I’m still not sure whether this Ultimate Blog Party thing at 5 Minutes for Mom is a great way to make new friends or a crass self-promotion frenzy. Or both. If you’ve come to my site as part of the party (and even if you haven’t), I’d love to visit your blog, so be sure to leave your url.
Etiquette like that is really important to me — not like that awful writing the formal thank-you notes and rsvp’ing by a certain stressful deadline. Who can take that kind of pressure?
I blog here about the same things as most mommabloggers: naturally, I have a unique perspective and a witty way with words. Really, I blog because otherwise I’d spend ALL my free time locked in the bathroom reading trashy novels cleaning house, and that’s no way to live.
I plan to keep my three girls (Sally 7, Susan 3 1/2, and Spot 18 mo) around because, hey, they give me stuff to write about. And my husband (Dick) is the reason, the reason I get up in the morning (he never turns off his alarm) and the reason I go to bed at night (he nags until I turn out the light).
I thought I’d introduce myself by telling you what I’ve learned in some of the places I’ve been. I’d love to hear what you know and where you come from.
Where I’ve Been
Fort Worth — Chiggers, while high in protein, are not a good baby food.
Fallbrook — A deep (4 ft) hole at the beach feels like the center of the earth.
Twentynine Palms — Hell is a marine town in the desert with a disinterested 3rd grade teacher. Heaven is building intricate irrigation works in the sand with neighborhood kids.
Corvallis — It’s really gloomy (and green, yeah, yeah) when the sun doesn’t come out. Ever.
Salina — Some girls are mean. Really mean. Other girls make being friends the best thing ever. Even if they do end up marrying your 5th grade boyfriend.
Woodland Hills — A small town, made up of people who have moved there on purpose, can be a great place to grow up.
Provo — College really is the best years of your life. Until you get married and that’s the best.
Hon-Atsugi — If you find 100 yen (about a dollar) in a park, you turn it in to the police. And you don’t let your husband go out at night with colleagues.
Harlem — As long as your neighbors know that you’re even poorer than they are, they’ll leave you alone. Until you get pregnant, and then they’ll be really friendly.
The Bronx — To enter the best, best (and worst most challenging) years of your life, start having babies.
Cairo — Everyone should get to have a maid and to be a maid at some point in their life. Surprisingly, it is almost as weird to have one as to be one.
St. Petersburg — “Wet” heat really is worse than dry heat, but it’s a lot easier on your skin.
The West — Someday the grass will be greener right. where. we. are. Someday.
—
Now tell me all about you. Please? Also, check out the list of prizes for the UBP. My good friend Shalece and I are offering one of her unique Fortune Cookie Kits as prize #102. She did all the work, and I’m doing some advertising. If I were remotely entrepreneurally talented, I’d offer something of my own.
As it is, the Fortune Cookie Kit is a great prize; personalized fortune cookies are awesome, and making them is fun, something you can do with the kids (except the folding-the-extremely-hot-cookie part at the end. Turn on Little Einsteins during that part). Okay. Go. Party! Comment.
Tags: 5 minutes for mom, carnivals, mom bloggers, ultimate blog party
Subscribe by email
Emily H. (2)
Marcy (2)
Beth (1)
Big Mamma Frog (1)
Brandi (1)
Wow! You sound like a cool person and an extremely talented blogger. I am a MomBlogger too at The Carpenter Clan and Tara Thinks.
A wise person wrote this about me:
Tara is a mom of three, wife of one, and the author of the Tara Thinks blog, now featuring Daily Delight, a daily exploration of everything beautiful, neat, or handy. Tara loves Craftsman-era design, reading Martha Grimes mysteries, and wielding her power tools almost as much as she enjoys a bag full of new shoes.
[Reply]
Hi Jane, Im from East Texas and sounds like you’ve been to a few places. I enjoyed it.
[Reply]
You sound like FUN! I’m from OR and it sounds like you are very familiar with the rain here!!
[Reply]
i’m laughing about your fort worth comment…however i live so close to that, that in just a few short weeks it will not be funny anymore…it will be reality! love your blog title too. anyway, happy blog party.
