I know it's very important to some people, but I just don't come from a long line of cemetery-visiting folks.

I can remember going to the cemetery on a few occasions where my dad's family was buried, but it was maybe for the occasional Memorial Day or more of history-type visit as it is a large, historic site.

My mother's parents were buried in another city, and the only time I remember going there was for their burials.

My mother died of cancer almost 4 (can you believe that?) years ago and I've only been to her grave a couple of times, including her burial.

She was quite a character, and I'd often tease her that if she made me mad, I'd put one of those lantern decorations on her grave, and she couldn't do anything about it.

(TV TIME OUT: I am not making fun of people who put lanterns on graves, she just found them amusing, and I could "threaten" her with them. Additionally, the cemetery where she is buried has some restrictions on decor, so please don't think I'm depriving her.)

I'm not opposed to visiting the cemetery, I guess it's just not a habit I've learned.

Part of it may be attributed to my religious beliefs that the person you lost isn't there.

But, another part of it may be that I've never lost anyone close under extreme circumstances, so I guess I haven't needed whatever closure that provides?

Not sure.

I know this is sort of a bizarre topic, but it's come up in conversation twice recently, so I thought I'd see what you guys thought.

I feel like I may have written about this before, but I can't remember.

You know what chaps my hide?

When people comment negatively on food while you're eating it.

It doesn't gross me out or anything, I just think it's very rude.

My kids aren't allowed to say things, ("Eewww!" in particular) as someone is eating, but apparently that's just my hangup.

I was fixing my oatmeal at work and somebody walked up behind me and said, "Eewww, I don't like oatmeal, it just gets all up in my mouth and stuff."

While I am completely unclear where else oatmeal on a spoon goes besides your mouth and I have no idea what "and stuff" referred to, I just thought that was incredibly rude, and not a visual I wanted.

Now, had I said, "Hey there, what do you think about my oatmeal?" then it would have been totally different.

But, I didn't.

It's not the same thing as saying you can't stand some food (I'm looking at you, raisins in food and nutmeg) in conversation, I'm talking about making some negative exclamation at the moment of consumption.

Stop it.

That is all.

I had to call Busy Boy's math teacher about something (do NOT get me started about Accelerated Math program) yesterday.

As he is an 8th grader and a bit prone to the "Senior Slide" until graduation on some (but not all) days, I expected her to at least mention something like he needs to "put forth more effort" or "needs to be more careful with his work", etc.

I admit, I skew toward the negative (that sound you hear? Is my husband choking on something at that understatement) was sort of getting preemptively defensive, preparing my responses.

Please be assured, it was more of an inner thing, I wouldn't act like that on the phone, I am nothing but nice, I promise.

Though it is a small school. I don't really know this particular teacher very well, I've only spoken with her a couple of times, so I didn't know what she'd say.

Not only did she answer my questions, but she went on to tell me how wonderful he is (though he is a fine student and is not (usually) in trouble, we don't typically get that type of report on him) and that she is so proud of how he is working and that she brags to everyone about him, and he is really special to her.

She also excitedly told me about how good he is with younger kids and she has some pictures for me from an event that required him speaking (not something he likes) and that he was great.

Blew me away.

I had gotten a very different report from another teacher and was kind of down about it because I didn't think it was entirely accurate (simmer down, I didn't say it to the teacher, and I know there are two sides to things. Also? Am married to a teacher. I'm not that parent, I get it.) and was not expecting this at all.

She said she wished she had thought to tell me earlier, and just didn't think about it.

There may have even been tears on my part.

I'm not really going anywhere with this other than to say just remember that even something that seems small can really make someone's day, and that my parentheses keys seem to be in working order.

I love Internet Easter Eggs (hidden stuff on websites, movies, computer programs, etc. ).

The Chuck Norris one on Google cracks me up.

Google, "Where can I find Chuck Norris?" and select "I'm feeling lucky."

No idea how long it will last, but just go do it. I'll wait.

Also, from the easily entertained files, I could laugh all day at some of the search strings (other than the usual lewd stuff regarding animals and relatives) leading people to my blog:

"Hark the hare lipped angel sings" - Perhaps with some difficulty?

"Cause of unlimited texting" - Teenagers. Next question...

"Husband piercing" - Only if he empties the clean laundry onto the unmade bed again.

"Why did we get our teen texting?" - Good question.

"Bob Costas hair" - There's a bunch of those, I seem to be some sort of Bob Costas hair authority.

"Selling testicles for research" - No such thing. I work in research, and I actually get this question on the phone a lot. Odd, considering my subject is above the belt.

