No, I don’t mean the holidays. I mean the sickies.

It all started early last week when Hunter got the sniffles and within a few days I had it and now Jerry does too! Uugghh! Thursday, Friday and Saturday I wanted to turn the pc off and curl up in bed all day with Lifetime Movies and James Patterson books.

Do you think that happened though? Nope! Last week was very very busy around here. Work was hoppin’ and I’m attempting to get my house ready for the holidays. We will start decorating for Christmas this weekend if Jerry and the boys have their way! I find it hard to get into the Christmas spirit with the smell of Vicks and dirty diapers!

I did however get some much needed clothes shopping done for Zach and I. My 16yo sister accompanied me and Hunter on Saturday and I told her it had been so long since I had bought clothes for myself I needed HELP! She wanted to pick out a whole outfit for me and I agreed. Well I agreed until I saw the U-G-L-Y hot pink jacket she picked out. That ended that idea right then and there. I love ya Bon, but I’m just not a hot pink kinda gal. She told me a few times that I was getting old! LOL Just the other day she told me that I would make a cool mini van Mom. Which is it Bonnie, cool or old??

I ended up with 2 new pairs of jeans, 2 sweaters, 1 top, 1 jacket, and 2 tank tops! The good news, Bonnie approved of MOST of them, so I must not be as old as she thought. I meant to tell her, if I ever go toward straight leg jeans with her around she needs to just shoot me right there or atleast drag me from the store immediately. LOL

Ok, it’s late here and today has been one of THOSE days. The boys are both tucked in tight and I’m off to snuggle up with a big comforter and some tube! Who wants to take bets on how long I stay awake to watch TV?

Btw..I’m now a contributor over at the Because Mom Said So Blog. I haven’t posted my first post yet, but head on over and have a looksee at all my Mommy Buddies! I’ll post before the week is up I promise.

I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was today when I tuned into my bestest online friend, Aurelia’s Parenting My Teen Podcast.

I’ve always listened to the show hoping to be one step ahead of the game when my sons became teenagers. Well today I got a big slap in the face, when I realized that 4 years is not that far away. As a matter of fact, I think I’m already experiencing things that parents of teens experience, with my 9 year old.

The newest show has Aurelia talking (I won’t say interview, because it wasn’t like a normal interview at all) with a mother of two teenagers, Marie Ynami. It’s a break from the norm on the show and I personally loved it. Normally, Aurelia interviews experts on things like teen depression and body image, etc. This week she decided to have a Mom to Mom chat with Marie and it was so nice to sit back and listen like I would to friends over coffee.

There was one section of the chat where Marie talks about her teenage son, feeding the dog and television. I’m telling you, that could have been me talking about Zach. It was such a great show because it was “real”. There was real emotion flying over my pc speakers. So much so that it caused me to shed a few tears and if you were a fly on the wall while I was listening you would have been cracking up because I was talking to the computer like I was part of their conversation. No, I’m not crazy I promise!

On a side note, Zach and I spent a few hours, just the two of us, together tonight. He got $65 for his birthday and he and I went shopping after dinner. It was so nice just spending some quality time just him and I, even if the main topic of discussion on the way to WalMart was tarantulas and the ride home was spent listening to him play his new handheld gadget, while I sang with the radio. LOL

I heard this on the news this morning. We use the generic tylenol from Walmart and luckily, we are out and so it doesn’t affect us, but I know a few others who it might affect.

The FDA is recalling 500mg acetaminophen caplets that have been sold under various store brand names such as CVS and Walmart. They have found traces of metal in the caplets. It’s a voluntary recall, but please if you have any get rid of it!

Here’s the information directly from the FDA website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P06-183
November 9, 2006

Media Inquiries: 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Informs Public of Nationwide Recall of 500mg Strength Store-Brand Acetaminophen Caplets

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting the public to a voluntary recall being conducted by Perrigo Company (Perrigo) of Allegan, Michigan for 383 lots of acetaminophen 500mg caplets manufactured and distributed under various store-brands as a result of small metal fragments found in a small number of these caplets. Approximately 11 million bottles containing varying quantities of acetaminophen 500mg caplets are affected by this recall. For a list of batches affected, please see www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/perrigo/perrigobatchlist.html. Consumers can determine if they are in possession of a recalled product by locating the batch number printed on the container label. A list of stores that carry store-brands potentially affected by this recall is located on FDA’s website at www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/perrigo/perrigocustlist.html.

To date, there have been no illness or injuries received related to this problem and no consumer complaints have been reported to the FDA or to Perrigo. Based on information currently available, the FDA believes the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote; however if a consumer were to swallow an affected caplet, it could result in minor stomach discomfort and/or possible cuts to the mouth or throat. Consumers should consult their physician if they suspect they’ve been harmed by use of this product.