[Reply]
How cute and very funny,
[Reply]
Hi! Happy UB Partyin’!
I’d love for you to list your mom blog on Hip Mama’s Place directory. We have a lot of posted giveaways as well. It should be fun!
[Reply]
You produce a good read, and I enjoyed my visit. I hope you can make it to my neck of the woods (well, beach – FL girl here).
[Reply]
You have a great blog! Have fun visiting all the parties.
[Reply]
I actually stumbled across your blog via something else entirely different than the Ultimate Blog Party (and I subscribed this afternoon!), but I figured since you posted this that I’d introduce myself as a new subscriber
!
I’m Lindsey, from Florida but I’ve been in school in North Carolina for the past 6 years (working on my MFA right now). I’m enjoying your blog so far, so thanks for your fun posts!
[Reply]
29 Palms is not my favorite place on earth for sure. The Woodland Hills I’m familiar with isn’t too small. Happy partying…
[Reply]
I read your posts first thing in the morning and it always starts my day off right.
[Reply]
Hey- I knew your blog looked familiar, I read your WFMW post the other day. I didn’t have any advice for you so I didn’t comment. I need to go back and read what the everyone said…
Thanks for sharing a bit about yourself, I think you have lived more places than I have…
[Reply]
You sound like my kind of Mama. I’ll be reading around here fo sho.
I’ve been in Florida. All. my. life. I write about Floridiots from time-to-time b/c there’s no shortage. (Have you seen the woman on the news punishing her 2-year-old with a pressure washer? Yup – Florida)
Check out my giveaway at the 5M4M party AND a different on on my blog, http://awholelotofnothing.net/?p=231
[Reply]
I’ve got a Michigan address ready for you! Your fortune cookie prize sounds like so much fun!
Where have I been…many places. Currently, I am typing this from Brisbane, Australia, though Michigan is where I was born and raised. My husband and I will be settling there again soon!
Inviting you to party with me!
Win Chocolates:
http://thechocolistas.blogspot.com/2008/03/ultimate-blog-party-2008.html
Win a handmade pocket place mat:
http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2008/03/ultimate-blog-party-2008.html
[Reply]
ikwym about …a great way to make new friends or a crass self-promotion frenzy. Or both.
but i am *kindred spirits* with a fab chick i met at last year’s UBP (can’t remember the other 45 lol. nah, i still keep up with a few) but hey, it was totally worth the effort.
hoping you meet and connect with cool peeps this week too
happy partying
mwah X
[Reply]
Provo? BYU? That’s where I went, I’m actually from next door in Orem, although I live in the boonies of Colorado now. It’s nice to “meet” you! I have a party post up too if you want to come visit!
[Reply]
You’ve lived so many places! I’m a California native who’s never left though I wouldn’t mind living in Oregon or if we’re REALLY dreaming – Hawaii. Sigh. Hawaii. I can’t afford it.
Your line about your husband being the reason you get up in the morning – loved it cos I live it. LOL
[Reply]
This is my first party. I’m not sure what I’m doing yet and haven’t posted my “Party Post” but I thought I’d drop in and say hi. I have 3 girls, too, thus my blog name “Three Weddings” I hope you’ll drop by and visit.
[Reply]
What a fun intro! I have 3 kiddos too (2 boys, 1 girl). I have been to lots of places but most of them are in Canada (seeing as how I’m Canadian it does make sense). Chiggers do not sound enjoyable to me! But then again I am surrounded by 3 feet of snow still and frostbite isn’t fun either! Happy blog party.
[Reply]
You’re too funny! At last year’s blog party I met some great people and certainly wouldn’t have found their blogs otherwise.
[Reply]
I love your post! That fortune cookie kit is too cute too! My hubby LOVES Chinese food, so that would be a great gift for him. When I make up my list of prizes I want to win, I’ll definitely add yours. Hope you’ll come visit my party too!
[Reply]
Enjoyed your list of places to live (or not). I’d always thought that Twentynine Palms sounded like a beautiful place, but then, I knew nothing about it other than the name.
I’ve always lived in New Jersey, so I’ve only seen other places on vacation. Not quite the same as living there.