"Dill pickles up your nose" - Ouch, and odds are if this means anything to you, you're my age. Bonus if you can tell me what is your kind of place.

"Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup" - If you can tell me how to make it, please do. I am a flop at it.

"Aged mom" - Oh, STFU.

"Bifocals and graying hair" - No, really. What did I just say? I totally don't have bifocals...

"Hot cougar mom" - I dunno, I think cheetahs are way cuter.

"Burlap pillow shams" - Hmmm...you know I make my MIL sleep on pillow shams, don't you? What? You forgot about the great pillow sham debate here?

"Petticoat Junction theme song" - Yep, more senior citizens like me using The Internet. But, you're right, I do have a VAST repertoire of TV show theme songs in my head.

I think I'd be a lot smarter if they weren't taking up so much room in there. ("Come ride the little train that is rolling down the tracks to the junction...")

"How to mom blog" - Sorry if I disappointed you here. Maybe this site is a how NOT to mom blog? Good luck, there.

"How to clean house for Busy Mom" - Oh, you don't have to do anything special for me. I'll be there in an hour, though.

"Instructions juice pouch bag" - Stab it with a straw?

"Cleavage in Renaissance Festivals" - Hahahaha. Wench.

"Fibra Maligy" - I think I had a class with her in college.

"Doodlebops gay" - Haven't we settled this before somewhere? Don't ask, don't tell.

"Greg Page Wiggle" - OK, I love the Wiggles, but I have no scoop on the yellow Wiggle. If you're wanting to see him wiggle, then well, eeew.

"Toilet overflowed" - Maybe you should get off the Internet and go get some towels, instead.

"Better friend net" - Works better than the "good" friend net, but not as well as the "best" friend net. I've had people escape the "good" one, so I upgraded and I have lots of friends, now!

Before we had kids, there was the requisite discussion of, ""How will we be able to afford them?"

I'm sure the conclusion was something along the lines of, "Blah, blah, blah...let's go shopping and out to eat."

When we had 2 kids close-ish together, there was the requisite discussion of, "How will we afford them, we''l have two in college at once!"

I'm sure the conclusion was something along the lines of, "Mmph shmrr glurrrb we CAN"T BE OUT OF COFFEE!"

I have no idea, we had 2 little kids.

Forward through the next 15 years (really?) and here we are.

For the most part, we've learned that you never feel like you can afford kids, you just sort of fork the money over for various things, and life just happens.

We must have been millionaires before they came along, we just didn't know it.

As far as college goes, I've just kind of pretended I can't hear you lalalalalalalala. My oldest is 15, so we have yet to do that. I always imagined we'd figure something out, because people a lot worse off than we are have sent kids to college.

But, y'all?

You never told me about this car insurance for teenagers thing.

Oh, sure I've heard people with older kids bemoan it over the years, but I've never really paid attention since my kids were going to be 8 forever.

Now? I have about 6 months left to deal.

Busy Girl will be driving in September, so I casually called the auto insurance people to get an idea of what the discount would be if she took driver's ed.

My stress agenda related to this matter had always centered around, "How in the world are we going to be able to get another car?"

Now, I've totally had to alter my stress plan.

The nice lady on the other end of the phone cheerfully told me about the whole $30 I'd save if Busy Girl took a $400 class.

That would be $30 off the additional FOUR MORE DIGITS dollars a year when she gets a license.

Oh? And, double that if we get another car. A beater car.

"You better be glad she's not a boy." I can hear all of you who've been here before me sagely saying.

You're forgetting: WE HAVE A BOY. And? He's right behind her.

He''ll get his license when she's a senior and on her way to college.

How do people do this?

Yes, I know, kids work and pay their own insurance.

That's not really an option for her anytime soon because of volleyball, though.

Anyway, it's the principle of the matter, that is just a lot of money to be piled on an already expensive time.

We need to stop giving little babies savings bonds when they're born, and start giving them car insurance.

Car insurance for teens needs to come with a health insurance policy for parents. Limit it to cardiac coverage if you must.

After the nice lady on the phone gave me the quotes and I had confirmed that she was, indeed, talking about American dollars, she asked me if I wanted to hear about their teen banking program.

I resisted making a joke about banking my teens until they turn 21 and she went on to tell me about the minimum deposit I'd need to open an account.

I maybe not-so-cheerfully reminded her that we didn't need an account since there wouldn't be any money to put in there after I paid the insurance.

As an adult, I just pay my insurance, I usually don't actively think about it.

