This month's issue of Parent & Child Magazine features the winners of the magazine's mom blog awards. I am fortunate and lucky to be included as one of them! You'll have to wait for your issue to arrive in the mail (or pick up a copy at the grocery store) to see the full article and a super awesome picture of my family that was taken under duress by my husband, but you can preview the online version HERE.
I did a really good job of answering all of the questions posed to me, but I really shined in this response. When asked how I find time to post, I said, "I have few hobbies or outside interests and I’m not a social person. Writing is my only outlet and it feels good to produce something.”
"Why do you say things like that?" asked my husband after reading the article.
A logical answer has yet to be revealed.
"You realize that 7 million people now think you're weird," he said.
I had never given much thought to the realization that when you call yourself a loser, some people actually will take you at your word. The idea bothered me, for about five minutes. Then it all became very, very funny.
"I would ask if you want to watch a movie," my husband said after we put the kids to bed. "But that could be considered a hobby or outside interest, and you don't have any!"
***
Have you ever said something that came out 'the wrong way?' Awkwardness pretty much defines my life, as if you couldn't tell.
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I say things the "wrong way" on a daily basis. You get used to the weirdness after awhile.
Do I ever! I am trying to remember the last time my foot didn't go directly into my mouth when I opened it. . .
awkwardness is my middle name!! we love ya all the same...
First I was cleaing up my living room yesterday and I saw the magazine on the floor. I picked it up and a name caught my eye...Cortlen...then Camber. I went wow that's wierd I know those names. Then I saw the picture...hey that's the meanest mom! Don't de so descreet either...you were just one of the moms you were the #1 mom!
Secondly... I've had something said to me that I hope wasn't how she meant for it to be said. I was pregnant with my twins, and I stayed sick until about 6 months. I was at the grocery store getting ginger ale. I looked like I was 9 months pregnant and I wddled. I hadn't gone to work that day because I was so sick and I was lookin pretty rough! The lady in front of me turns around and says..."It's a girl, they take all their mother's looks." I smiled (to hide my grinding teeth) and said "it's two actually," the lady behind me says "well that explains it!"
Thanks ladies that' what I needed to hear, now I'm gonna barf on your shoes if you don't mind.
That's so cool! Can't wait to pick up a copy. :) And congrats to you!!
Yes, I often say things the wrong way. Actually, I do this most everyday.
the magazine came home in my son's backpack from school yesterday and i glanced at it and saw you. i have to say, i did laugh at that comment, but since i read your blog and already know that you are anti social and weird, i thought it was funny!
just kidding- i actually noticed that the picture was really good - everyone is smiling! just that is an impressive feat.
That is hilarious! I love it!
Congrats! I don't say awkward things, but people have a hard time reading me, so often what I say gets misinterpreted and people either get offended or get really confused. Oh well, such is life!
I came across your blog somehow...and am totally happy I did because let me tell you, I generally have a good LOL you are so stinkin hilarious! So now I am constantly asking my friends if they have ever read your posts....(Hope you don't mind my advertising)
P.S. The funniest one so far has got to be your "job interview" story! I laughed so hard!
I have had this same conversation with my husband a hundred times. Especially the "why do you say things like that?" Which actually means, "don't you have any self respect, woman?"
It's amazing how people don't pick up on sarcasm in writing form. It's like there needs to be a sarcasm emoticon so people get it.
Haha, what's wrong with being weird? Besides, look at all the weird friends you've made here on this blog! We love you because we identify with your weirdness.
I saw this issue already, my children's school always sends home a copy with them. I usually don't read them, but this time I decided to browse through it. I was so excited to find out that you were a winner I quickly told my husband that this is one of my favorite blogs, and I pointed to your picture. He just smiled and nodded!! I don't think he was as impressed as I was! Congrats!! I am always saying the wrong thing, I am glad that I have never had a reason to be interviewed! I hate the question what are your hobbies and interests, I always think to myself....nothing, I am just a mom and that is what I do all day and all night! :)
Hobbies? Outside interests? Well, isn't writing considered an interest? And frankly, I have 1 child, and I vaguely remember what those were before life became all about her!
