Suri Cruise Called, she wants her hair back!

Still, not a single pic posted of the new haircut. I promise after the weekend to do so. I am still trying to get used to it. I resemble Suri Cruise, Dorothy Hamil, Jim Carrey in "Dumb & Dumber", Clay Aiken while on Broadway, and many others. While at the party shop looking for a costume(don't ask) I saw a wig that was the same cut that I now have. People have either said something about it or have completely ignored it. Hellloooo...that makes me feel even more ugly. The true test will be this eve when the hubby gets home from a week long trip. My lovely Mom-in-law loves it and told me that this is how I looked when her son first met me. Yes, I replied, but a few other things were in better condition 14 years ago, too! Sis and fam are here for the weekend to trick-or-treat, so I'm sure I will have some new pics to post. Including one of me in my "cut my hair in moment of insanity from not having Coke, husband away and sick kids home from school".

"When the Frost is on the Punkin"

"When the Frost is on the Punkin"

When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens,
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence;
O, it's then the time a feller is a-feelin' at his best,
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

They's something kindo' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here—
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossoms on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;
But the air's so appetizin'; and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

The husky, rusty russel of the tossels of the corn,
And the raspin' of the tangled leaves as golden as the morn;
The stubble in the furries—kindo' lonesome-like, but still
A-preachin' sermuns to us of the barns they growed to fill;
The strawstack in the medder, and the reaper in the shed;
The hosses in theyr stalls below—the clover overhead!—
O, it sets my hart a-clickin' like the tickin' of a clock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

Then your apples all is gethered, and the ones a feller keeps
Is poured around the cellar-floor in red and yaller heaps;
And your cider-makin's over, and your wimmern-folks is through
With theyr mince and apple-butter, and theyr souse and sausage too!...
I don't know how to tell it—but ef such a thing could be
As the angels wantin' boardin', and they'd call around on me—
I'd want to 'commodate 'em—all the whole-indurin' flock—
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock.

-James Whitcomb Riley 1853-1916

Known as the "Hoosier Poet", I spent many of my younger years memorizing and studying the works of JWR. He wrote many of his poems in a dialect, claiming that "simple sentiments that came straight from the heart" were the reason behind his success. Above is one of my favorites. Enjoy!

Say It Ain't True, Caribou!

This letter is to my local Caribou Coffee. I'm so upset, it made me use incorrect grammar in the post title.

Dear Caribou Coffee Lady,
We have become such good friends. I really like you. You seem like a nice young girl, and you didn't take exception to my mom telling you that any sort of facial piercings are not appropriate in any work environment. You make her lattes to the exact temp of 180 degrees. You mix my two packets of sugar in the hubby's esspresso. You have become my little piece of heaven in this drab town called Toledo. You saved me from my addiction of fountain drinks. You gave me an alternative, a beautiful alternative. The green tea mango smoothie. Yes, it does have lots of calories and sugar, but it is my little pick me up when I realize that I will be here for a while.
Today, I hurried through the drive-thru to order and there you were at the window with your usual smile on your face. Ouch! Doesn't that lip ring hurt when you smile? I digress.... You told me that my drinks would be a dollar off for the next few weeks. I think I just heard angels singing. As I handed over the last of the hubby's b-day gift card(I'm awful, I know) I knew there must be a catch. But why, I questioned...because we only have two more containers of the green tea and since it is a seasonal item, we will no longer be carrying it." Uhhhh...what did she just say? I could feel my throat begin to tighten and a cold sweat come over my body as I questioned her again. She told me we could find an alternative, perhaps on of their seasonal coffees. Ick, bleck, yuck...I hate coffee unless it has flavor that resembles vanilla, hazelnut and soy. So, as I pulled away from the window, on my way to Prayer For The Election and Bible Study, I couldn't help but say a little prayer for myself. I'll miss you green tea mango. Here's to pomegranate!

This pic is much better...

I just found out that my family has been talking about the pic that I put up in my last post. I was told it wasn't a very flattering photo, no duh! I hate all photos of myself and didn't want to post it. I was sans make-up, in need of a haircut, and on day 6 without Coke. I decided to post a new pic of myself to make my momma proud!
btw...I made it a week without the Coke. woohoo!

