tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73673595695335954672024-03-13T15:17:27.372-04:00Not Another Mom Blog!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-42323915408150325932009-03-16T15:48:00.002-04:002009-03-16T15:51:12.808-04:00Pssst....Guess what??<br /><br />I'm over here now: <a href="http://jittersandtwitters.blogspot.com/">Jitters & Twitters</a>!<br /><br />I have a lot of blog links to put back up. If you were a reader of mine here, PLEASE leave me a comment over there, to make it easier for me to update my links!! Even if you were just a lurker!!<br /><br />Thanks!!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-16834998225245238292009-01-31T19:44:00.004-05:002009-01-31T19:53:26.933-05:00Oh, my poor neglected blog!Again. Sigh.<br /><br />When I get into my bloggers-block mode, you can always follow me at <a href="http://twitter.com/iamjavamama">twitter</a>. I also waste quite a bit of time at facebook:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Amanda-Muszynski-McConville/732569909" title="Amanda Muszynski McConville's Facebook profile" target=_TOP><img src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/732569909.124.2135697651.png" border=0 alt="Amanda Muszynski McConville's Facebook profile"></a></center><br /><br />I'm big into the <a href="http://www.last.fm/user/IAmJavaMama">LastFM</a> thing, too!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-12336221383973375102009-01-19T17:45:00.002-05:002009-01-19T17:48:26.483-05:00Follow Inauguration Tweets, Live!<center><iframe src="http://inaugurationreport.com/widgets/big.html" width=280 height=540 border=0 style="padding:0px;margin:0x;border:0px" SCROLLING=NO ></iframe></center><br /><br />Join the fun by leaving your inauguration comments on this blog post and <a href="http://twitter.com/IAmJavaMama" target="blank">Twittering</a> with the #inaug09 tag!<br /><br />Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-89197632283643307992009-01-08T11:48:00.000-05:002009-01-08T11:49:23.295-05:00This is freakin' AWESOME.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tU51SIGopls&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tU51SIGopls&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-86269216094313403372009-01-04T17:14:00.005-05:002009-01-04T17:30:05.337-05:00Extrememe Makeover: Home Edition Tonight!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SWE4RQR06RI/AAAAAAAAA-I/BQf0qUWX7D0/s1600-h/1291814697_17844d6f8e.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SWE4RQR06RI/AAAAAAAAA-I/BQf0qUWX7D0/s200/1291814697_17844d6f8e.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287569306588342546" /></a> Watch <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=index">Extrememe Makeover: Home Edition</a> tonight on <a href="http://abc.go.com/">ABC</a>. The family tonight is from right in here in Pittsburgh. I got to process and print photos for the show/family! A small thing, but still... It was pretty cool. <br /><br />My very good friend, co-worker, and photography guru <a href="http://chuckbrownphotography.com/blog/">Chuck</a> from <a href="http://chuckbrownphotography.com/">Chuck Brown Photography</a> actually got to do more... he took photos, did interviews, and wrote about it for a local newspaper. He blogged about his experience <a href="http://chuckbrownphotography.com/blog/?p=29">here</a>. Check it out! <br /><br />I'm excited to watch this tonight, it is going to be a very touching story (as usual!). Check it out! And if you see framed family photos, photos from their vacation, etc. know that yours truly had the honor of helping to make that happen!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-10291007167576797762009-01-03T23:42:00.011-05:002009-01-04T00:20:26.747-05:00NAMB's Recommended ReadingTime for installment 1 of NAMB (Not Another Mom Blog) Recommended Reading. Where I read something, and If I love it, I tell YOU to read it. My feature selection for today is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SWBFmOpY2CI/AAAAAAAAA94/0WR0Dx9ueSA/s1600-h/9780618902835.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SWBFmOpY2CI/AAAAAAAAA94/0WR0Dx9ueSA/s200/9780618902835.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287302485601998882" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/061890283X/ref=s9sdps_c1_14_img1-rfc_p_si1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=19CPS9ZYF2FD9VBKJD7M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=463383351&pf_rd_i=507846">The Best American Non-Required Reading 2008</a>.<br /><br />This book is Freakin' AWESOME! It includes some highly humorous subject matter, such as <i>Best American Police Blotter Items from Kensington California</i>. True and highly amusing tidbits from the police blotter of a very, <i>very</i> small town with a very bored police department.<br /><br />Also, such gems as <i>Best American Facebook Groups</i>. I am soooo joining "I Beat George W. Bush on the SATs."