I’ve been challenged by a fellow blogger to share more of myself in my posts.

See it turns out I’m not as vanilla in real life as I may appear. I’m aware that upon first glance you feel you may make certain assumptions because I’m just another white, married, working, suburban mom, in her late 30’s. And in many ways, I am all of those things. And in many ways, I’m not at all. I’m used to it though.

Get to know me, and you might be surprised. Though I haven’t really given you the opportunity have I? And there’s the irony. I’ll admit here that I’ve peed all over myself in a port-o-let or that the Brazillian is the only way to go, but what have I shared about my life experiences? What have I shared of my beliefs and how they were formed? The thing is, I just didn’t think you’d find that information all that interesting. And damn how I don’t want to be all “me, me, me, me, me.” But I’m taking on the challenge. I’m going to try and let you in.

I find it all so interesting. Obviously as bloggers we feel the need to share something of ourselves with the world. So what holds us back?

Does your blog reflect the whole you? In what way? Or if not, what don’t your readers see? Are there things you consciously don’t share or is it, like me, that you didn’t realize you were leaving the big things out?

You grabbed my hand to hold it and all felt right with the world. My stomach was doing flip flops. I was doing everything I could to prevent my teeth from chattering–that happens when I’m nervous. And, I was left speechless.

Me. Speechless.

I had waited for that moment, contemplated that moment, pictured that moment in my head for weeks and here it was. All I wanted to do was drink it in. I let you talk. I let you lead the way. My heart is pounding just thinking about it all now–all this time later. The world was going on around us traffic signals turning red then green, the sun lowering itself in the late afternoon and the only thing I could feel was your hand on mine. The only thing in my focus was how you kept squeezing my hand as if to make sure I was really there.

And I was there. I was there in that moment drinking in every detail behind my dark sunglasses. I felt safe behind them. They served as my last vestige of protection before you had me wholly. I knew once I let you see my eyes I could never hide anything from you again.

And so it was.

I think I broke my funny bone.

See! That’s the best I can do right now. It’s pathetic.

I spent last winter and spring walking through life witnessing all sorts of moments that just begged for a humorous interpretation on this here blog and now? My blog is getting all serious with posts written from my heart and crap like that. I mean how will I ever regain my cred with him or her or her or him or him or her or him? Heh. That’s funny. Like I evah had cred with them.

What are my typical go-to topics?

Sex: Haven’t stopped any lines at the airports lately to have a dildo inspected.

Kids: No one’s been naming body parts lately.

School: Well I was in charge of the annual Fun Fair Cake Walk, but there was nothing funny about crawling around on the floor of the school to tape down letters so already over-weight America could win the 124 cakes that were donated for the event. (Oh and a big BRAAAGH! to the woman who went to Costco, bought the three bread box and split them up and wrapped them individually to make it look like she baked them herself. Own it if you don’t bake sweetheart, but don’t try to make it look like you slaved away all day.)

Hair Removal: My esthetician went on vacation for two weeks! Trust me. Nothing fun(ny) there at all.

Family: Dad hasn’t tried to set my brother up with any other starlets lately. If I get desperate for material (or bored) I might just offer him up on eBay soon.

Politics: SO not funny right now.

See?

Is there a doctor in the house? It’s a matter of humor or death. Quick. Send help.

The great thing about the neverending blogroll? More posts for NaBloPoMo!

Unfortunately, I’ve gotten hooked on Stumble Upon lately and damnit if I don’t keep finding more sites at which to worship. Think there’s any work out there for someone to just read blogs all day long??

Anyway, on with the show…

Velveteen Mind Megan is the final member of the original Gulf Coast Momfia and the scallywag responsible for my new Stumble Upon addiction (damn you Megan!). That aside, Megan’s writing is phenomenal. Reading her writing is often like floating down a lazy river on a warm sunny day.

View from the Cloud I have to admit to being a new reader of this blog (which just celebrated its two year anniversary), but I love what I’ve read. I get the sense that Jeff is just a darn good guy.

The blog formerly known as Vodkarella (and Troll Baby) Karen hasn’t decided what her new blog will be yet, but she stays in my feedreader because I know it will be interesting. She’s never afraid to be honest and raw, and I admire her for her courage.

Where Am I Going and Why Am I in this Handbasket? Mamatulip–that’s some good stuff there.

Wiping Up Snot Karly is outrageous and funny and she homeschools which just amazes me.

Zone Family With three kids myself I completely understand the concept of a zone defense. She hasn’t been posting as much lately, but I hope that changes.

Because I Must Blog Any mamma who thinks a “yo momma” joke is funny is a keeper in my book.

Chicken and Cheese Okay I have to admit something here. Mrs. Chicken probably thinks I’ve abandoned her, but I just discovered that her blog disappeared from my reader. I kept thinking she just hadn’t been posting. *smacking my forehead* I have so much to catch up on now. Sorry Mrs. C. Don’t let this happen to you. Make sure you don’t miss any of the chicken and certainly none of the cheese.

