Straight Pimpin'

Do you like Electronic/Trance/Dance music? Know of anyone who does? Then check out my hubby's websites:

Soundclick

MySpace

Even though I don't always like all of the songs/music he creates, I'm proud of him none the less. It's not easy being creative, and he puts his all into it. Anyway, just thought I'd brag on my man for a change!

Thanks!

Are You a Blogging Chick?

'Cause I am!!

Check out the site here - and join up!!

Blog/Website Spotlight of the Week

Yet another new weekly feature beginning today is my "Blog/Website Spotlight of the Week". Each week I will bring you a blog or website that I think is definitely worthy of checking out. If you have your own nominees, let me know! Man, I love the internet!!

This week's spotlight:

Oh My That's Awesome!

It's Awesome, indeed! Spotlighting all kinds of cool finds in clothing, accessories, music, housewares, and just about anything else you can think of, this website is run by some really cool chicks: Sarah and Wendy. These two ladies, in addition to other contributors, scour the real world and the net to bring you the latest thing that's recently caught their eye. It was through their site that I discovered my new love for Sufjan Stevens. With the holidays just around the corner, you'll definitely want to check them out to find the perfect gift for the hipster or hard-to-buy-for person in your life.

(PS: I've also set up a permanent link in my "Daily Dose" list.)

That's What Friends Are For

For "Love Thursday":

Nat & Aimee May 2006

Aimee is my best friend. That's not an easy thing for an adult woman to have. As a child, I remember saying that all of my friends were my best friends. Remember how you could go up to someone on the playground and ask, "Hey, do you want to be my best friend?", and then BAM! instant friends!

Now, friends require work. You're not as trusting as you used to be, and are more guarded with your affections. You've learned the hard lessons about betrayal and feeling used, not to mention the high drama that can accompany friendships amongst girls.

With Aimee, there is none of that. Despite the almost 3 year age difference, she and I almost instantly clicked, finding kindred spirits based on a lifetime of similar experiences. There are also very obvious differences between our personalities; for instance I'm definitely the more outgoing of our duo, and Aimee is more pragmatic. However, our differences only serve to compliment, and not conflict with each other. It's as if we've known each other our entire lives, rather than 3 1/2 years. We can be completely serious, or seriously goofy anytime, and not worry about what the other person will think of you. We're so bonded, that we attend each other's family functions, and hang out whenever possible. She's also one of the only friends I've had that my husband considers one of his as well, which really means alot to me.

Aimee is 5 months pregnant, and I was with her when she saw those two lines appear, and I'll be there when her son takes his first breath and beyond. Our friendship is one of those that you know, with all of your heart, that will last for a lifetime.

I love you, Aimee.

PS: Stop by her blog and give her a shout out, would you?!

Keep smilin' keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me
For sure
That's what friend's are for

For good times
And bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friend's are for

Bibliophile

I love the written word. I've participated in this love affair since I first started reading at age four. I even remember the first book I could read: Morris the Moose Goes to School by B. Wiseman. I was the kid who would sneak the flashlight under the covers, just so I could finish my book after bedtime. I still will usually read 2 or 3 books concurrently. So, it was to my ultimate joy to find this site. I could finally keep a list of all the books that are currently gracing my shelves (and nightstand, and various other surfaces around my house). You can also view other members' lists to see not only which books you have in common, but to get ideas for your next read. Check it out, and let me know if you sign up; I'd love to see what you're reading!

Click here to access my list.

Brothers and Sisters

(For "Love Thursday")

This handsome devil with the big smile is my little brother, D.J. He's 3 years younger than I, and the only brother I have. Being a typical little brother, he hasn't always been the easiest person to get along with, especially when he was aggravating me, just to make himself laugh (which he still does!). However, he and I always knew we could count on each other, no matter what, when the chips were down and the times were tough.

D.J. and I didn't have the easiest childhood, and we heard and saw many things that children should not. Many times throughout his life, I was not only his sister, but his surrogate mother as well. This dual role only served to solidify our bond.

My brother is a wonderful husband and loving father to his two beautiful children, my nephew Caleb, and my niece Leah. Those kids are his whole world, and they are both "Daddy's Babies".

Watching my brother grow up and seeing what a wonderful man he's become makes me so proud of him. I know things aren't always easy-he works long hours to provide for his family while is wife is in school full time-but he somehow always manages to come out of it with a smile. Family is so important to D.J., and he makes sure he's there not only for me, but for our parents, and now for our new sisters as well. He's a fantastic role-model, and is definitely the kind of man his son can look up for inspiration and guidance. I don't get a chance to see him as often as I'd like, but we try to make the times we are together that much more meaningful.

Friday is D.J.'s 26th birthday, and for "Love Thursday", I just wanted the world to know just how much I love my brother. Happy Birthday, baby brother!! I hope we have a lifetime more to celebrate together!

Love, Sis

"brothers and sisters, unite

it's the time of your life

it's the time of your life

break down, break down

gotta spread love around

gotta spread it all round"

"Brothers and Sisters" by Coldplay

Just to Make Ollie Jealous

I'll be attending this little shindig and I will definitely take the opportunity to shake Wayne Coyne's hand, just to say that I did! I'll even try to get a photo taken with him! If I do, you can bet your sweet ass I'll be posting it ASAP. And Ollie will die a little inside every time she sees it, because I think she's more in love with Wayne than I am. Yeah, I can be petty like that.

Showin' Some Love

My best friend, Aimee, the one I was discussing in this post, has now started her own blog. It's about her pregnancy, and her journey in single-parenthood. She's new to the blogosphere, so I'd really appreciate it if you wouldn't mind hopping on over, having a read, and saying "hello".

I think it takes guts for any of us to start our blogs, and put ourselves out there on public display for all. So, I'm just showin' some love and pimpin' out a friend, yo.

Thanks!

Guess I'm Not Alone After All

I just read Julia's post and comments from yesterday, and honestly it's made me feel a lot better about my own situation. It's so easy to forget that I'm not alone out here in the world with my infertility/family planning issues. We're not the only couple affected by endo and male factor. Nor are we the only infertile couple out there who cannot currently afford treatment or adoption. And we certainly aren't the only couple who can't decide/agree upon on which way is best to build our family.

When you're in that place of frustration, depression, fear, and anger, it's so easy to think you ARE the only one. If it weren't for the "internets", I don't know where I'd be today. Just to know that others are going through the same thing, and understand your pain, even if you don't know each other personally-is so empowering, and gives you some hope in this place of darkness.

For Erin:

Your blog title says it all:

Congratulations to you and John on the arrival and referral of your new baby daughter!