I'm not sure how I landed here ...

Monday, January 14th, 2008, 12:00 pm

Hi Everyone!

 This is the first time I've been able to successfully log into my iConnect account since the big switchover on November 1st!  I know the tech people were working on the issues, and I've discovered that everything is not in proper working order, but I wanted to touch base anyway.

 One thing that I know isn't working is accepting friends requests.  If you did send me a request -- you will be accepted as soon as that feature is working properly for me.

 Misty

I've Got Crabs!

Tuesday, July 24th, 2007, 3:57 pm

Summertime, good food and good friends just go together so well. I know I learned to pick my own crabs at the ripe old age of 3, and have continued to enjoy this Maryland tradition for all of my life. As many things as I love about my move to Florida, I can truly say that I'm thankful to be able to continue this tradition here. It's amazing to me to find that the crabs are plentiful here, yet the locals don't cherish them! Those that do prefer to boil them with garlic over having the fantastic flavors of Old Bay Seasoning. I'm a garlic lover, but that's one use I'll never understand!

I know that our enjoyment begins with the "hunt". In Maryland, our hunt was always for the best price. Often having to forego size for an affordable feast. Here, the hunt is just to find them available. The sale of crabs is so unreliable here because there isn't a huge local demand. We have fortunately found a family that catches and sells crabs as a side business on most weekend. This has greatly impacted our ability to actually plan to have crabs, but it feels like such a reward when we can fulfill our cravings! The cost here, again because of demand, is really quite comical. We are able to prepare an impressive feast for family and friends for the cost of a nice dinner for two!

The "preparation" is another event in itself. A job that takes at least two, and can prove to be quite entertaining. Somehow the fact that these critters are trying to pinch you (REALLY HARD) while you attempt to transfer them to the pot relieves all feelings of remorse for steaming them alive! At least those lobsters usually have their claws banded, but no, these guys are fighting the entire time, and the cook is their target!!! If your fortunate enough to actually get them in the pot, a quick sprinkle of spicy mix is sure to calm them right down. If not, well you better hope you have shoes on your feet -- because they're going for blood.

Having friends over to share in the "feast" is actually the best part. Few things in life provoke such bragging rights as the size and flavor of your crabs! Larger, male crabs are always the pick of the litter. Everyone at the feast will enjoying discussing the crabs in great detail, often touching many of them in search of the perfect selection. Imagine another time where you would actually feel complimented to have someone take their (REALLY) dirty hands and touch all of your food with them! Now, you have to understand that most people can't eat crabs without a beer in hand, and we all know a drink or two makes everything seem better .... but honestly, it's all about the crabs!

My Thoughts on Blogging

Tuesday, May 1st, 2007, 3:23 pm

I often visit this page, thinking I should update my blog. Then I stare blankly at the page and wonder what I could possibly write about that others would enjoy reading. Other times, I think of so many topics to write about, that I don't know where to begin! I think I need to identify who I want my "blog" self to be.

Today I received a broadcast about a blog prompt. The title of the broadcast was "The Real You?" and the prompt is "The iVillage Me vs The Real World Me". I find this particular prompt to be very interesting, and think that most of us are able to express a different side behind the shield of the computer screen. Then I started thinking about the basic differences between the real me and the iVillage me. Here's the rest of what the prompt said:

"I would like for you to write a little bit about how you are different--or the same--when you're online here at iVillage verses how you are in your everyday life. If we met you at a party would we know instantly it was you? Is your personality the same? Or does being online change your personality? For example, do you host a busy board where you are always chatting, but in real life would you be the quiet person who was just people watching?"

Outside of the topic that I choose to discuss on iVillage, I think I'm pretty much the same person here as I am IRL. I am a pretty open person -- usually say what's on my mind, and I initiate conversation in almost any situation. I think if my closest friends encountered me here, they would see the same person that they know outside of iVillage. Actually, among my closest friends, I don't think they would even be shocked by the topic of conversation!

One of the things that is great about being on iVillage is that you can be "more" yourself. Since I'm talking about sex, I obviously couldn't have these conversations with just anyone. It's more like IRL I have to stifle part of my personality. I have taught many women to craft, owned and operated a very successful in-home daycare business, and have been on the PTA Board of Directors. I do get a chuckle thinking about my role in those areas, and the shock it would cause if many of those people knew about my iVillage identity!

Yesterday was my anniversary! I have been the CL on Let's Talk About Sex for a whole month. It has been an interesting experience to have this role instead of just being a member enjoying the Love & Sex boards (although I do still enjoy that role as well). I started a new game on that board a couple of days ago. It's similar to the DYK threads on several of the boards, and I find it's a great way to get to know a little bit more about my fellow members. I love interacting with people on iVillage, and I think they are learning more about me through this thread as well. If you want to visit, it's called Let's iVillage! iCan Play With You!. Hope to see you there!

It's all About Taste

Saturday, April 21st, 2007, 11:58 am

Funny thing about taste -- people seem to be so sure their taste is the best taste! Have you ever noticed that? Well, this recent broadcast got me to thinking about Heineken. Truth is, I think about Heineken almost as often as I think about sex. The thought of sitting back to relax with a cold Heiny is on my top 10 -- no make that top 5 -- list of favorite things to do. Oddly enough, when I saw this picture in the broadcast, my first thought was "Oh, I wonder how many people will snub their nose at the thought of Heineken?".

It seems I am part of a beer loving family and crowd. Most of them turn their noses up at Heineken. While this is something that I personally don't understand, I usually think "Oh, good! More for me!" Yet, I find that is so NOT the case! While people make comments like "I think Heineken is over rated", it is always the first beer to disappear! Grrrrr, I get so frustrated with this.

Does anyone understand why others feel it necessary to insult something you like? Do you find that beverages choices become almost a fashion statement among groups of people?

Really, I think some of my family and friends need to come out of the closet! Do they think it flatters me for them to drink my favorite beverage -- while claiming they don't care for it? Or are they sneaking my Heiny's off in hopes of broadening my horizons? (LOL)

Confused Kids

Tuesday, April 17th, 2007, 3:59 pm

The shocking events in the world, events with no reason, have to make one wonder "why".  What has caused so much change in the world today.  A school of excellence, a desolate farm land, and a confused young soul couldn't possibly share a common thread.    As parents of children today, I feel that most of my energy is spent trying to protect and prepare them for a world that no longer offers them the options that I dreamed it would.  As I age, I realize how precious life is, how quickly it can be taken away, how soon things can change, yet I forget to be thankful for the blessings in my life.