Everyone got back into the blogging spirit poste haste this week and of course it was the week I was out of town for half of it. Gave me a real good excuse to get on my laptop and read blogs though (”But I have to find awesome blog posts!”).  It’s a rough job, but someone’s got to do.  No, no, I’m more than happy to step up to the plate and do my share for blog-dom.

I’m a giver, you know.

So in that spirit, I give you this week’s roundup of fantastic blog posts.  There are a few that are from the same author, simply because both posts were too good to ignore.  So believe me when I say, this week’s posts are some darn good ones (I say that every week, don’t I?).

• “The Christmas Recap with a MORAL for ME” from Absolutely Bananas.  What an amazing story, her child letting her know that he didn’t need many presents.  How many kids would say that?  But yes, I definitely believe in a more minimalist Christmas.  It’s better for everyone involved.  Next year, I hope to live up to it.
• “GUILT” from Loralee’s Looney Tunes. Oh, Loralee.  The thing is, I know exactly how she feels.  But I also know those feelings aren’t reasonable.  It’s easier to say when you’re on the outside looking in.  On the inside, all you can feel is pain.  Your Bug is with you and knows how you feel, Loralee.  Try to take comfort in that.
• “Tap Tap My Tagline” and “Finally.” from Joy Unexpected.  The first post is a fantastic look into the very scary mind of a teenager.  I realize, with some amount of shock, that this is in my future.  Toothfaced!  Ha!  The second is a post I’ve been waiting for, though probably not as long as Y herself has been waiting.  She finally got her diagnosis.  It doesn’t make it all “okay” (far from it!) but it’s a start.  Here’s to feeling better, Y!
• “Resolutions That I’ll Never Keep.  And Some Other Crap.” and “I Was So Confused By The Coding That I Originally Published This With No Title” from Boobs, Injuries and Dr. Pepper. I LOVE her resolutions!  And I mean LOVE.  I would marry them, if I could.  They are just that good.  Plus, I loved the reminder of what life was like before Google.  Let’s just say it wasn’t good.  The second post she discusses her brother’s car which she is driving while hers is broken.  And how it is changing how she feels about herself.  Amazing how that happens, isn’t it?  Oh, and hte post is damned hilarious.
• “Spineless for 2008” from Crunchy Carpets. This post sounds so much like me, it’s not even funny.  I mean, this is ME.  And also, I wholeheartedly think she made the absolutely right decision by dropping the day care and focusing on her family.  That is what she needs to do.
• “Ladies and Gentlemen… We Have A Penis” from misszoot.  Wee!  I love it when people have their gender ultrasounds, I get so excited.  It makes it all so much more REAL for everyone involved.  And I’m psyched it’s a boy too.  Welcome, AndyZ!  I can’t wait to meet you!
• “Welcome 2008” from Mrs. Flinger.  This is how I would have much preferred to usher in the New Year.  Peacefully, quietly and surrounded by my family.  Oh well.  There’s always next year.
• “Sawing logs” from mothergoosemouse.  I definitely can sympathize on this post.  Just not sure which party I sympathize with more.  I don’t snore, at least, I don’t think I do.  My husband does.  And yes, there are times I do wish we had a guest room he could go sleep in so I could get the bed to myself.  Less for the lack of snoring and more for the extra space.  Think maybe we need a king sized bed?
• “Birth control post-baby: considering an IUC” and “A message from the neglected pet” from Linda at ParentDish.  First off, I’m in the same boat as Linda with birth control.  We’re done, after this baby is born and I need to start really considering my options here.  It doesn’t seem like there’s a perfect answer, but I plan on asking about an IUC.  Secondly, I thought her answer to her many naysayers on the post where she mentioned the dog gets less attention these days was nothing short of GENIUS.  And considering that I myself got flamed simply trying to be the voice of reason on her original post, I’d say some the commenters at ParentDish need to switch to decaf.
• “Toxic” from Dad Gone Mad.  Couldn’t have said it better myself.  This whole thing with Britney is just plain sad and awful and I can’t find a silver lining in this story, no matter what angle I look at it from.  What has become of our media?
• “The (Minutes Into) 2008 Smackdown Hot List” from Advice Smackdown.  This list is a “must take with you” resource for spending those gift cards we got for Christmas from Sephora and Ulta.  Because, I don’t know about you, I have a hard time knowing just what to get in those stores.  Having a “cheat sheet” would definitely help.  Thanks, Amy!
• “Mascara and Tweezers, But Mostly Mascara” from Schmutzie’s Milkmoney or Not, Here I Come. Ha!  I too know the pull of Queen Latifah’s mascara and am also boggled at the people who chose to make themselves look like circus performers with the clumpy lashes and all.  The behavior of this saleslady was nothing short of mind-boggling.  And hilarious.  We can’t forget the funny.

And that, as they say, is that.  Enjoy your weekend, everyone!  Happy reading!