Summer turns me upside down

August 20, 2010
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Oh, those dog days of summer. . .you know, lazing around a body of water, drinking frozen drinks, getting up only to fill those cups or to flip over for even tanning. . .


Yeah, I have no idea who gets to do this either.


If June and July had me hanging on by a thread, August has me running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I’ve been, or will be, visiting New York City, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire before this month is over. We have had one set of house guests for a week and will have another very soon.

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Nevermind that I haven’t even ordered all my homeschool curriculum, or found a new dance studio for the girls, or even figured out what kinds of extra curricular classes the kids will be taking in September.

But, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Being this busy, traveling this much, feeling like I’m being pulled in ten different directions feels normal. And after the start of this summer, a little normal feels pretty great.

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[photo at top is of my adorable niece]
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I left my mojo in New York City

August 17, 2010
Earlier this month, I made the annual pilgrimage to the whoa-this-is-huge conference known as BlogHer. Most of you know what I’m talking about, but just in case you are not sure, let me assure you that this is a real conference. There are panels and workshops and keynotes and a big expo with booths.

Yes, there are also parties and goofiness and screeching and hugging, something you may not get at, say, the American Convention of Meat Processors. But, this not one big pillow fight or swag fest, no matter what anyone says.

I had some wonderful moments. I ran the most meaningful almost-5k I’ve ever run for a little boy named Tanner. I came in second place in the most ridiculous dance-off ever and even have video to prove it. And, I reconnected with old friends, met new friends and babbled embarrassingly to bloggers I was determined to meet this year, even though I consider them to be Out Of My League.

And now I am home.

I’ve downloaded my BlogHer photos to Facebook and uploaded the dancing videos to YouTube. I’ve unpacked, mostly. I’ve read many blog posts about the conference where the one word I keep seeing is: Inspired.

Which leads me to this: Why don’t I feel inspired?

I don’t feel “uninspired”, I just feel stuck. I feel like nothing I could possibly write could be of much worth after seeing and hearing what others are doing. While I’m banging away on the keys, others are writing about humanitarian trips or important political issues. They are changing lives with their words. They are writing books or poetry or essays that make people gasp, cry, laugh, think.

I can’t be the only one who is left feeling, not bigger and built up and part of one collective, but smaller and somehow diminished. And, I don’t blame BlogHer one bit; I think it’s got a lot more to do with me than the conference (can you tell I’m going to counseling? so much more introspective!)

I’ll get over it. I did last year after Chicago’s BlogHer, when I swore I wouldn’t be going to BlogHer 2010.

Though, right now, I think I’ll sit out the next conference. I think I’d rather hold onto my fragile mojo.
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Get ready: I’m a UbiChamp

August 7, 2010

I hope this doesn’t sound too boastful, but I am a Champion. Cue the Queen music now.

Yes, I’m now an official product reviewer, or UbiChamp, for Ubisoft Games.

Now, some may find this amusing since I’m a bit of a spaz when it comes to video games. But my kids are thrillllllled beyond belief that we’re going to be testing new games over the next few months. And, I am thrilled to hear that several of these games will be active ones that will get us moving around, especially when the temperature starts to drop.

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Here is me with the Raving Rabbid, my new BFF.

Over the next few months, you will see an occasional review and giveaway of a new game we’ve been trying out, along with the hilarity I’m sure that will ensue from me trying to learn how to play each game.

Today, I got a sneak peak of some of their up-and-coming games, the coolest being this amazing bit of technology coming soon to a game called Your Shape: Fitness Evolved:

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Yes, that is MINI ME on the screen. And, when I move, Mini Me moves. No controllers to hold. No mats to stand on. Very, very cool.

I am also very hopeful that the Fairly Odd Family will be able to test Just Dance 2.

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I cracked up watching people playing it, but I also couldn’t wait to try it out myself. Just look at this great screen shot from the game:

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I think I want a wig and some platform shoes to go along with the game.

And, to my kids who are being so great while I’m away, Mommy is bringing you a little something:
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For those of you here in New York for BlogHer ’10, check out the Ubisoft booth in Americas Hall 1: It is really fun, no lie.

I was selected by Ubisoft and Clever Girls Collective to be part of the Ubisoft Champions social media program. I am compensated for my participation in this program, but my reviews are solely my own and represent my honest opinions. Ubisoft and Clever Girls Collective promote Blog With Integrity.
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Filed Under: Fairly Odd Me, Fairly Odd Reviews 10 Comments
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