<br /><br />Also included in this book:<br /><br />- Best American Last Sentances of Books<br />- Best American Names of Champion Show Dogs<br />- Best American Ron Paul Facts (Ron Paul invented Chuck Norris! Ron Paul doesn't pee, he liberates Urine!)<br />- Best American Kurt Vonnegut Writings<br /><br />There is also a fantastic journal type story, called <i>Best American Diary of the Living Dead, or: Are You There God? It's Me. Also, A Bunch of Zombies.</i> I will let the title of that one speak for itself. It's some pretty funny stuff.<br /><br />The book is not all humor, though. There were some very touching and thought provoking stories, such as: <br />- A story about poverty in Buenos Aires and people called "Cartoneros" who collect and recycle to make a living <br />- A girl given up by her mother at birth <br />- A boy's obsession with nonexistence <br />- The sun going dark for no apparent reason <br />- A vigilante conservation organization out to save the whales by literally running into whaling ships on international waters (The man who leads this was a founding member of Greenpeace and was kicked out) <br />- A biracial young woman searching for answers about Judaism in Israel (This includes a fascinating history of Ethiopian Jews) <br />- One of my favorites: An eye opening story about the Clinton Foundation and what they are doing for AIDS victims all over the world. <br /><br />There are more stories, too. Short stories, Fiction, Non-Fiction, even a few comics and cartoons. <br /><br />It really is a truly awesome book. Go, buy it, read it! <br /><br />Stay tuned for more installments of NAMB's Recommended Reading!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-47994250755530692062009-01-02T11:41:00.008-05:002009-01-02T11:48:26.199-05:00Scrap Blogging, Anyone?I have found yet another new internet addiction! <a href="http://scrapblog.com/iamjavamama">Scrapblogs</a>! Check out a few of my creations:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5E8oF56RI/AAAAAAAAA9g/7WOHoMO9WT4/s1600-h/Maya_Page_0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5E8oF56RI/AAAAAAAAA9g/7WOHoMO9WT4/s400/Maya_Page_0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286738820924565778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5E5QDya4I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/k4WyBjwh_Uw/s1600-h/Cousins_Page_0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5E5QDya4I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/k4WyBjwh_Uw/s400/Cousins_Page_0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286738762933627778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5Ezj-ARfI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/Hx1yWJplq5M/s1600-h/Maya_Page_0+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5Ezj-ARfI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/Hx1yWJplq5M/s400/Maya_Page_0+(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286738665198863858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5EtTvlcRI/AAAAAAAAA9I/psLL8OT4ckQ/s1600-h/cousins_Page_0(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5EtTvlcRI/AAAAAAAAA9I/psLL8OT4ckQ/s400/cousins_Page_0(2).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286738557764202770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5EoDJ46kI/AAAAAAAAA9A/niFxVB0F9ZY/s1600-h/Fabulous_Page_0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SV5EoDJ46kI/AAAAAAAAA9A/niFxVB0F9ZY/s400/Fabulous_Page_0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286738467411782210" /></a><br /><br />More over at <a href="http://scrapblog.com/iamjavamama">my scrapblog</a>. I'm telling you, it's crazy addicting and fun!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-76823209326536634942009-01-01T14:45:00.005-05:002009-01-01T15:17:42.386-05:00Reflections for a New Year Fondue is YUMMY.Because isn't this what we're suppose to do? Write something deep and meaningful about all of our memories, regrets, and triumphs of the old year, and our hopes, dreams, and fears for the new year?<br /><br />Perhaps post lengthy lists of all of our resolutions, to-do lists, and wish lists?<br /><br />Bah. Who has time for that???!<br /><br />I have nothing but Fondue on my brain. After a successful round of chocolate fondue last night, I have been furiously googling all the fondue recipes I can find.<br /><br />Cheese Fondue! Pizza Fondue! Cheese Fondue with Beer in it! Caramel Fondue! Peanut Butter Marshmallow Fondue! Mexican Cheese Fondue! Italian Fondue! Cheese and Seafood Fondue!<br /><br />The possibilities are endless. I'm even in the mental process of concocting my very own recipes. <br /><br />Happy New Year Everyone. Go try some Fondue!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-52648715887262099962008-12-30T11:44:00.002-05:002008-12-30T11:52:25.088-05:00Big Sigh of Relief...It seems the craziness from the holidays is starting to calm down a little. See... I actually have time to sit here and type something up for my poor neglected blog!