Speak No Evil Campaign

Why didn't I think of that? This was the exact question I asked myself on Monday. At the boys school, they launched a "speak no evil" campaign. The idea was to make students, faculty and parents think about the words came out of our mouth and what affect it may have on those around them. Each student was given a sticker and if they said anything negative, mean, or evil they had to remove their sticker. It was an honor system which made it even more difficult. Well, if I expected my own kids to try I had to step up to the plate and do the same. The sticker was put on and by noon, my sticker was removed. I couldn't help but call the woman in the car who puled out in front of me "stupid". This was going to be harder than I had ever expected. It did make me stop and think, what exactly am I saying throughout the day. The amount of negative or ugly words of thought that came out of my mouth was unbelievable. I never gave it much thought, but it truly affected my own state of mind along with that of those around me. While I would have loved to have given our presidential candidates stickers to wear throughout the last two weeks of the campaign, I figured it wouldn't even have a chance to be placed on their suit lapel(which of course, they paid for themselves)! As you go about our day, stop and think about what actually comes out of your mouth. Those around you notice, especially your children. May your words be uplifting in a way to put a smile on someones face.

All I Ask For Is 30 Minutes

Is 30 minutes too much to ask for? 30 minutes of uninterrupted television viewing pleasure. I must watch my fave, The Office. I must watch it alone, in silence, and uninterrupted. Pleeeaaasssseeeee! It brings me so much joy.

To My Sistas

We're members of this family, so you don't have to be!
My Dearest Sisters,
I write this post to you as an apology. How could I have known you would be so upset and saddened due to the fact that I didn't include the two of you in my weekly shout-out. I never thought that the two of you needed an "atta-girl". While the two of you sometimes mock me for my blogging addiction, I know that you read it multiple times daily. You may not like to admit it, but I can sometimes make you laugh and even cry. So, this "shout-out" is in honor of the two of you, Ali & Cam. Partners in crime, we must stay strong and carry on the tradition of strong Zentz women. We are all very different, but in many ways, we are the same. I admire both of you for so many reasons. Beautiful on the inside and out, nobody can make me laugh like you can. We must stay close(we have to take care of mom & dad in their old age, you know)jk... Seriously, the two of you have been there for me through the toughest time of my life(the past three years). Your love and patience has paid off...I'm officially looked at as sane once again.
Who else has the wonderful genes that has given us random facial hairs, "days of thunder" thighs, hormonal stressed out moments, etc. These common traits can only be shared with sisters. So, here's to the two of you! Everyone deserves an "atta-girl" now and then. Are you happy you brought it to my attention?
Love ya lots,
Ed The Bed XOXO

Eden's Weekly Shout-Out

It's baacckkkk...! Yep, that's correct. The weekly shout-out is back after a long mini va-cay. There are quite a few "atta-boys" for the past few weeks, so let's get to it.

1). My bro-in-law, Matt just accepted a second job. If he was doing it due to the economic conditions, he might just get two shout-outs. He is quite the Phil Mickelson wanna-be.(I mean that in a nice way) He just accepted a position as the golf coach for a school in Fort Fun. Now, if we see him on the course with the Master's green jacket on, he really has upped his ante. Good for you, Matt Man!

2) Two of my best bff's are traveling to Atlanta this weekend to walk in the Race For The Cure to support breast cancer. I talked about causes last week, and here is a great example of taking a cause that you care about and doing your part. Now get out there Kel & Alyssa and walk those little tushies off(not like either of you need it)!

3) My bff, La, just got a new home. FINALLY! See you later Clusters, hello home mortgages. I can't wait to come down and see it. Remember, all of the decorating tips I have given you. Congrats!

4) My mom-in-law had a milestone b-day this week. I really don't care for the term "milestone"...sounds too much like "tombstone" I couldn't ask for a more wonderful, fun and kind mom-in-law and Nana to my kids. We all love you so much.

5) Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. My mom sent the kids a dvd of his shows(he was my fave) and I must say that I truly have enjoyed taking it all down a notch when it comes to tv viewing for the kids. I was about to loose it when it came to the incorrect use of grammar along with the poor attitudes and crude talk that has become so prevalent in cartoons today. Won't you please, won't you please, please won't you be my neighbor.(when was the last time you heard someone use manners in a cartoon?)

6) The ole' hubby is back from secret service detail and is working his butt off literally. Thought he deserved a shout-out for getting up very early before work each day and getting on the treadmill. He is down in weight...woo, hoo! He finally inspired me to get my rear in gear. See ya later, muffin mom!

7) Caribou's green tea mango smoothie...folks this has gotten me through the past three days sans my Coke. Patting myself on the shoulder...I've done it. My neurologist, pulmonologist, and dentist will be so proud.