Oh no, you're not the only one.. I'm extremely socially inept and I say ridiculous awkward things ALL the time. Usually to my daughter's friends' parents, but sometimes to her teachers, at work, to my family members. It's embarrassing but I can't stop!
I say things the wrong way all the time! I love reading your blog - I don't remember how I came across it. I am expecting my first any day now and I so hope that I will be able to have a sense of humor like you do when she's a little older (and if she's anything like I was, probably will have a bit of an attitude...).
I must be really weird, because I totally got it. And I probably would have said something very similar.
I don't think you're wierd. I think you're honest... and hillarious!
I'm a relatively social person, but I also have very few hobbies or outside interests. Weird is good. "Original". "Unique". They all mean the same thing.
I'm with you on that. When I was asked that question, the logial answer was that I don't have many friends, I don't answer my phone and I cut out those less important things, like exercise!
Things always come out badly when I speak, but fortunately for me, they're not published in a magazine!! LOL
Congratulations! Since you won, I don't think it matters what you said! People love you just the same!
TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT! Who isn't awkward sometimes??
congratulations!
Kudos! ...and I second the previous responder who said we need a sarcasm emoticon.
Actually I was just typing about stupid things I have done over on my blog, check it out, I think you won't feel so bad--some o fthe things me and my friends have done are why blondes get their reps
www.lewis4higher.blogspot.com
Wow- You are so famous! And I can say I read you when...
Congrats!
Jana!
Me, me, me, I was interviewed as well for Scholastic. Out of a 30min. phone interview she writes that I said my kids were LIARS!!! I am freaking out! I never said anything like that!! What in the world did I say that gave that impression! My kids are anything but little liars! I could crawl in a hole!
ever since I was a kid I've said "my horse is throat." Don't know why but I can never seem to get it right even now.
eh, we always knew you were a loser!
Luckily, I NEVER embarrass myself. My sister-in-law, on the other hand, has no filter. Whatever pops into her head comes out her mouth. She says things all the time that offend people. A few weeks ago, she was describing how awful her 2 year-old-daughter looked before she cut her hair. She said, "she looked ratty and like a boy most of the time." The she pointed to her cousin's daughter and said, "just like her!" We're too shocked to laugh most of the time!
I read the article and totally understood what you were trying to say. No one who reads you would think you were a total hermit or anything.
i also say things the wrong way all the time.
i actually find your answer to that question to be YOU. i found that comment to be in character with things that you've said about yourself in previous posts
It sounded weird in your blog, but in the article, it doesn't at all. You have stiff competition in the fact the person below you doesn't want to use her real name or hometown, just stamp weirdo on her forehead!! Congrats on teh recognition, we love you!!
I embarrass myself all the time by saying things wrong or backwards, then laughing loudly like it's funny. I've learned that if I'm the only one that laughs it usually is not funny at all.
i think that is a great response to the mag's question. my response would be similar. i have no friends cuz i'm arrogant and type A, and it takes too much effort to try to make friends. i have plenty of time on my hands, and i'm lazy. i don't like to read much unless it is a tabloid mag., i prefer TV. i don't like to be outside cuz it's hot and buggy, and getting another hobby would be just too much work. take care.
-Kiki
your husband is obviously jealous of your sarcastic wit and ability to make a living whilst wearing sweatpants
Things always come out weird. Thats one of the reasons for me I hate talking on the phone. I need the body language and social cues to go along with things or else I'm liable to offend whoever I'm talking to.
Congratulations on being The #1 Meanest Mom! Well, maybe not exactly like that sounds but you were #1.
I hope you are ready, willing and able to continue writing. No matter what you say or how you say it, I am willing to bet 99% of us can totally relate.
Ginger
i dont think you are weird. but maybe that means i am weird.
once, at a play group get together with food, a friend asked me if i tried the raspberry cobbler and if i liked it... i went on and on about its texture and its lack-luster impression... then when i said, why, what did you think? she informed that she made it.
You guys are so funny! Live and learn, I guess! Live and Learn!
Isn't it a good thing you were recognized? You are totally on the map...
And as a Mom, I always say things in an awkward way anyway.. not a talent I had pre-kids life!