<br /><br />Work is slowing down, things returning slowly but surely back to normal. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays. It was fun. Just crazy.<br /><br />Maya was quite a happy camper, she really made out this year... between Santa and family, she is now the proud owner of a Nintendo DS lite (red!) and 8, yes 8 games. I have shamelessly been hogging the DS quite a bit, I must confess. <br /><br />There are also a whole variety of other various toys and games and doo-dads to keep her occupied. We've been playing boggle and have yet to try out the joys of cupcake making with her Gourmet Girl cupcake maker. It's nice having her home from school, but the poor kid has a pretty bad cold right now. Sipping hot apple cider and watching Nims Island. Great movie, by the way!<br /><br />I'm also the proud owner of a new Fondue Set, which I have been wanting for, well, a long time. I'm thinking of trying chocolate rum fondue recipe for New Years eve. Yummy.<br /><br />I haven't had a chance to read up on all my wonderful fave blogs recently, I plan on taking some time to do that today and tomorrow, but I do hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday, whatever and however you celebrate!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-40546537285753684852008-12-18T01:33:00.001-05:002008-12-18T01:34:41.494-05:00See How Dorky Cool I am?!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SUnuCPTbyVI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/Ga4tu34Vwto/s1600-h/DSCN0012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/SUnuCPTbyVI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/Ga4tu34Vwto/s400/DSCN0012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281013760303810898" /></a><br /><br />This picture taken at Primanti Bros! And if you know Primanti Bros, here is the group for you:<br /><br /><a href="http://burghmoms.ning.com" target="blank">Burgh Moms Club</a>.<br /><br />:)Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-41058958811592530202008-12-14T09:45:00.002-05:002008-12-14T09:50:28.585-05:00A Trip Down Memory Lane!Anyone who was a kid in the 80's... you have GOT to watch these!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c82cAG6dOtE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c82cAG6dOtE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MpKaGrmSQLk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MpKaGrmSQLk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/loUNoy0Qub0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/loUNoy0Qub0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2e5q6ubDlZE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2e5q6ubDlZE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />More to come, I'm sure!!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-467999309083773222008-12-12T19:29:00.003-05:002008-12-12T19:43:40.465-05:00Bark At The MoonSo, tonight is going to be the largest full moon of the year, and I will be out and about Christmas shopping, out among the masses of already crazed people all trying to get that ever coveted deal of the century. Will the full moon make them even crazier? I can only hope not. <br /><br />Going on a Friday night, 2 weeks before Christmas.. not so smart to begin with. But hey, it was pay day for the hubby and I, and my schedule doesn't allow me much freedom and flexibility. The stars aligned (albeit with the <i>largest full moon of the year!</i>) allowing a night off, alone time with hubby, grand parent provided kid-sitting and money in our pockets... all at the same time, on the same night. How could I pass up this opportunity? <br /><br />The kiddo has requested the follow items from Santa, which will no doubt leave her one very disappointed little girl on Christmas morning:<br /><br />A Laptop (Hahaha.. Santa has not yet finished paying off <i>her</i> laptop, and kiddo thinks she can get one? She is EIGHT!!!)<br /><br />A Cell Phone. Yes, a cell phone. Once again... she is EIGHT!! Now, I do see the logic in kids having cell phones... safety concerns all that. But I'm thinking, maybe let her hit double digits first? I don't need a cell phone bill through the roof because she's downloaded 6,754 Hannah Montana and Jonas Bros ring tones. Besides, I am perfectly capable of providing my very own through-the-roof cell phone bills, courtesy of my new friend <a href="http://notanothermoblog.blogspot.com">MoBlogging</a>.<br /><br />A Video Camera. HA. She is the daughter of an aspiring photographer who works in a camera shop! The kid already has a digital camera nicer than most kids her age have, AND it does shoot video, and she has a pretty little 4 gig SD card to go with it! So, ixnay on the ideovay ameracay.