Sunday, February 22, 2009

We Live an Acronym Life (Contest!)


I'm wondering if text messaging, instant messaging and email are dumbing down the next generation. I find myself typing in acronyms all the time without even realizing it. While I reference my husband as DH (Darling Husband) on the blog, that's merely so I don't type his name. But there are tons of other times that I catch myself doing it when typing emails to people who don't even know me very well. For example, one of my readers recently commented that she didn't know what SAHM means. Well, it's Stay-at-home-mom for those who didn't know. That's a prime example of me taking for granted that someone knows what abbreviations or acronyms stand for. And I'm in my late 30's and don't even use text messaging these days.

Think about it. We type things like JK (just kidding), LOL (laugh out loud), IM (instant message) all the time. No, I'm not planning on typing out an entire list - I was just trying to make a point. I sometimes wonder if kids are going to lose the ability to spell because they simplify everything to expedite messaging. Only time will tell, I guess.

But one thing that caught me off guard is that I know what HSM stands for when I haven't even seen the movie yet. If you're a mom and don't know what HSM stands for, then please go to your purse, remove your "I am a certified Mom" identification card and destroy it immediately. You'll need to reapply for that license when you are able to pass the exam.

HSM stands for High School Musical

Until recently, we had only been taking the girls to see animated movies at the theater but we realized that they are ready for more. We've watched a few non-animated movies at home and the girls did not lose interest. DH and I plan family movie night with the girls pretty regularly and have High School Musical on tap for the next sit down. I am certain they will love it and expect HSM 2 and 3 to follow.

As luck would have it, I was presented with the opportunity to talk about High School Musical: The Ice Tour.  Before Christmas, we had been talking about taking the girls to see Disney on Ice, but we ended up missing it. Even if we had purchased tickets, we would have still missed it because we've all been sick so much! But we saw an advertisement for High School Musical: The Ice Tour and thought it would be fun to take the girls to see. So when I was contacted by the promoters about blogging about the show, I realized it was fate.

I knew that Disney on Ice was touring, but until I saw the advertisement had no idea they had even made High School Musical into an ice production. It's touring the nation performing songs from High School Musical and High School Musical 2 and they are even doing wacky stuff like dribbling basketball while ice skating! Here's the promotional blurb I received:
Let's go, Wildcats! It's time for Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour, featuring a cast of world class skaters in the one and only live celebration of the smash hit movies "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2!" Plus, rock the house at the exclusive High School Musical 3 Special Bonus Experience Pre-Show, with the coolest songs and hottest dance moves from the blockbuster movie, and so much more! It's a fabulous party on ice - High School Musical: The Ice Tour! Playing the i wireless Center March 16th and 17th. Tickets starting at $13. Buy tickets now at Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000. (Surcharges, handling and facility fees may apply.)

I'm very excited to say that I have a Family Four Pack of vouchers to the March 16-17 event at the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois.  Yes, I'm bragging that the girls will definitely be seeing this event, but I'm also bragging that I have EXTRAS!  Feel like making the trek to Moline with three of your favorite High School Musical fans?  You guessed it, these extra vouchers are for one of my lucky readers!  What's the catch?   Well, the vouchers can't be sold so if you don't know someone in the Quad Cities or surrounding area that can make use of these then you probably don't want to enter.  The vouchers need to be redeemed at the iWireless Box Office for any available seat (excluding Front Row and VIP) for your choice of the March 16th or 17th event. 

If you're game to enter my giveaway, the details follow.  If you're unfamiliar with blogs and skeptical, you can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com!
The Prize: 4 Vouchers for High School Musical: The Ice Tour at the iWireless Center on March 16th or 17th.
Participants -
...must provide an email in the first comment, email me directly with an email address or have email accessible from their profile. Winner has 48 hours from posting/notification to respond. If winner cannot be contacted, I will move on to the second random selection.  These are time sensitive!
...must reside within distance to iWireless Center, Moline, Illinois.