8) My bro's g-friend, Danielle. What a sweetheart...love the girl. She is so kind and real and I love talking to her on the phone. Thanks for the pull tabs too.

9) My g-friend, Amy who found out today that she is having twin girls. Oh, my! Was I wrong for recommending meds after childbirth??

That's it for now! Be sure to check in again next week for the shout-out!

Halloween, How I Detest Thee!

I told you all a couple of weeks ago to look for my anti-Halloween post. While it is in jest, I truly don't like the holiday. There are many reasons why, for example...

1) All the scary & gory stuff. Sarah cried when we entered the party store. It was filled with horrific looking decorations. Why must everything be so scary? While walking through Walmart, we passed by the Halloween section when suddenly, this witch began moving and screaming. I do believe the managers and employees enjoy watching people jump.

2) Childhood memories of a boy in the neighborhood(jeff chapman) who would put on a scary mask and chase me around the yard. This along with my brother flipping his eyelids.

3) Last weekend, I walked into the family room to find JWP & CEP laughing while looking at Sunday's paper. There they sat with an ad from the local party store that pictured all of the costumes. Were they looking at the kids costumes? Noooo..it was the women's costumes that had little to no fabric covering them. Grrr.."look mom, there is a girl race-car driver called the racy-racer". What do I say! Don't even get me started on the costumes they make for little girls that are very sexualized.

4) I still love Martha Stewart, but her ongoing fascination and love for Halloween is ridiculous. Give it a break, Martha.

5) Halloween candy. I must not buy it prior to the actual day. Such a weakness to open the bag and take one out. One becomes two, two becomes three, etc.

6) How annoying it is that even after the candy is gone, the door is shut, and the lights are out, the doorbell rings. Please, don't make me get out of my warm bed to tell you in person that we are out of candy.

So, "Happy Trick-or-Treat" to all of you this year. Scrooge will be prepared, just don't ask me for my last Reeses Cup. It's not going to happen.

The brain is a little fuzzy today!

I know the posts have slowed down a bit. Today I struggled to post at all. Why?? For the first time in years, I did not have a fountain Coke. Some of you may not understand what a big deal this is. When I say years, I mean years. While traveling overseas, in the hospital, while on bed rest, in disastrous weather conditions, I have always managed to get my hands on that carbonated, fizzy, sweet concoction called a fountain Coke. I am probably on a good 7 year run. Today, was the day I decided that the fountain Coke had such control over my life, that I actually schedule my day around the purchase and consumption of this drink. I always must leave early before an event or appointment to allow enough time for a stop off(including arriving at the hospital for the birth of my three kiddos). So, please forgive me if I am irritable and grumpy for a few days. This process is purely for health reasons only and I sure hope my body is thankful because right now, I could take someone out. Grrrr....this too shall pass, this too shall pass, this too shall pass.

I'm just on an extended va-cay!

There are a few things I am hesitant to give up. One of which is my North Carolina license plate.(silly I know) The drivers license was replaced with an Ohio license months ago, but I am getting very anxious about having to replace the plate with an Ohio plate. I may be driving around with countless car magnets(not really..this was just for effect) but at least to those who are behind me, I am a North Carolina Republican not a swing state Ohio Republican. See, all things are not as they appear! I have one month before the tags expire..eek! The cell number is next. Crazy how we hold onto things that make us feel connected to a person, place or event in our lives. I will accept this move sooner or later, just not until Nov. 28th.

Happiness, To Me

Happiness, to me is the following. Watching my three kids play in the newly fallen leaves, brings me happiness. Running off the school bus to find a new leaf trail which they can run through, brings them happiness. Praising God for the beauty of nature and the honor of being their mother, brings me happiness. In life, it the gifts that I praise God for, that bring me happiness. Happiness in the eyes of our Heavenly Father, too.

"Like Sand Through The Hour Glass.."

...these are the days of our lives. Last night in bed, CEP was reading a Bible story to the hubby. The story was about believing in Jesus. He stated out loud that he believed in Jesus. He then turned to the hubby and asked him if he believed. The hubby nodded to which CEP shouted, "then say it"!! He did so in a voice so boisterous and excited, you would have thought he was an evangelical preacher with snakes in hand.

Sis Margaret is obsessed with baths and showers. Her favorite part is calling out the names of her body parts as the pretends to wash them. I have never been one to make up nicknames for "private" parts. This may backfire with her due to the fact that her new fave word is "gina". She will stick her little booty out and say it, she scream it out in the middle of Walmart, nothing can stop her. When you try and shush her, she just gets even more animated in her delivery. Help!