<br /><br />Nintendo DS. Ah. Now this, I can do. Mainly because I want to play with it, too. If she lets me. Well.. she will have to sleep <i>sometime</i> right?<br /><br />Happy Holiday Shopping to all, and... hey, wish me luck out there with all the werewolves and frantic shopping lunatics under the glow of the gigantic full moon!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-27227500261682925552008-12-09T21:48:00.004-05:002008-12-09T22:00:37.727-05:00I Moblog!Trying something new, just for fun! I am using a cool service over at <a href="http://www.utterli.com">Utterli</a> to send live pics, texts, and even audio (have not tried the audio yet, but it will happen!) to my NEW <a href="http://notanothermoblog.blogspot.com">MoBlog</a> (mobile blogging) from my cell phone. <br /><br />So If I am at the drug store and I see a <a href="http://notanothermoblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/genius-mobile-post-sent-by-iamjavamama_09.html">pooping penguin candy dispenser</a>, I can snap the pic with my phone and send it directly to <a href="http://notanothermoblog.blogspot.com">my moblog</a>! Fancy, huh?<br /><br />So, go check out <a href="http://notanothermoblog.blogspot.com">Not Another MoBlog</a> (clever, eh?) and if you are feeling adventurous, you can even go sign up at <a href="http://www.utterli.com">Utterli</a> and follow me. It's kind of like Twitter, only you can post pics and audio and more, too. <br /><br />I even have a cool new sidebar widget on this blog to show off my latest moblog on my other blog... try saying <i>that</i> ten times fast!<br /><br />I have it set to "cross blog" with the new blog I set up on blogspot. It's pretty simple. This could be fun... ya'll should go sign up, make your own MoBlog, and then we could, like, link each others Moblogs! Fun times.<br /><br />Fun times, until my next phone bill comes in, that is...Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-2030658381261369242008-12-08T18:50:00.004-05:002008-12-08T21:27:54.828-05:00Southern VampiresI don't know how I am going to be able to wait until May 2009 for <a href="http://www.sookiestackhouse.com/books/upcoming.htm">this</a> to come out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/ST3XkfXoZeI/AAAAAAAAA8M/Osk-tT6Hofk/s1600-h/A486524732.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/ST3XkfXoZeI/AAAAAAAAA8M/Osk-tT6Hofk/s400/A486524732.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277611360243967458" /></a><br /><br />Sigh. Anyone else read <a href="http://www.sookiestackhouse.com/books/books.htm">these</a>? GREAT series. For real. If you were a fan of <a href="http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html">Twilight</a>, you will LOVE these even more! They are sooooo much better. More grown up, too.<br /><br />For the record... I <3 <a href="http://www.sookiestackhouse.com/books/characters.htm#eric">Eric</a>.Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-84114478827969015452008-12-07T12:01:00.004-05:002008-12-07T12:42:33.313-05:0013 Things Your Sales Associate Won't Tell YouBased on the popular readers digest "13 things your __________ won't tell you" I bring you my version, 13 things your friendly retail sales associate won't tell you during the crazy holiday season.<br /><br />1. If you are shopping anytime between the day after Thanksgiving and about a week or two after Christmas, EXPECT TO WAIT! Don't get mad at ME because, GASP! There is a store full of people and you actually have to wait for 10 minutes... the weekend after Thanksgiving! <br /><br />2. I'm sorry if sometimes I seem a wee bit cranky. I am friendly and bouncy and cheerful 99% of the time, not my fault if you caught me during that inevitable 1% moment... I've been dealing with rude customers, huge crowds, noise, running back and forth, god forsaken mall xmas music ALL DAY, and really... it's nothing personal. Unless, of course, you were rude to me first. Then? It's personal.<br /><br />3. Please don't stay after we close because we're too nice to kick you out. It's after 11, we've been here all day, we want to go home, the gate is down and the lights are half off... can't you hear our heavy sighs through your bombardment of questions? Can't you take a hint or 10? Come back another time. Please.<br /><br />4. Every customer is important.. not just YOU. Stop expecting special treatment. We treat our customers well, we try our best to show great customer service to ALL our customers, but we treat all our customers the SAME. You can't get your photos in 10 minutes instead of an the typical hour, you can't get 50% off that tripod or camera bag just because you are a "regular" customer.<br /><br />5. That joke about the item being FREE if it doesn't scan the first time? So. Not. Funny.