[Reply]
Love your blog it is great. You sound like alot of fun. I have two girls and I am terrified of trying for more because I am thinking three girls sounds chaotic.
Happy Partying-
[Reply]
Wow, you’ve lived lots of places. I’m afraid I’m a Texas girl. I lived outside of Texas ONCE, for four months, and said never again.
Check out my blog party and photo giveaway at http://usr-bin-mom.com
[Reply]
I don’t have my post up yet for the party…but I started looking through the links and had to comment…your ’self-promotion’ line cracked me up. Since i am pretty shameless that way, drop by my blog and say hello!
I enjoyed reading your posts…I’ll be back. =)
[Reply]
Hi. Just stopping by to solicit er um, I mean show some blog love. LOL Just kidding. Happy bloggin!
[Reply]
It’s funny that we’ve both been to so many of the same places. Except Cairo and NY of course.
[Reply]
I love the way you introduced yourself! I hope you are having a great time at the party!
[Reply]
i’m in the crass self promo boat, so come visit my blog!
[Reply]
I thought this blog looked familiar! I commented the other day on your “Enchanted” post. My daughter is the one who cried when Giselle and Prince Edward didn’t get married. To answer your question about Shrek . . . my daughter wanted Fiona to stay beautiful, but she loves Shrek just the way he is! Gross and funny.
[Reply]
Your girls are beautiful. Thanks for inviting us over!
[Reply]
Haha, I love your sense of humor! It’s nice to meet you!
~Krista
[Reply]
Nice to ‘meet’ you! Happy blog hopping!
[Reply]
Reading your party post makes me think I’d like reading your blog, you’ve got a great sense of humor! My butt lives in Canada and I’ve never been to any of the places you have
[Reply]
Wait… I always write a thank you note. Do I not have to do that anymore?
[Reply]
Ha Ha – your comment about chiggers made me laugh so hard my drink almost came out my nose!
Love your witty sense of humor! And while this blog party thing may just be a crass self-promotion – I really have been finding some treasures! I’ll definitely be back to visit!
Thanks!
[Reply]
Hi! I’m Cher – StardustLullaby.com – nice to meet you!!
Your blog cracked me up
I think the UBP it is both 
You’ve lived in more places than I have – Woodland Hills? in CA?? I lived there too – but not on purpose
Come visit me at my Party – Music, Cartoons, Games and Party Favors! We’re giving away an Award-winning Stardust lullaby CD! http://stardustlullaby.blogspot.com/2008/03/welcome-gals-to-ultimate-blog-party-at.html
Sign up on our mailing list for a chance at our monthly giveaway! http://www.StardustLullaby.com
Happy Partying!! Cher
[Reply]
Hi Jane,
It’s nice to meet you. I’m a mom of three girls too 4,6,&8. I’m a stay at home mom, student and avid romance reader( I run a readers blog with occasional contests) I’m still trying to figure out my path (careerwise)in life. Happy Blogfest.
Hugs, Danette
[Reply]
Hey there! I have not lived in alot of places really. I was born in NY raised in PA only to return to the oh so great state of NY. I’m hours and hours and miles so many miles from NYC though. Party Hopping here and what a great prize you have:) I favored you so I can come back again! o yea I’m a momto4. 1 girl and 3 boys! See ya soon!
[Reply]
Hi there, I like your blog a lot! Did you go to college in Utah? I did too…anyway, hope you have a great time partying! Come and visit me at mine!
[Reply]
Wow, you are really well travelled. It would appear I live under a rock compared to your travel history.
Have a great party.
[Reply]
I agree, cleaning house is no way to live
[Reply]
Neat blog!! My adventures are as follows – Born in Canada – Have hit every province from BC to Quebec — never farther east than that – Florida, California, Montana, Washington State, Washington DC, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Minneapolis – Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland – Cameroon (West Africa), India — Whoa, I’m tired now…lol, the one place that is still on my to see list — Alaska.
[Reply]
Several places in common — Twenty-Nine Palms, Corvallis, and Japan (although we lived in Iwakuni). Loved your descriptions … spot on!