But, now I think I just turned into one of those people who discusses car insurance rates at a cocktail party, mostly because I will need the free drinks.

It's a big season for blogging and social media conferences.

The anticipation, the actual event and the post-mortem is excitedly shared through all manners social.

I like hearing about people's individual takes on an event that interests me, even if I wasn't there. But, there are definitely themes that emerge when everyone gets home and has a chance to think about things.

No, this isn't about the social intricacies of a large conference.

One of those themes is typically the "take-away" value of the sessions or, "What practical things did I learn that I can actually use?"

No matter the conference (this isn't about Blissdom, or any specific conference) there's always someone who is disappointed by the content of the sessions.

Having planned events, speakers and educational stuff in my past (I taught nursing at a college for a bit, and I spent many years in clinical education), I know a conference can't be all things to all people, no matter how hard you try, since interests and knowledge levels, no matter the audience, can be widely variable.

Now, if you pay for and attend a conference, you have every right to expect relevant and quality topics, but I wonder if people sometimes go to these things with erroneous expectations.

Actually, I'm sure they do.

Apropos of nothing, my thoughts on conference content:

- There's a difference between instructional and topical sessions.

- Session titles can be misleading and someone attends a session expecting instruction (or, "how-to") and when they get topical discussion, their needs aren't met and they are disappointed.

- A large conference with many tracks may not be the place for individually-tailored "how-to" information, no matter what the session is called.

- Conferences really need to look more closely at session titles and descriptors, since I think this is the source of some disconnects.

- General conferences aren't usually training sessions or tutorials, but you might pick up some tips or tricks to enhance what you are already doing.

- Someone will inevitably show me one that is a tutorial, and I will be wrong.

- Conferences should strive to be relevant, but remember that they can't meet everyone's needs.

- Whether it be topical or instructional, I must confess I'm not in love with the large panel (again, not referring to any specific conference, I've experienced at stuff for work, too) format that is popular for break-out sessions. Would usually rather see one or maybe two strong speakers.

- Most panel discussions could benefit greatly from some basic curriculum design practices.

- There's nothing wrong with having a lecture-style session from one speaker (depending on the topic and the speaker, I guess). Conferences, particularly ones that are female dominated, seem to be scared of that.

- The "authority" of a speaker is relative. One person's "guru" may be another person's "Who 'dat?", and that's OK. Either way, though, skill and preparation are essential for an effective speaker and satisfied attendees.

- Popularity doesn't necessarily equal authority or speaking skill. (Simmer down, that was not about a specific conference or speaker.)

- As with most things, you get out of a conference what you put into it.

- I'm drawn more toward instructional-type sessions, while others are drawn more toward feeling and discussion sessions. Even though it takes my last ounce of strength to discuss "feelings" about a topic for more than about 5 minutes (sorry), I have learned it's possible to get ideas and inspiration from both, even if you initially don't think one applies to you.

- A good conference will always ask for your feedback, don't be afraid to give it. But, do recognize that if your suggestions aren't implemented, it doesn't mean they aren't listening to you.

- Don't underestimate the value of spending time with like-minded people at conferences. It's more than just social.

So, there you have it.

ADDED: I'm not an Anti-Panelite, or anything. I just think some topics lend themselves to panels better than others, and that a panel is much more than people grouped together to speak on a topic.

I have no idea.

However, I'm at home with a sick kid and, I just needed you all here with me and I was afraid you wouldn't come see me without an SEO-friendly post title.

Alright, alright... the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue gives people something to talk about on Google Buzz.

How was that for relevancy?

Yeah, I got nuthin'.

In case you feel used, I'm giving away a $25 Verizon gift card and some coupons for free Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Meats.

I'm descending into that weird space again where I don't write anything unless the circumstances are perfect, and the stars align with time, place and inspiration.

The big snow last week and my blog being down for a bit, plus Blissdom and a volleyball tournament this weekend have thrown me off a little.

And, by "thrown me off a little" I mean I haven't been to my house in ages, and when I am there, I can hardly hold my head up.

In fact, I'm not sure when I last did laundry or washed dishes, even with my fancy new dishwasher.

I'm vaguely sure the kids have been bathed and we've fed them something besides Toaster Strudel at some point, throw in Busy Boy's MAJOR research paper that was due (let's just say Emergency Research Paper Plans were activated, and leave it at that), and I've just been a bit "off schedule".

Blah, blah, blah...broken record.

I know.

I also seem to have lost the ability to use a quick moment here and there to write something, I used to be able to do that, now am very much a princess who needs quiet and solitude to hone my craft.

Or, something like that.