Fussypants See lady! I didn’t leave you off. I just had a number of different lists to go through. You know Mamma Loves Mrs. Fussypants.

It’s Really Me First you get to read about Riley–the rockstar–and you get to share some time with Beth. I’ve never met her in real life, but through her writing I just know she’s one of those people who would feel like an old friend immediately.

Confessions of a Pioneer Woman I’d visit Ree’s blog if it was only for the gorgeous photos, but her writing is wonderful as well–as you can tell by the gagillions of comments she receives. I don’t comment, but I lurk.

Greeblemonkey I’m embarrassed to say this is another blog I haven’t been reading for long, but I just know that Aimee is my kind of girl.

I’d Rather Be Blogging I seriously think I was high when I was working on blogs A-J. Sorry Maureen. You know I love you.

We’re almost done folks, but I can’t finish tonight because my lids are flapping as I type.

Sometimes you’re going along surviving French III, making headway with your parents to extend your curfew and next thing you know life is raining on your perfectly, poufy, hot-rolled hair. That’s how it seemed to me, at 16, when my sister’s life started spinning out of control toppling the rest of my family over with her.

Drug addiction is an ugly thing.

Screaming, emergency room visits, rehab, changing schools, yelling, rehab, calls from the police, running away, rehab, padlocks on bedroom doors, counseling, rehab… A joke developed around the house.

Me: Mom I can’t find the camera.
Mom: We used to have one.
Together: But it wasn’t nailed to the counter. {explosion of laughter}

An addict will pawn anything to get money for drugs, whether it belongs to them or not.

You might think we sound heartless having enjoyed a laugh while my sister was obviously suffering in such a profound way, but we had too. Daily life was too hard. We all spent so many days, months–shoot years–walking on egg shells, not knowing what would happen next, worrying that we knew what would, that we needed a little levity just to cope.

Humor is a tactic my family’s employed a number of times over the years to avoid drowning in the buckets of shit that have been poured over our heads. I think it’s why one of my favorite movie scenes is the one in Steel Magnolia’s when Sally Field is cursing the world over her daughter’s coffin and Olympia Dukakis offers up Shirly MacLaine’s face for a smack. The relief of laughter after heaving sobs is like a cleansing shower.

Life sucks at times and we all need a way to figure out how to keep going. And this is all a very long way of explaining why I nominated Kris from I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Wino for the October Perfect Post award. The woman understands the importance of a good laugh.

When I started putting together this blogroll, I really had no idea it would take this long. I apologize for the lack of substantive posts lately, but I seem to be using up my words in other places and I do want to make sure I don’t miss anyone on this blogroll. So if you’ll hang in there with me for another day or two.

So where were we? Oh, yes. The Ses (S’s?) Tonight we have So-T

Southern Mom Another blogger who allows me to fulfill my New Orleans-y cravings. I have so much respect for the folks who stayed on to make sure the area would be revived.

Steel Magnolia Some people have real reasons to mope around and feel sorry for themselves. It always seems that the very people who do are the last that ever will. Terri always seems to see the bright side of life and is the best for leaving happy and supportive comments.

Sticking to the Point You know how you just meet someone and you know they’re good? I can still envision her there at the cocktail party with her camera in her hands.

Suburban Oblivion Here’s the second member of the Gulf Coast Momfia. She’s young, she’s beautiful, she’s talented. Crap. Why am I telling you to go read her? I should hate her, but I can’t. She rocks.

Sue Doe-Nim Sue and I agree on almost nothing, but I love her fiercely. She is a loyal friend and honest to the tips of her soccer-coaching toes.

Table for Five I first learned about having cards made for BlogHer from EE. A short while later she was sharing sex tips. She’s a giver that woman.

The Avery Lane Experience Paige is terrific writer. It’s as simple as that. On top of it, she’s friends with the Queen of Mayhem.

The Centurion Diaries I love the concept my UK friend developed. All posts must come in under 100 words. He took a break for a while, but he’s back, and I’m so happy.

The Hygiene Chronicles Steve is a fellow DC area parent blogger. He’s been a bit busy pursuing an advanced degree, but I’ll take all the great posts I can get.

The Jay Spot The man who started it all for me. Jay and I worked together. He shared with me his first blog and I was hooked. Way back then I never imagined getting a comment from someone I didn’t know. The ironic thing is that I don’t think he’s ever left a comment. Jerk.

The Queen of Shake-Shake Here’s the third member of the Gulf Coast Momfia. She’s also the author-i-tay of many other things. While one minute she’s making me snort Diet Coke, the next I find myself in awe of the powerful love she has for her kiddos.

Julie Pippert: Using My Words Okay, so it seems a bit odd we’re back in the J’s, but at one point Julie’s blog must have been called The Ravin’ Picture Maven because that’s how it’s listed in my reader. Anyhoo, check out Julie. You’ll be happy you did.