Welcome To My Village, Mr. Obama!

Yesterday, my small village of Holland, Ohio saw something that they had not expected. After landing at the local airport(yes, you can hear the planes)Presidential candidate Barack Obama paid a visit to a neighborhood about a mile down the road from mine. You would have thought it was the second coming of Christ(some actually thought this..jk) Let me preface this post by telling you that northwest Ohio is in a serious state of depression. I'm not talking sadness(although I do account for one of those people). I'm talking about economic depression. Coming from a high growth city, it has taken some time to become adjusted to the attitudes and lack of new and thriving successful business here in the area. Everything seems stagnate. So, here comes Obama talking to the lovely folks of Holland(as you can see from the newspaper pic, they got all done up for the meet and greet). Secret service agents staked out the area(the one agent looks like the hubby..ha). The newspaper called this area a working-class neighborhood, therefore he was there promising to bring jobs to Toledo. Well, this city needs more than just jobs. We need companies who are willing to take a risk on moving their business here. We need to be able to offer tax breaks for these companies. We need citizens to take responsibility for themselves and stop working the system to get by. The voters of this neighborhood are the kind of voters who have been hardest hit by the economic condition of Ohio. He didn't bother coming to my neighborhood where many retried execs spend their days playing golf. Heaven forbid he would even drive through. He would be labeled an "elitist". The problem is, these people are the same ones whose nest eggs and retirement accounts are going down the drain. What does he have planned to help them? Let me guess...tax the *$#%% out of them. So, while I didn't attend the rally, I pray that both candidates will be honest. Stop saying what you feel will get you elected. Say what is going to help all Americans...even the ones here in the small village of Holland, Ohio. We are willing to accept any help we can get from either candidate.

Found online:Obama made the remark, caught on camera, after fielding some tough questions from the plumber Sunday in Ohio, where the Democratic candidate canvassed neighborhoods and encouraged residents to vote early.

"Your new tax plan is going to tax me more, isn't it?" the plumber asked, complaining that he was being taxed "more and more for fulfilling the American dream."

"It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody who is behind you, that they've got a chance for success too," Obama responded. "My attitude is that if the economy's good for folks from the bottom up, it's gonna be good for everybody ... I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." (quotes courtesy of foxnews.com)

Hmmm..are we really living in a Democratic country? Sounds like Socialism to me, folks.

Stop Mannequenism!

I love advertising! Good advertising, that is. Besides the awful corn maze billboards that are scattered throughout our town, there are multiple ones that say, "Stop Mannequenism". There isn't anything else written on it, except for this slogan and a web address. Day after day I would pass by this billboard and wonder what it meant. A couple of weeks ago, the hubby asked me if I had seen it. That prompted me to look it up. After I weaved my way through a list of possible websites(some of which set off the spam blockers..very naughty) I found what mannequism was all about. It's a public service campaign to get people involved in a cause. Mannequenism is caused by political(not necessarily Obama & McCain)inactivity where people suffer from hardening of the skin and joints until they become nothing but a hollow shell. It is a disease of the mind that ultimately affects the persons whole being and community. All a person has to do to be cured of mannuquenism, is to get involved in a cause or issue that they care about.
Many of you are involved with such causes. My mom's cause is Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. My friend Sarah R. just got back from DC in support of her cause, fighting breast cancer. My friend AML received an award from the NC Dept. of Mental Health for her efforts to help those with mental illness. My friend QECF works for veterans affairs(her hubby is a navy surgeon).
I got the serving bug early on. I finally got to put it to use thanks in part to Bill Clinton(those who know me know this is the only time I would say anything nice about Mr. Bill). He is responsible for establishing a group called AmeriCorps. It is a domestic Peace Corps, and I was privileged to serve during college. I was assigned to the state of Indiana and my responsibility included teaching migrant farm workers about HIV and AIDS prevention. They are very susceptible to contracting this disease and need assistance in learning ways to prevent it. Along with my sweet Spanish translator Nancy, I would demonstrate how to put condoms on a penis prototype(sorry, mom). I had a bag of tricks(supplies)that I took to all the farms. One rainy morning, I was involved in a car accident on my way to work. It was a fairly bad accident with both cars being totalled. Imagine the look on the emergency responders faces when they approached to find wood penis prototypes, colorful condoms, and other paraphernalia strewn all about the highway. The job paid for college, and I truly believe I made a difference.
My new chapter of service is going to involve food and old people(two of my fave things :) I am going to volunteer to deliver meals to shut-ins throughout the Toledo area. I write this post in hope that you will find your one "cause". You don't have to save the world, but just getting involved on a small level can begin to make a difference. The United Way just began a wonderful new service campaign, and there are hundreds of charitable organizations where your talents can be shared. So, before your bones and joints begin to hurt, and your mind gets a little fuzzy, go out and do something. Fight mannequenism before it begins.