Hey I love love love your blog and I don't care if you are weird. :-) Keep up the amazing work...love it.
Sheri From Port Moody Canada
I am breathing a sigh of relief that I am not the only one who makes awkward statements, I have a bad habit of speaking backwards and switching my words around as well. Thanks for letting me feel better about not being too alone out there!
Congrats on the #1 meanest mommy, gonna have to check out the article sometime when I find it.
-Canadian Mommy
See, this is why I love your blog so much. I think most things I say come out the wrong way. And actually, I could relate to what you wrote. Ah, I'm not the only person in the world that is just not that social. Yay.
Cute blog. The banner art is truly hilarious.
Congratulations on being featured!
Damned was that a weird thing to say? then sign me up for the weird club. Oh let's be real - who says things without a shoe or two in their mouth daily? Yeah, I didn't think so...
That question you asked, pretty much sums up my life. I am the talk first, think later kind of girl. It isn't until later that I realize why I got the look I did for saying what I said. And it is usually after someone else points it out. Don't change a thing- you're great the way you are! Your husband sounds pretty darn funny too!
congrats on your award!! the "i didn't mean it like that" that sticks out most to me was when i told my husband that if one of us were to die before the other, i thought it should be him. i meant, of course, that he would be in a better place and i would be here to carry on and raise the kids, etc. somehow, it didn't quite sound that way when the words left my mouth. :)
uh, no, everything thing that comes out of my mouth is practically perfect in every way. yeah. mmm hmmm. sure. lol. I think we're all awkward a lot of the time. Some are just louder with their awkwardness than others. like me.
How about the time I was talking to a friend about her son's learning disability and I said something like "Well, if R. was normal..."? I stopped mid-sentence and just said "Okay, that sounded so wrong that I'm just going to shut up now."
Of course she got me back a couple weeks later (unintentionally) while talking about how she was glad her son got along so well with my boys, even though mine are a year older. That with her son's challenges, he usually has trouble relating to kids his age.... so her developmentally delayed 7 yo son gets along great with my 8 yos? What does that say about my kids?
She was so embarassed, but I told her it was nothing I didn't already know-LOL!
Um, yes. This wasn't said in a weird way but it's funny regardless.
There was an unmanned teenage sunday school class on Mother's day so I hung around to make sure that they actually had a teacher. When she finally showed up one of the 16 year olds said "Can we just make Mother's day cards today?" To which I said "What are you five?". Turns out that's what their teacher had planned to do with them that day. Oops.
Congrats on your award! Your comment was pretty funny. The crazy that comes out of my mouth is often taken the wrong way...if you know what I mean. (Pervvie! LOL)
Life...EXAGGERATED
First sex 6 weeks postpartum, and needless to say I was worried about pain, but it was our anniversary and I hadn't had time to shop for a gift, so...
Afterward, I turned to my husband and said "That wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be."
It's been 3 years and he still hasn't let me forget it.
Who wants to be normal anyway?? Normal is BOOOORRRRING! Besides, if you say something that's a little off, it makes you interesting and gives people something to talk about! IF you don't mind that sort of thing.
My husband says weird things just to see other people's reactions. It's fun to watch. :)
I say stuff that comes out the wrong way ALL THE TIME.
Congrats!
Steph
oh, I do that all the time. Then replay it in my head and cringe :-)
I think you are awesome! And if any of those 7 million people bother reading your blog they will know that too :-)
Tell your hubby that you know a Eskimo lady who's part of the weird club. I have tons of hobbies-all that don't require being sociable:D I do flowers, scrapbook, walk at 5 am and blog. I also have demanding kids. My five yr. old tried to get my attention tonight, (while I had a customer in my living room). The lady looked up to see my son hanging from our formal dining room chandelier! She panicked and I smiled. I can NEVER take my eyes off Star wars. He'll take over...
Hi Jana! I just started reading your blog and I find it hilarious! It is so nice to enjoy some good humor after a day of chasing around kindergarteners and then coming home to a husband and a one year old full of energy. Keep it coming!
My roommate works at the Sears Portrait Studio, and today she was telling me about all the germs she picks up at work. She said, "I spend all day touching little children!" and I couldn't stop laughing. It was so, so wrong.
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