Consumers who believe they are in possession of the affected products should discontinue use immediately and call Perrigo’s Consumer Affairs Department, 877-546-0454 for further instructions. Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product should be reported to Perrigo at the above number and the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 800-FDA-1088, by fax at 800-FDA-0178 or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

FDA is currently investigating the cause of the metal particles found in the acetaminophen 500 mg. caplets. Perrigo originally informed FDA of this problem after discovering through their own regulatory quality control procedures that their tableting equipment was wearing down prematurely. The company is also investigating the cause of the problem. The ongoing investigations have revealed the presence of the metal fragments in caplets of acetaminophen, 500 mg. Perrigo reported to the FDA that 70 million caplets were passed through a metal detector; resulting in the discovery of approximately 200 caplets containing metal fragments ranging in size from “microdots” to portions of wire 8 mm in length.

At this time FDA does not anticipate that this action will cause a shortage of acetaminophen. Currently, only one strength (500 mg caplets) is affected. Consumers may wish to take additional amounts of the lower strengths of acetaminophen tablets or caplets, which are not affected by this recall, to reach the 500 mg dose or access acetaminophen produced by alternate manufacturers. In all instances, FDA advises consumers to follow labeled instructions for maximum daily dosage.

Perrigo is notifying its distributors and retailers of this issue and will inform them of steps it will take to facilitate product replacement.

As most of you know I’m a member of an awesome work at home mom forum over at Telecommuting Moms.

The owner of the forum started a thread today that I think is sooo cute. It’s called You Know You’re a Parent When…

I could probably sit over there all day and fill that thread full, as I’m sure many other moms could too. But, I won’t. I’ll let everyone else have a chance too.

Head on over and join us in this fun topic as well as many other great threads. See ya there: TMoms Thread: You Know You’re a Parent When…

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Zachman!
Happy Birthday to you.

Today my baby is 9 years old. Oh why is this birthday such a big deal to me? Don’t get me wrong they are all important and a big deal, but for some reason this one is really hitting me hard. My baby boy is turning 9 today! The only thing I can think of is the fact that after this year, I will no longer have him in the single digits. Is that some sort of unspoken thing that us Moms go through?

Yesterday, he was out of school because of Election Day so Jerry & I took him to the batting cage/driving range and out to eat at Pizza Hut (his choice).

We all had a really good time and I so enjoy the time we get to spend with Zach. While at the driving range (which Zach absolutely loves) a man came up and commented on how well Zach could drive a golf ball and then gave him a few pointers on how he could improve. Zach looks like he’s been playing for years even though he has only been to the range twice and hit a few balls into the field behind our house.

Hmmm…do I sense the next generation Tiger Woods in our future? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, I’m just tickled pink that he had a good time yesterday and that he has found something he really enjoys. Maybe Santa might bring a few golf clubs this year.

We are also having a party for him on Saturday so he’s looking forward to that and so am I.

Happy Birthday Sugar Butt! Moommy Bird loves you…very very much! mmmmmwwwwwaaaa

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a VA?

If you have any previous administrative experience, working from home as a virtual assistant seems like an easy way to end the daily commute to your job outside the home. However, just because you have the knowledge, skills and abilities in virtual assisting, does not automatically mean you have what it takes to be a VA.

Before you consider stating a virtual assistant business you need to determine if you are disciplined to work hard without a boss looking over your shoulder. If you’re the type who is easily distracted, unfocused and disorganized then becoming a virtual assistant may not be for you.

There are a number of areas to seriously consider before you hang a shingle and call yourself a VA. Can you make a schedule and stick to it? Can you meet all deadlines? Do you have a screaming baby or a barking dog that would interfere with needed phone calls?

You will be responsible for the marketing, accounting, and all operations of the business. Do you have the personality or drive to promote yourself; to let others know about your services? Jobs will not simply fall into your lap. Competition is keen.

Are you prepared to initially work long hours and multiple jobs simultaneously Will your household survive the potential loss of income as you start your VA business? Do you have a specialized niche? Do you enjoy article submissions, search engine optimization, presentation creation, accounting, or web design? You should not try to be all things to all people. Determine your best skills; then promote those services to the target market who will most benefit.

While starting a virtual assistant business requires a much smaller financial investment than some other businesses, there are still expenses. You must have a reliable computer and the ability to use the telephone at the same time you’re online. You’ll also need a decent printer and a fax machine.

Run your business like a business. Every VA should have a website which highlights skills and services. If you don’t have the skills or money to have a professionally designed website, you better start saving or learning. A less than professional website will absolutely hurt your business - guaranteed.

You may want to consider taking a VA certification course. It will lend credibility to your business and can only enhance your existing skills. A certification program will also cost you an additional investment.

Do you have what it takes to be a virtual assistant? If you have the skills, the personality or drive and some available funding – you just very well may have what it takes to be a great VA. Follow your dreams!

Nell Taliercio and Jennifer Houck grew successful virtual assistant businesses quickly and are showing you how to do the same thing in their complete How to Become a VA course.

The boys did great trick or treating last night. Hunter even got the hang of holding his bag open all by himself.

Zach and Jerry came home and did the “sorting of candy” tradition. Zach always gives away more candy than he keeps for himself and I don’t get it. He told us last night that he just wasn’t a sweets person. Which he isn’t really, just like his Mama.

On the other hand I have a feeling Hunter is going to be like his Dada and have a sweet tooth like I’ve never seen. He got so mad whenever someone tried to take his bag of candy! LOL

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!