Celebrate Good Times, Come' On! (giveaway)

I love the month of August! Even though it's hot, sticky and everyone around (myself included) smells like a wet dog.



The reason I adore this eigth month out of the year is because of all the good fortune it has brought me. First and foremost, I was born in August (12). I met my husband Kirk in August (in 2001) and we married a year later (August 17, 2002). In addition, several of my family members share joyous occasions this month along with me - my sister in law's birthday, my parents' anniversary, etc. etc.


It's a hot month because it has a lot to be overjoyed about! And this year I have a lot to happy about as well.


For once, I'm kind of excited about being a year older. Bring on age 32~! I'm ready for you. I feel like I've got a lot to be thankful for this year. And I surprisingly feel happier and more accomplished than I did at age 31. I've made some positive changes into my daily routine that have put me in a better place, both mentally and physically.


Also, this year feels more fun. Vivian is at a very entertaining age. I can take her more places and we can do more involved activities together. I think we may visit Chuck E. Cheese on the morning of my birthday so I can be a kid again! I don't know who enjoys ski-ball more? Viv or me! ha ha ha! The other day, I suddenly had the urge to jump on a trampoline. So I don't feel old. That's what matters.


Also, a friend of mine has offered to have her reliable babysitter watch our kids so that we can enjoy a kid-free lunch (with cocktails) on my birthday! Won't that be fun? I always have Vivian next to me in restaurants and can hardly ever enjoy a meal without picking up the sugar packets she dropped all over the floor or stopping to take her to potty (while my food becomes cold).


Then best of all, Kirk and I have an overnight trip coming soon. This will be the first night we've ever been away from Vivian. But instead of feeling nervous, I'm really looking forward to it! My parents will spend the night at our home and watch Viv for us. I can't wait to have some alone time with my husband - to sit by a hotel bar/pool and just relax. What am I looking forward to most? Just going to bed early and sleeping late of course! (laughing) Okay, so maybe I am old!


Now, because I'm in a generous mood and I feel like sharing my celebrations with you, I would like to offer a special giveaway to my friends who read this blog and comment below.


Those who know me well and who have read this site for awhile realize that I never do giveaways. So this is a special treat! I'll even give you a few choices as to what you can win. After all, who doesn't like to have options?


The Prizes - Or what could you win just for being here, reading my site and leaving a comment


(A) Hmmm, thinking about this as I type.... Oh, how about a $15 gift card to Amazon.com to spend on whatever you like. The possibilities are endless.... a chia pet.... a waffle maker.... you decide!


(B) Oooh, what about a homemade gift made by both Vivian and me ? - Not exactly sure of all the goodies yet, but it I will definitely throw in a basket of baked desserts and other foods, a poem that I will write especially for you, a drawing by Viv and some of our favorite things.



(C) A totally random present -- kind of like a grab bag at a fair -- are you willing to take a chance and let me buy surprises for you? (Note that this one may require a little bit of time and include me asking you a few more random questions off the site.)


The rules - how you can win:

Leave a comment by 11:59 p.m. of Thursday, August 12th telling me:
(1) something worth celebrating in your life.
And (2) tell me what prize option (listed above) you'd like to win and why you deserve it.
Oh yeah, you have to work a little to win the prize! :-)


But that's it. You don't have to twitter or blog about me. I don't care about that stuff. I'm not someone who cares about numbers or gaining new followers. I just like doing something nice for my friends - my loyal, regular readers. In fact if I were you, I wouldn't tell anyone about this post so you can increase your chances of winning! ;-)


How and when a winner will be chosen:

My 2.5 year old daughter Vivian (as always) will pull a name out of a hat/box. I don't use those random number generators. It's all live and exciting in our household. The Diva is in full control of the winner's fate. ;-)


She will pull a name on Friday, August 13th. Because we're not superstitious and we'd like to offer a prize on Freaky Friday! Maybe she and I will even switch bodies too, just for fun. I'll do my best to video the name pulling and post the winning person's name by the evening of the 13th.


So, that's it - Good luck if you choose to play along. I'll be offline for most of this week dancing and celebrating! I hope you'll join in with me, at least in spirit!


Bring on the fun! Bring on another great year filled with many reasons to celebrate!