Mealtime Menu Chaos- Part 2

This is what happens when you leave dinner up to the hubby. The instructions were to bring something home for a quick dinner. To the grocery he went...and home again. This is what he chose! Here's to a bowl of Fruit Loops.

Wow, we need to work on the mealtime menu!

While I try and come up with new meal ideas, I find it increasingly difficult to produce a variety of vegetarian meals that the kids won't get tired of. Many evenings I rely on frozen pizza or a variety of pastas. After a long night of soccer practice and homework, JWP asked what was for dinner. I replied we were having noodles. To which he replied, "that dinner is not worth praying before".
OUCH!! Have I failed as a mom? God must not bless bad dinner choices.

My Soap-Box. Complain...complain!

Do I complain too much? I questioned myself after writing an email to a local family owned business whose advertising was less than tasteful. When I was little, I would become terribly embarrassed every time I would go through the drive-thru with my mom and she ordered her Tab with "extra ice". Who asks for extra ice? I could feel myself sinking deeper and deeper in the vinyl seat of our station wagon as we pulled around to see if they had correctly fulfilled her request. As much as this made me cringe, the older I get I find myself expecting more from people. If you are in a certain field, in a certain service sector, or promoting yourself to a certain target audience, I believe you should live, breathe and bleed that field. Last year I rattled off an email to a large gas station chain who had very graphic advertising in their bathrooms. I have also been know to call the "tell us how we're doing" numbers to give my opinion(not just for the coupon). The doozy came just last week when I called and emailed a local family farm who operates a pumpkin patch and corn maze. The plans were made to visit this farm and have a wonderful weekend with my sis and her family. That was until Trav and I saw billboards all around town advertising their haunted maze. The billboard showed the (excuse me) crotch of a boy who had obviously peed his pants. The words said, "Screaming isn't the only thing you will do". Seriously, is this type of advertising truly necessary? I found it to be crude, tasteless and just plain stupid. If you are a family friendly business, I believe that all things having to do with your business should be too. When I called to complain, the young girl just chuckled on the other end. Trust me, I am far from being a prude, but it just wasn't appropriate. I then sent an email to the farms owner, addressing these concerns. I have yet to get a response, but that's ok. I let my voice be heard. While you don't have to go to the extremes that I have to give your opinion, try it if you see or hear something that you like or dislike. By the way, I now order my Coke with "extra ice"...much to the chagrin of the three kids in the backseat!

The Truth..My Live Reflected In A Cartoon

**Be sure to click on the cartoon to view in full size.
Once again, my favorite comic strip paralleled my life. I'm often frightened by the similarities. My mom is usually first to point out the ones that prove to be true. Oh...how scary it can be to get old and have one, two or three of these hairy little pests. Even worse, having your kids point it out. Have you been there?

My Soul Finds Stillness

Time is the treasure of life. Time IS life.
Time is the willing sacrifice that you offer up to the worship of what you love.
Don't tell me what you love.
Tell me where you spend your TIME and I will tell YOU what you love.
-Martha Kilpatrick Adoration

I recently joined a new Bible study at church. It is a study on a wonderful book by Linda Dillow called, Satisfy My Thirsty Soul. I have struggled the past few weeks to get though the reading and lessons. I honestly have struggled with the fact that I haven't been able to find time in my day to devote to any sort of devotion or quiet time. I got to chapter three and instead of flying through the reading, I took time to read each and every word. I read it again and again. The chapter spoke to me in such a way, I felt like it was written specifically for me. I then began to list the names of friends and family members whose lives also apply to the lessons I learned in this chapter. Author Linda Dillow writes, "In this age of constant stimulus, clamor is pervasive and comes from many sources. I am tired, but not from physical labor. My tiredness comes form the frantic pace of life around me. Yours likely does too. As I look at my friends and at myself, I fear we are becoming nervous, anxious, and overactive people who don't know how to be still. We rarely give our full attention to anyone or anything. We're always thinking ahead to the next thing that must be done, the next person we must talk to and check off our list. We do the same with God. We hurry our "Quiet Time", which is anything but quiet. Our bodies sit still, but our minds race. Ready to get on with our day, we hope our moment with God gains his approval." Was she spying on me with the eldest son's spy toy gadget, I thought? This is my current state of mind.
Author Henri Nouwen writes,"Our lives often seem like an over-packed suitcase bursting at the seams. In fact, we are almost always aware of being behind schedule. There is a nagging sense that there are unfinished tasks, unfulfilled promises, unrealized proposals. There is always something else that we should have remembered, said or done."
I ask all of you just like I did myself, where do stand in your quest to find quiet time? Has your soul found stillness? Take a minute and really think about it and be honest with yourself...and then do something about it.
God is waiting.