Sometime on March 10, 2009, a winner will be chosen at random (using random.org) from all comments left.
How to enter:
For the first entry -
(1) Visit the High School Musical: The Ice Tour website, click on the "Music Player" tab and listen to the songs.
(2) Pop back over here to my blog and tell me what your favorite (or your child's favorite) song is from HSM 1, 2 or 3! If your kids are already fans of HSM, then this should be a piece of cake. Just ask them what their favorite is.
Yes, it's THAT easy to enter.

If you want to increase your chances of winning, here are some options to earn additional entries -
-- If you have a blog or website, add my button to your page.  Come back here and leave a comment stating that you did so.  (Here's the code so it's super easy to add!)


-- Earn an additional entry if you publish a blog post regarding this contest and link back to it. Come back here and leave a comment providing the link to your post.
-- Share this post with your friends on Facebook. Leave a comment that you did.
-- Follow me on Twitter and Tweet this contest with hashtag #SahmReviews. If you aren't familiar with hashtags, all you do is type #SahmReviews somewhere in your tweet. Comment with your Twitter ID or leave a link.
-- Subscribe to my feed via RSS or email... leave a comment.
-- Follow SAHM Ramblings on Facebook  Of course, don't forget to leave a comment.
--Email all your friends to tell them to enter. Please cc me when you do and you'll qualify for one additional entry! Leave one comment that says you emailed your friends.

This is a very exciting giveaway for my local readers.  If you don't live in the area, you can enter on behalf of someone locally but please leave a note in the comment of who you're playing for... For example, "My sister lives in the Quad Cities and she would love to take her kids." 

Interested in doubling your chances to win?  Flip over to my review blog, SAHM Reviews, for a separate giveaway for another 4 pack!

Don't fret if you can't make it to the iWireless Center, High School Musical: The Ice Tour may be coming to your local arena! Check out Ticketmaster for their schedule!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Stuck in the Mud


Parking is pretty limited at Miss M's school so when there's an event of any kind, parents park in the grassy areas.

Well today was the Valentine's party and considering our recent weather, the grassy areas were anything BUT grassy.  Wouldn't you know my luck these days... I got stuck in the dang mud.  Stupid part is that it I got to the school a little before the party was supposed to start (so I could help set up) and pretty much had choice of any of the grassy areas to park in.  Yeesh.  After a little work of rocking the van back and forth, I finally managed to break free.  By then, people had started parking in the blacktop area of the playground and there were still spots to be had. 

At least I managed to get to dry land before getting out of the van because I did see moms who weren't so lucky and showed up with mud all over their pants.  Guess I'll be washing the van tomorrow.

... and I know better for next time.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Knock it off; I'm trying to win!


Deliveries from FedEx and UPS are almost a daily thing now thanks to the success of SAHM Reviews.  I'm like a kid in a candy store because I never know what is going to show up on my doorstep.  If you haven't been over to my review blog, be sure to check it out - I am constantly giving stuff away and all it takes is leaving a comment.

Well, today we were all sitting on the couch playing a family game of Viva Pinata Party Animals.  I never do great at it, but it's fun.  Today, I was on an upswing as we went into the final round.  Miss M said "This is the last one." Then DH replied "The last one?"  She said yes.  Then this happened...

DH:  "Honey, FedEx is here."  He knows that I pretty much drop everything to find out what has been delivered.
Me:  "Sure they are." Uh huh. FedEx doesn't deliver on Saturdays. Nice try.
DH:  "No, really. He just pulled up."

I didn't believe him.  Figured it was some kind of ploy to throw me off my game.  I don't know but I didn't budge.  When we finished playing, he immediately went to the door and came back with a package. 

Apparently, I'm totally off my game because I usually can tell if he's trying to pull a fast one.  Maybe I need some caffeine.

And in case you're curious, it was Dei Fratelli pasta sauce and salsa - keep an eye on SAHM Reviews for the review.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Things Not to Brag About


I'm making a list of things NOT to brag about.  First on the list:
"Sorry to hear you have jury duty.  We've been back in Iowa for a few years and I haven't been served yet."

Viola.  Jury Summons showed up in today's mail.

Anyone care to add anything else to my list.  I don't feel like jinxing myself again.

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