<br /><br />6. If you have to bring all 7 of your kids into our tiny store full of highly expensive and breakable merchandise, could you PLEASE parent them so we don't have to? And could you maybe NOT stay for an hour while ignoring the fact that they are hitting each other over the head with our tripods and tossing glass photo frames around like footballs?<br /><br />7. When I ask you if you'd like a bag with that, please, for the love of GOD, don't say "No I already have one, she's out in the car!"<br /><br />8. Items sell out. They do. Especially when it's a really good deal. Don't get all huffy just because It's in the AD but we have none in stock. There's no conspiracy against you where we are holding all the merchandise in the back room just to tick you off.<br /><br />9. Speaking of back rooms, I know what we have and don't have, on the floor AND in the back. Don't ask me to please check for you when I have already told you there are none back there. I am not just being lazy, I am not lying, we really don't have any back there!<br /><br />10. We will be a LOT nicer to you if you are nice to us!<br /><br />11. Don't bitch at me because wallymart or betterbuy has a lower price than we do. Go there, then. I don't set the prices. I'm not personally trying to rip you off. Oh, you can order it online for hundreds less? GREAT! Have fun trying to get personal service if you have a problem with your purchase. Mr. Internet will be a great help, I'm sure.<br /><br />12. In the photo lab, sometimes our machines break. The world is an imperfect place, screws fall out all the time. I'm very sorry, but please, don't take it out on ME. I did not purposely break our equipment just to make your life hell.<br /><br />13. If you know you need to special order something, DO IT EARLY!! I can't help it if you wait until a week before xmas, and it doesn't come in time!! I'm not the one who procrastinated, YOU are!!<br /><br />Happy Holiday Shopping All! And please, show some cheer and respect to all the retail workers you come in contact with this season.... they are working LONG hours, overtime, and dealing with a lot!!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-35202608438533998452008-12-05T00:06:00.003-05:002008-12-05T00:10:31.122-05:00I need to get me one of these!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/STi3KYLT7WI/AAAAAAAAA7k/AFXAeogFkco/s1600-h/chair-books.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6XrH_-7c7kI/STi3KYLT7WI/AAAAAAAAA7k/AFXAeogFkco/s400/chair-books.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276168352381005154" /></a><br /><br />How cool is <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span>?!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-46837966401585500042008-12-04T07:35:00.003-05:002008-12-04T07:39:00.890-05:00Come Back! Please?As you can see, I am slowly but surely getting this blog put back together. Not done yet, but getting there! I miss blogging so much, I miss all my fave blogs and I miss all my readers and bloggy friends (wow, how dorky did THAT sound?)<br /><br />Due to my super long Hiatus, I know I have lost a lot of readers but I'm hoping to gain you back! I will be maing my rounds to all my fave blogs over the next few days.<br /><br />Check back soon, because I am BACK baby, for good!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-61581095427269368332008-11-25T19:03:00.002-05:002008-11-25T19:04:27.336-05:00Hi Ya'llI am still thinking about fixing up this blog and coming back to it full time. In the meantime, follow me on twitter:<br /><br />http://twitter.com/IAmJavaMamaMandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-22176937592132271342008-09-17T16:36:00.002-04:002008-09-17T16:39:25.093-04:00Maybe I will just come back here.Yeah, I'm not digging it at vox too much. I have more time now that Maya is back in school, and.... I miss it here! I miss blogging here and I miss my bloggy friends and the interaction... and I miss all the reading and keeping up with all the blogs on my blogroll that I LOVE... so, yeah. I need to redesign this place and open back up.<br /><br />:)Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-73873406770079854482008-08-28T20:35:00.002-04:002008-08-28T20:38:14.356-04:00New Blog!!!!!!Hey everyone... if anyone is even still there... Hello?? HELLO?? Oh, well. it's my fault for being away so long....<br /><br />in case you happen to come back and see this, I have started a new blog:<br /><br />http://mandy645.vox.com/<br /><br />Yeah, it's kinda a lame vox blog, yet somehow cool at the same time.. anyway....<br /><br />drop by there and leave me a comment... I will add your link over there... little by little. <br /><br />and you should really get a vox blog. way cooler than blogger. lol.Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-11696481806480875342008-08-28T19:15:00.001-04:002008-08-28T19:15:36.408-04:00FlickrThis is a test post from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/r/testpost"><img alt="flickr" src="http://www.flickr.com/images/flickr_logo_blog.gif" width="41" height="18" border="0" align="absmiddle" /></a>, a fancy photo sharing thing.Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-72679083450334993912008-06-04T14:26:00.003-04:002008-06-04T15:08:29.179-04:00Another Political PostAs all of you must know by now, Barack Obama made history last night by securing enough delegates to clinch the democratic nomination.<br /><br />Let me start off by saying, I believe this is a monumental moment for our country. We have come a long way from the days of Dr. Martin Luther King, but I do believe we still have a long way to go.<br /><br />I do believe Barack Obama is the best possible candidate for President of this country, regardless of his race, I just feel that is is quite an accomplishment someone of African American decent was able to get the nomination.<br /><br />As for Hillary. I have tried my best to stay off the Hillary topic on my blog. I think I have done a reasonably good job at voicing my support for one candidate without "bashing" or disrespecting another.<br /><br />Today, however... it must be done. I must voice my opinions. <br /><br />Let me say, when this race for the democratic nominee first started, I had a high degree of respect for both candidates. I did my research, I listened to both sides, I listened to hard core Hillary supporters as well as hard core Obama supporters, I read both of their websites in depth, and so on. I was ecstatic that I was able to chose between a Woman and an African American!! This, too, is historical and just, wonderful. I was not going to make my choice based on Gender or Race, however.<br /><br />I chose Barack Obama for a variety of reasons. We all know, by now, where he stands on the many issues. We all know his personality, his hopes, beliefs, dreams for our country. So I am not going to get into it in depth why I chose him.<br /><br />I still had so, so much respect for Hillary, however. Tremendous amounts.<br /><br />As the campaigns rolled on, and on and on and on, I found myself losing tiny bits of that respect here and there. I felt like she was unfairly attacking Barack at times, while it seemed like he was trying his best to keep his campaign focused on the issues, where HE stood, and NOT on the other candidate.<br /><br />Up until last night, I still had respect left for Hillary. I didn't mind that she wasn't going concede before either candidate had clinched the nomination, why should she? She has broken barriers, and it was such a close race, and her supporters from every state had a right to cast their votes. Yes, I was starting to grow concerned about the "unity" of the party, but... let the democratic process continue!!<br /><br />Considering the candidates we had running, I knew it was inevitable that talk of racism and sexism would come up. And yes... Racism and Sexism are both alive and well in this country. And yes, Racism and Sexism were effecting both campaigns. Only one candidate could win this nomination, and I knew, whoever won, people would be crying out either Racism or Sexism about the other candidate. And regardless, they would probably be right to a certain extent. But the fact is, only ONE candidate could win this. So, either the country would be accused of Racism in the case of Hillary winning, or sexism is the case of Obama winning. It was, and is, inevitable.<br /><br />I think it is incredible that Hillary made it as far as she did and I respect that. I really, really do. And the fact that the race was so, so so close speaks volumes about the progress we are making as a country in both areas of racism <i>and</i> sexism. But the fact of the matter is, only one could win, and Obama did it.<br /><br />Last night, was Obama's night. Hillary has a lot to be proud of, but... it was Obama's night. We have to give him that. Our Children and Grandchildren and generations to follow will be reading about this in their history books. Thanks to Hillary, they will also someday be reading about the first Woman nominee and/or President, but last night was the night for THIS particular historical moment.<br /><br />Last night was also the night that should have begun the healing in our Party. We DO need to unite, we need to come together. Hillary had an opportunity for that to begin, to start that process, to stand behind Barack Obama, to get her supporters behind him. Barack Obama has clinched this nomination fair and square. She needs to accept that and even embrace that. As democrats, we need to stand united and proud that we had a woman and an african american make it so far, and we have to stand proud behind our democratic candidate... Barack Obama.