"Eden, people actually read your blog"

I think the hubby is embarrassed. The other night when he came home from work, he commented about my muffin mom post. I could tell he was was a little uncomfortable. "Eden, people actually read your blog." Do I want to put myself out there like I have? Do people really want to know of my struggle with the love handles, the flatulence levels in our home, or whether or not I will ever get a new fridge. I told him that the sole purpose of a blog is to connect with others through the art of words. What I post about is what is going on in my life and in my mind. I don't force anyone to read it, they do so willingly. (Although, I could use a few more comments from those who do read it daily..a few accolades now and again do keep a blogger going.) So, yes my dear hubby, I am aware of what I am putting out there. I don't get embarrassed very easily and I promise not to throw you under the bus by posting your "biggest loser" weight loss pics. I welcome everyone to visit my life for a few moments every now and then.

What's In A Name?

I love names! It's as simple as that. It is one of the many odd and quirky fast facts about me. I love when people have babies...happy the baby is well, but what did they name it. I usually favor traditional names, ones that do not require a lesson in phonetics to decipher. When we were checking out of the hospital after having Clay, the woman asked us if we named him after the American Idol contestant, Clay Aiken. Are you kidding me?(although without any makeup on, I am a dead ringer for his identical twin).
I grew up with a fairly different name, Eden Powell Zentz. When I was born, the church we attended said with a name like mine, I would grow up to be the first female president. Little did they know that I am indeed the first female president of this house. My name was to be Holly(thank you dad for nixing it, especially since my b-day is two days before Christmas). Oftentimes in school, my name would be called over the loud speaker. It sounded like "Eatin' Zits". This didn't do much for my self esteem during those awkward preteen years. When I was fresh out of college, I went for a job interview at an ad agency. The company president called me into his office and the first thing he did was ask me if my parents were hippies. I told him that they were not, but rather conservative Republicans from the Midwest. I didn't go back to that office. When I worked at HSN, people would call in on air to talk to me and ask for "Mr. Eden Perry". I have been a boy, a foreigner, a town in Minnesota(Eden Prairie). You name it, people have called me it. Last week, our insurance guy called me Edna. Edna, Edie, Edith, Eben...I just go along with it. The receptionist at the doctor this week asked if Mr. Perry needed any prescription refills, I kindly told her that I was Mr. Perry and I am actually a girl. The church goin' folk love it..."as in the garden", I reply repeatedly.
I have grown to love my name, but I often wonder what it would be like to have a name that is traditional or rather normal. I come to the same conclusion every time, it wouldn't suite me, for I am neither traditional or normal. I'm just Eden!

Have You Seen The Muffin Mom..sing along...

There we were on a gloomy and cold day in a parent child music class. I loathe these classes but my children love them, therefore I suffer through the forty-five minute session planning where we can go eat lunch. Today, the kids sang, "have you seen the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man". My mind drifted off as to whether we would go healthy today or be naughty and eat anything and everything fried we could get our hands on. We began to sing and I couldn't help but notice I was changing the words to go like this, "have you seen the muffin mom, the muffin mom, the muffin mom". I think it was my subconscious telling me that my North Carolina farewell feeding feast tour has to come to an end. It has been seven months now since we moved and I'm still eating as if it has been weeks. I have always been an emotional eater, but never have I been a muffin mom until now. Who wouldn't want to be a muffin mom? We talk and joke about it as if its a bad thing. We all need that little extra stuff around our middles to add padding. Can you tell I'm trying to justify the love handles that aren't getting much lovin'? The kids poke at them, the stretch marks decorate them, Sarah likes to hide behind them, my underwear likes to dig into them. I can't stand it any longer. Fall has arrived. It's the first day of October. What perfect time for the "Stop Muffin Top" campaign to begin.. Maybe tomorrow is the day...for now I think I am going to make some blueberry muffins. I'm craving them for some odd reason.