Now I live in a small town oasis within a large metro area. The Husband grew up a west-coaster; I grew up a military brat; and our daughter was born in China.
Also, I did list the Fortune Cookie Kit in my prize list … gosh, I wonder why?
[Reply]
Your description of why you get up and go to bed made me laugh, sounds really, really familiar. Have you been to Italy? Swing by my blog and you will be able to say that you have (virtually)!
http://fruttodellapassione.wordpress.com/2008/03/08/the-ultimate-blog-party/
[Reply]
OK, you’re totally cracking me up
… love your blog 
~Heather
[Reply]
I am a first time visitor – thanks for making me laugh!
Smiles to you ~
[Reply]
Hi, just stopping by the party.
Your blog made me laugh. I will be back
I have a party up on my blog too. Please stop by if you have time. Thanks.
S.B.
Be Thrifty Like Us
http://bethriftylikeus.blogspot.com/2008/03/ultimate-blog-party-2008.html
[Reply]
I am having so much fun getting around to all the blogs! The super best part is finding some that make me laugh! (All moms seriously need to help each other laugh!) What better way than to realize you really aren’t alone out there? I totally loved the gal that posted her child covered in stickers! LMBO Been there – done that! Sounds like you guys have been a little bit of everywhere! I’m from Western MD where I live with my 2 sons. Our biggest jaunt these days is the grocery store! It’s been good to meet you! Hope you’re enjoying the party!
[Reply]
Dear Lord, someone who’s moved more than me. Didn’t think it was possible.
Thanks for dropping by Writer-Mommy.
Now that we’ve dug out of our foot of snow, I’ll get blogging again!
And I agree, blogging hasn’t ruined my writing; if anything, it keeps me writing something which beats nada any day.
Smiles!
[Reply]
I’m a Rock Island, IL girl who went to college in Springfield, MO and moved with my DH to Harrisburg, PA almost 13 years ago. Great party – I’ll be back for more!
[Reply]
Oh, I’ve been all over, too! I couldn’t possibly recount them all in this little comment box!
Blogging is a full time job, these days, so add that on to being a mom, and we are all superwomen, I think! lol
Happy Partying & thanks for the visit!
[Reply]
Happy blog party. I’m a Florida girl — loving the weather here right now, but will be wishing I were up north come August! Will have to stop back to read more!
[Reply]
Wow! You have been all over. Thanks for telling us about yourself. I am a librarian mama to a 6 month old girl. I love music, hanging out with my friends, going for hikes and a good meal.
[Reply]
Just stopping in to say and happy blog party time!
[Reply]
You are hilarious. Enjoy the party!
[Reply]
Nice blog! Will have to check it out a bit more yet, but wanted to say happy blog party!
[Reply]
Enjoyed visiting you. Your girls are adorable.
[Reply]
You are a hoot !!! I cracked up reading your post !!! Great party !! I’ll be back ….
My party is happening HERE
[Reply]
I like the shameless promotion! Any excuse for a party is good in my book, especially in these days of sickness and strep! Woo-hoo! Party time!
[Reply]
Great Party!! I will definately come back! If you get time (you have a lot of comments) stop by my humble little blog.
Thanks,
Toni
[Reply]
Chiggers are horrible. Just the word starts me to scratching.
Love your blog
[Reply]
Wow, you’ve lived a lot of places!!!! Come over and visit.
Lois
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Partying along at Goodies for Mom. Come on over for our party games and goody bags.
[Reply]
I first found your blog from your last Works for Me Wednesday post. I am enjoying it and plan to be back. If I did not blog so much my house would be spotless (not!). I would probably just be reading books lots more than I already do. If you get a chance, please stop by my blog party.
[Reply]
Great post for a party! Just passing threw saying hi to a few people before I pack it in for the night.
Love your blog!
Blessings
Debz
[Reply]
Great party post. I’ll have to subscribe to your feed so I can read more, right now I’m back to blog-hoppin’
[Reply]
Thanks for the party! First off your blog was great. Made me laugh and I enjoyed my time here! Second, the fortune cookie is on my list of prizes to win! I thought that would be a neat way to send thanks to family and friends or just a special way to tell someone you are thinking about them. So awesome. Hey stop by and say hi if you would like!