The Underpaid Kept Woman I think it Ms. Sunshine’s title that first got me, it was the fun that kept me.

The View from Here Another fellow VA blogger–one I’ve met in real life and who is still willing to be my friend. GF doesn’t hold back, but it’s all driven by a writer with a huge heart.

Toddler Planet You’ve joined Team WhyMommy right? You haven’t? Click on the button to the left and do it now. WhyMommy is teaching us all so much as she chronicles her fight with inflammatory breast cancer.

Twas Brillig Plain and simple–I go there for the writing.

I love to read.

If you’re a reader and a parent, you know how much less time you have to devote to your precious books since Junior’s arrival. So when a book grabbed me from the first page and took no time to read, I felt I had to share it.

Check out The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose.

I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first read about it. Most of this suspense story takes place in Rome (can you say DaVinci Code?) and it involves the intertwining lives of people who may or may not be experiencing flashes of past lives.

I know. Sounds weird, huh? But it wasn’t. I really was sucked in from the first page and read the entire last half of the book in one sitting. Rose did a terrific job of using reincarnation as a hook to unfold the mystery that never felt forced. And while I won’t ruin the ending, you must send me a note once you’re finished with it because I want to discuss it.

So many authors feel like they have to give you the whole story of what happens after the couple rides off in the sunset. Not here. While the mystery is solved there is still so much left that’s unknown. This alone has had me thinking about the book for a few days now.

The Reincarnationist isn’t going to make you any smarter, but it is going to entertain the heck out of you. Check it out. Put it on your list for your holiday reads, because admit it–as much as you love your family, they do get annoying after a while. What better excuse not to have to talk to Aunt Rose about her shingles than a good, fast read you can bury your nose in? Just sayin’.

an important message to readers.

The problem with a blogroll is that inevitably some fantabulous blog will get left off (or I’m just not cool enough to know about it), and then another blogging heart will be broken. I know I’ve already missed a few and I’m only at O. Heh. O. *snicker snicker*

Anyway, where was I?

Oh, the blogroll, beautiful blogs missing, tears, snot, mayhem.

This list is a work in progress. Once I get to Z (and I don’t have an Z blogs yet so if you know of good one please leave it in the comments), I’ll be posting an addendum. Give me a heads up if I’m missing the greatest blog of all time (or yours).

Now without further ado, I bring you Mamma’s Blogroll P-Some of the Ses.

Parentopia Written by Devra and Aviva. I can only attest to meeting Devra and let me just say the woman has enough energy and sense of humor for three people. They’re all about parenting without guilt. They’re my kind of girls!!! Sorry. Women!!
Peggy, as she is I can’t remember how I found Peggy, but I’m so glad I did. Her musings are right on.
Petroville One of the lovely sponsors of the monthly Perfect Post awards. Kimberly also knows how to throw a fun party–toga scooter races anyone?
Plain Jane Mom Erika is the hub of the parent blogging universe to me. I’m missing her GRIT posts, but she’s been a busy, busy woman. And, she’s raising “My Three Sons.”
Playgroups are No Place for Children The first up on the list representin’ the Gulf Coast Momfia. They have no idea how much I want them to invite me to hang with them.
Poot and Cubby There are just some people whose names you love to see in your comments. Andi is one of them. Doesn’t hurt that she’s a terrific blogger too.
Procrastamom I fell in love at this post.
PunditMom Joanne was recently described to me as being so tiny you could put her in your pocket–and you could. But she’s another powerhouse behind the keyboard. I don’t know how the woman finds the time to blog everywhere she does. Her hyper-productivity is really starting to get annoying (j/k J).
Queen of Spain She and her family are safe–the fires. I love the QoS. She tells it like it is and doesn’t apologize for her words.
Queen of Mayhem She was my first blogging Queen, and you never get over your first.
Red Stapler This is one of those cases of Mamma getting to the party a little late. I’ve not been reading long, and I’m pretty embarrassed about that.
Redsy I’m hoping real soon to call myself her partner in crime. Stay tuned. It’ll be schteeeeamy.
Rude Cactus Hey look! A boy. A fellow DC blogger who just plain ole cracks me up.
Ruthless in the Suburbs I just love me those CT bloggers. And this one? I look forward to every post.
Sarah and the Goon Squad Believe it or not she used to live next door to someone I went to college with. Weird huh? That cosmic connection aside, Sarah’s just one cool chica.
Schmutzie’s Milk Money or Not Here I Come Schmutzie’s had a horrific year, and yet she continues to write, and write well.
Schnozzfest This woman is just damned hysterical.
Serving the Queens Sometimes you read a blog just once and you’re hooked. Jenn is a perfect example.
Shoo Fly… Melodyann is raw and honest and funny as hell.
Slacker-Moms-R-Us Sexy, smart and oh what a sense of humor! My blogging BFF.
Slouching Past 40 What more can you say? Great writing!