Ketchup is TOO a Vegetable

So says my son.

This is actually a CATCH UP kind of post, not a tribute to ketchup. Sorry to disappoint.

Talking point 1 - the gray dress is altered. It actually looks pretty good. The tailor didn't make it quite tight enough in the straps, but she said that she wanted me to wash it and dry it on high and let it shrink. So far, so good. I think I'm happy. (I know, it's a shock to me too. Try to contain yourself.)

Talking point 2 - the other two dresses have been shipped. Um, color me idiotic, but I had NO idea that the company was based in India. In my defense, there was no address on the site at all. Now I'm impressed, because as of 7:38 Monday morning, those dresses were in New Jersey. Fingers crossed that they make it to me by Tuesday. AND that they fit.

Talking point 3 - I took myself to the mall one day last week. I think it was Friday - how bad is it that I can't remember the day? I had a couple of gift cards from my birthday (last November) that I have yet to spend ($40 at Banana Republic and $25 at Macy's) As many times as I've checked Banana Republic, I can't find anything I want to spend it on - and this is coming from a girl who has their credit card. (I know, I know). I still didn't find anything, and I looked at both Old Navy and Gap - other places I can use the gift card. Nothing. I did see a picture of a beautiful dress in the window of Ann Taylor, but it's in the fall collection and not available yet. So, I tooled around Macy's, and used my gift card to buy - a pair of black flat sandals with large black flowers. I looked at dress after dress, shirt and pants galore - and spent a total of $13 over my gift card. And I was happy.(The cinnamon sugar pretzel from Auntie Anne's may have been a contributing factor)

Talking point 4 - I made my BROWN BELT in Muay Thai boxing last Friday. BROWN. A level I NEVER thought I make. There are four more levels to black, over the next eight months, and I'd like to go all the way, but if I don't make it, I'm delighted by the progress I've made in the last three years.

Talking point 5 - I want to write a post introducing myself to new readers from Blogher. I want your help. Craft a one sentence bio for me, and I'll post all of them on Thursday. Pretty please? I know what I'd say, but I'd love to know what you'd say about me - only the nice stuff, if you don't mind. Don't scar any new readers right off the bat - I'd prefer to let them see the bad stuff about me a little bit at a time, just like you did.

Ketchup reminds me of hot french fries. And salt. Yuuummmmm.....

Comments

[Amy]

Carmen is a fighter (and an inspiration) in more ways than one!

[mm]

I am behind in reading your posts and in my day as well. It is a holiday here in my wee town so we are on the way out the door. I will try to get back to you with a one liner describing you. How difficult, putting one's self into a sentence.

But your post reminded me that last night my twelve year old was defending still being up at 12 for no apparent reason, and started off with "In my Offense...." giggle. Just had to share.

[Karen]

Carmen ... it's complicated.

[Maggie]

Mom to six from ages 6 to 18 each one a joy and a challenge in their own way, lost 80 pounds in the past and now maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.

[Nicole]

Congratulations on your brown belt!

[amie]

I apologize bc my brain is abuzz today & I feel a migraine aura starting.I am so relieved on the gray dress issue. I have had tremendous catholic guilt on that one. Glad the ETA is looking good for the other two. I am curiosu to find out how the fit is. Congrats on the brown belt- impressive!. I am going to think on this one sentence business- so many good things to say,just one sentence will be really tough. Above all have a great time with the girls in NYC! Hot fries with salt & vinegar- yum!

[mm]

Ok girl, this is the best I could come up with:

"Introducing Carmen, Muay Thai kicking stay at home mother of six, who, despite having a very full plate at home, still manages to share her experiences as a mom, find humor in the every day, and help others who feel lost along the way."

And certainly feel free to edit that if you feel any parts are usable.

And good luck with your dresses arriving.

[kyooty]

YAY! for a dress. That's great news. I'm very happy with the 93.00 1.5wks ago for denium short, stretchy capris, a cami and blouse. The blouse does this accordian thing. I have a tendency to revisit this store time and time again and not be disappointed.

Carmen! not Cameron, is an attentive mom with a firm view of herself and isn't getting lost in the day to day of 'mom where's my..." because she knows exactly where they left it, or grabbed it on the way out to Muay Thai, running, soccer,while chugging her ice Coffee. Oh and she may have jotted down a post or 4 today for a blog or 4 while in the pick up line :)

[J from Ireland]

Congrats on the brown belt.
I would say you are one of the most REAL parents on the internet who is funny inspiring and honest.

[addy]

Carmen - amazing mom to the screaming and loving masses willing to share their lives with humor, angst and passion with all who will read.

[Rox]

Thanks to her brown belt in Muay Thai coupled with raising six kids, Carmen knows how to kick some serios a$$; but, instead of taking us all prisoner with her skills, she captivates us with her stories on Mom to the Screaming Masses.

[A Simple Twist of Faith]

Carmen: honest, amazing and funny as hell.

[amie]

Carmen is the exact person you'd love to have as a next door neighbor so you could get together daily for coffee & laughing your ass off .

[Jodie]

My first thought is I second Amie's sentence. But if I must come up with my own... Carmen is funny and inspiring, she tells it like it is and she is an amazing mom.

[UKCraftySal]

Congrats on the brown belt: fantastic result!

Not sure I can improve on the above, but if you can combine mm's and amie's comments into one, that would do it for me.

And great relief all rounf on the grey dress!! Fingers crossed for the others...

[tiffany uk]

I would say you are one of the most REAL parents on the internet who is funny inspiring and honest.