[Reply]
Lol, you crack me up! Great blog! Party on.
[Reply]
Great party post! I will visit again soon!
[Reply]
You’ve got a great sense of humor! I love your party. I would love to hang out more but my laptop just beeped at me low battery. I’ll visit again!
[Reply]
What a fun post. Enjoy the self-promotion, uh, I mean party – smiles!
[Reply]
I’m from Central California. (Think Scott Peterson.) But now I live in the middle of New Mexico. I went to college in Missouri (Evangel University) and did my student teaching in Oklahoma City.
[Reply]
Okay, if you spent time in Provo then I’ll bet we have more in common than just that we both have 3 cute girls.:) I will be back because I am now totally intrigued!
Stop by and see us some time when you can so I too can have my chance at shameless self-promotion and more.:)
Alyson
http://threepsinapod.blogspot.com/2008/03/it-is-never-too-late-for-good-party.html#links
[Reply]
I’m stopping by. Just checking you out. I have 3 boys but then we had a girl. I think boys are great but I do so love having a girl. Stop by and see me sometime.
[Reply]
Just stopping by to party. You are a funny and witty blogger. I love your “voice”.
[Reply]
Nice to meet you! Come on over to my blog and say hello. Happy Partying!
[Reply]
Enjoyed reading your post. You can stop by my blog at lmdandmyworld.blogspot.com. I have a guessing game going on at my party. Would love for you to join in. Nice to meet you.
[Reply]
Was that Fallbrook, CA? Two of my babies were born in Fallbrook.
I love your blog and your humor.
I had a great time.
Come on over to my party and have a cupcake.
http://pinkjagxj.blogspot.com
[Reply]
That was really funny! Thanks for the laugh. I needed that.
Happy Party,
Amy B
[Reply]
Your girls will be well-adjusted having lived in all of those different places! Thanks for having me. Come visit if you get a chance!
[Reply]
OK, that was a lot of knowledge on one page, my head is spinning a bit.
Phew, I’m better. Some list you have there, I mean wow. My best travel story is when my mom and older brother took a 3 week vacation from home (Maine) to NC, through TX pan handle, to AZ, spent a week, and then north to SD, then back to ME. In June. In a car. With no AC. In 1994. One of AZ’s worst heatwaves on record. Yeah, I know. We drove 2 1/2 hrs from our hotel one day to see the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. For later reference, it is a sign that reads Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. We took a picture. Then drove back to the hotel.
I learned? Right, um, that it can get so hot out, that rolling down the car windows only makes it worse!
[Reply]
I sure don’t have as big of a list as you do! I haven’t moved much at all, really…just a couple of times.
[Reply]
Hi,
I love your blog! I found you via the Ultimate Blog Party.
Have a great day,
Michelle
[Reply]
I just found your blog today and love it. You are very witty and creative. I’ve bloglined you so I can come back and read more. Hope you soon do more posting. Angela
[Reply]
[...] Killlashandra 30. Carol ~ I Throw Like a Girl 31. Proud to be Country 32. The Happy Housewife 33. What About Mom? 34. melissa d. 35. Ellen B 36. Liza’s Eyeview 37. I’ve Got Mommy Brain 38. KC 39. The [...]
Love your blog! Hello! Just a note to let you know that we’re getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day at http://www.HeresToGoodWomen. We’ll be giving away a $200 shopping spree – and you can win! If you send us a photo of your favorite mom (yourself, perhaps?) and a few words about why you think she’s a great mom, you’ll automatically be entered in the contest.
We’re also having a separate drawing, just for bloggers. If you put a link to our homepage to let other mom’s know about the contest, you’ll be entered in a separate drawing for a $100 shopping spree!
So come on, join us in celebrating some of the best women of all – moms! Thanks for your time.
[Reply]
[...] lived in at least 23 different places. Sometimes I try hard to make new friends. Other times, friends are just there, ready to lift me up [...]
Great post, thanks! It is something to think about
[Reply]
I enjoyed your post. Great sense of humor!
~Kim
[Reply]