<br /><br />What did she do instead? She refused to officially concede, she made her speech all about her when, in my opinion, it should have been more about Obama... like I said, it was HIS night. She pumped up her supporters to continue to stand with HER. she barely mentioned him, except in one short, almost obligatory phrase. And, she stated she was not making any decisions? Well, I'm very sorry, but... there are no more decisions to make. The American People have already decided. The democratic process played itself out, the outcome has been reached. If the party is going to come together, unite, and heal... SHE needs to accept this, and SHE needs to help this happen.<br /><br />I have another thing to say that has been bothering me.<br /><br />In my opinion, I don't think it was very fair for her to publicly announce that she would consider the VP position. Her saying this, in combination with the speech she gave last night, has put Barack Obama in very tough position. I feel like she has put him in a position where he almost HAS to chose her for VP to keep the party united. By declaring she would accept this, and by saying all the things she said last night, getting her supporters more rallied around her than Obama, she has made it so that if Obama does NOT chose her, her supporters might get even more upset. <br /><br />Is she doing this on purpose? Maybe, Maybe not. I tend to think she is, though. I feel as though is after a "co-presidency" more so than a vice presidency. I, personally, don't really like that idea.<br /><br />I am not completely 100% against her being VP, I can think a lot of good reasons to like that idea, but... I can't honestly say it would be my first choice. For many dems it may be, and that's fine. And if she were to be the VP choice, I would rally around the both of them and show my full support.<br /><br />I will end this long rant of mine by saying, Obama's speech really blew me away last night. I also love the fact that he was so, so gracious and respectful to Hillary, even more than just respectful. He spoke so little of himself, too. He should have been the one to go and on and on about his accomplishments, instead he chose to go on and on about Hillary's and then focus on trying to untie the party. Thank you, Barack Obama.<br /><br />Also, did anyone happen to watch McCain's speech? I'm sorry but, that was just awful. <br /><br />I am done now. I just had to get that all out. I probably didn't even say half of all the things I've been thinking, and I may not have gotten it all out right, but... I tried.Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-1499108541165244782008-06-03T21:10:00.001-04:002008-06-03T21:12:13.746-04:00WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!Barack Obama has clinched the democratic nomination!!!!!!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-38578445735945015772008-06-03T12:33:00.005-04:002008-06-03T12:41:42.701-04:00HiI just can't keep up with this blog much anymore!! I don't know what it is. <br /><br />I'm not saying I am leaving or quitting. I'm just saying... sorry, I must be going through a phase, but I know the phase will be over soon.<br /><br />I do have another online journal, that's a bit more personal, but it's mostly friends only. So here's the deal.<br /><br />If you have a livejournal account, leave me a comment or email me: java_mama@yahoo.com and let me know what your livejournal addy is and I will add you. If you don't, well... go get one. Haha.<br /><br />Feel free to do this even if you've only been mostly "lurking" here.<br /><br />I'm not leaving this blog, though. So stop by from time to time!<br /><br />By the way... good news. Maya was asked to try out for the "team trainers" program at gymnastics, which is a pre-team training program. So, she did... and she made it!<br /><br />So, now I will be diving into the world of competitive gymnastics. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I have read so many good things, but so many bad things, about this level of gymnastics. <br /><br />But, they seem to think she has what it takes, and she loves it more than life itself right now!Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7367359569533595467.post-14117413907492708392008-05-27T12:55:00.003-04:002008-05-27T13:01:36.510-04:00So, Where have you been?...You may or may not be wondering.<br /><br />Life gets in the way of blogging sometimes. Which is a good thing, really. <br /><br />I've been working a lot, got a decent amount of hours, which is awesome. However, this leaves less time for my family and therefore, even less time for my dorky internet addiciton. Haha.<br /><br />I know I put up that cool photo meme thing and I still totally plan on doing it, and I soooo appreciate the responses... very cool ideas, people!<br /><br />I just can't promise when. Hopefully soon.<br /><br />Thank goodness I'm not attempting NaBloPoMo this month, eh??<br /><br />Keep in touch, though, internet. I'm still here, I swear.<br /><br />p.s. I'm seriously considering purchasing the Sony a200 instead of the Nikon d40 or d60. Any opinions?Mandy (ZenMonkeyMind)http://www.blogger.com/profile/04766262566767795342noreply@blogger.com3