not sure the Rockettes can quite live up to that venue expectation. And of course, once I break the news to him that he's also gonna wear his Christams sweater... well, you can just imagine how that's gonna play out.

BTW-I am very excited about seeing the "raw-cats" and making a trip to the big city!!! AND the first dusting of snow sifted in last night while we were all asleep. I am SURE this is an omen!

Tight Rope

Big kid: "Dad was actually right! Girls are like a pack of animals. If you tell one "no" and make her mad at you, they will all come after you!"

So to help him out of his jam after rejecting C's advances, Mr B made him write her a letter saying that he thinks she's nice and pretty and maybe he'll ask her to dance at the next school dance but for now he's just too busy and she's really a great friend, etc, etc, etc, (I helped with the spelling, of course; no call for a poorly spelled rejection letter)... and according to good pal Drew, C seemed flattered and placated by this and called off the girl-wolf-pack.

But from big kid's reports, another round of drama is brewing in homeroom, lunch, and 5th period and the girl's are angling again. And as he is giving me all the gory (juicy!) details, he is totally flummoxed about how everyone seems to know what is going on-except him (snicker! eye roll!). From the looks of it, Tristan-Cheyenne-Dakota-Michaela-Jordan are teaching big kid some important lesson life lessons. Big kid better watch himself...

A Rockwell Christmas

Norman Rockwell gets it right every time!

BTW-very proud of Mr B for not being a grumpus during tree decorating. He had to arrange the uncooperative, lop-sided angel on our 9 ft tree several times-to my satisfaction-and didn't utter a single, solitary complaint (and I KNOW he was thinking some very bad thoughts about her).

XOXOXOX to Mr B!!!

Final GOYA Posting!

Get Off Your @ss Tuesday

Quote from the blog Did I just eat that out loud? :
And the truth is, in my heart of hearts, I am lazy. And I am very good at the lazy. I am the Tiger Woods of lazy. Perfectly content to stay in my house for days on end, just riding the buttdent in my sofa, watching seriously bad reality television, reading cookbooks, and giving myself pedicures.

It’s just who I am.

I have a talent for coming up with The Good Idea. Just ask my pals and co-workers. It’s a God-given gift. The Good Idea just falls out of my head (@ss???) with no effort and little provocation. So 8 weeks ago when The Good Idea for GOYA popped into my brain-I was SOLD! So I hit the keyboard to brag to you about this new idea-so very proud of myself for birthing yet another Good Idea. And just as I was patting myself on the back, it hit me….SH*T!!! I was gonna have to get off my @ss!!! And then the resentment set in. Yes, I was mad at you. For expecting me to get off my ass. Then I got sneaky and thought about just “forgetting” and started hoping and praying that ya’ll just weren’t smart enough to remember. Then guilt showed up. Live a lie? Wasn’t I using this blog as a way to be honest about my successes and failures? So here’s the truth: I really didn’t want to get off my ass…I just wanted to talk about getting off my @ss. And then resignation set in. I knew I was gonna have to keep this promise to tell you the truth-because I just can’t live with myself any other way. So I grudgingly got off the couch, put on my sneakers, and harrassed/bribed Mr B into joining me.

So 8 wks later and 10.8 lbs thinner, I am definitely in a better place-physically and mentally. Do I love exercising and dieting? HELL NO! Am I doing it perfectly? Hardly. But I’m doing it-mumble bitching the whole way as a matter of fact. So if you were a part of the village who tuned in every Tues to read my GOYA report-thank you. For being that invisible force that kept me honest-when my own apathy felt so safe and warm and comfortable. So GOYA boot camp is over. What’s next? A whole lot more work. But I’m well on my way!

PS And for now, I’m on Good Idea hiatus. Will keep you posted when the next one rears its ugly head…or not!