So, yet again, I shall attempt to get back on the Nike inspired "Just Do It" blogging program.

Here we go:

**********************

I attended most of Blissdom last week, where I learned a few things, saw some friends, got to know people better and met some new friends.

It was held at the fabulous Gaylord Opryland Hotel here in town.

The only thing about going to a conference where you live is that you feel compelled to do that and take care of stuff at home (see also: burning the candle at all 3 ends), so I did a lot of running back and forth.

There are lots of posts about Blissdom out there, and I'll probably write more about it later.

But, for now congratulations for a job well done to Alli Worthington of Blissfully Domestic, Babara Jones and Paula Bruno of One2One Network.

Even though interaction between brands and bloggers is a hot topic, I just want to make sure you check out the fabulous Blissdom sponsors.

[heavy sigh] I get nothing for that, that statement was not endorsed in any way.

I merely went to a great conference that was made possible by the support of these sponsors, and that's a great thing. [/heavy sigh]

As yo may have heard, Harry Connick Jr. made a special guest appearance at Blissdom.

While I'm not much of a "Squee!" -er, he and his band were fabulous.

He was on his way to the Super Bowl and he could have popped into town, phoned it in at the piano and popped back out since it was a smallish conference full of bloggers.

But, he didn't.

He and those young men in the band, Brought. It.

More importantly, though, they taught us about Musician's Village.

New Orleans lost so much during Hurricane Katrina, and among those losses were musicians and there music, a foundation of that town.

Musician's Village is a Habitat For Humanity project in New Orleans conceived by Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis to provide homes and a community for musicians who lost everything during the storm and flood.

Take a minute and find out more about Musician's Village (has sound), you'll be glad you did.

These young men with him are residents:

They can also dance as video evidence will eventually prove if the videographer wasn't too traumatized.

Hilarious evening after the concert.

If you give a blogger a dance floor...

Won't you be glad when the snow is over around these parts?

Just how many bloggers can you find today with kids frolicking in the snow?

Anyway, even with as much fun as we've had, I'm ready for #TheSituation2010 to be done since I drank my last Diet Coke and we can't quite get out of here yet.

More obligatory snow pictures:

(Note: While I don't believe in Photoshopping the snot outta pictures, yes, I'm lazy with color correction, and yes, those are Christmas wreaths on the house. The roof pitch is insane and we've had rain or snow every time we've had time to get up there):

So, we got some snow here, and it's more than we've had in a while, big doin's around these parts.

Why no, I don't care that this isn't "real snow" compared to where you live, grew up, fought in the war, went to school or did time, but thanks for asking!

Anyway, what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't post pictures of my kids and my pets in the snow?

Not a very good one, I'd say. In fact, I think union rules state that I have to do this.

So, yeah.

American Gothic plus one:

You'd better duck:

Callie dog remains unimpressed:

Abercrombie ad:

Lean into it!

Edward laments the fact that his black fur shows everything:

Do you have something that you really need to buy, but can't get it together enough to actually get it?

We desperately need a new mattress and box spring as well as new bed linens, especially a bedspread or comforter.

I really have no idea how long I've been bitching about both those things here on the ol' blog (you probably do, though), but I'm pretty sure I should be embarrassed.

I should hold a scavenger hunt on here, whoever finds the oldest entry about me complaining about this gets a prize.

Anyway, fact remains that we still haven't gotten either one.

The mattress and box springs, while not outrageously expensive, will require a bit of financial planning, but we just can't seem to make monetary time for it, I know not why.

The bedspread/comforter thing is a combination of inertia and indecision, mostly.

However, both items were procured around 1986 (comforter might be slightly newer), so it's past time.

Yes, I know.

The comforter doesn't look quite as bad as it sounds, but the mattress and box springs are starting to feel as bad as it sounds.

Part of the bedspread thing is that I kept thinking I'd get a new bedspread when I go on my girl's trip each year since we spend a lot of time at the outlet mall, but the linen place closed 2 years ago, so I have no excuse.

I'm also kind of picky about what I want, and nothing has really jumped out at me, and Busy Dad would have to like it, and it all sounds like too much trouble so, let's go out for coffee.

However, I think it may be time to do something, though because I had one of those realistic dreams last night that a rabid raccoon was sitting on my legs in the bed, and no one would help me.

I even woke up kinda mad at Busy Dad,

When I was all the way awake, I realized the "raccoon" was the weight of part of the comforter where the inside stuff (batting? whatever it is that makes a comforter puffy, but isn't down-filled) has bunched up.

Yeah, it might be time.