Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

Hi! Bytheway, that’s not a syrupy lovely “hi” as we’ve got another snow day today. And tomorrow. It’s more of a psycho “hi!” because I need interaction of the human kind.  Anyway, it’s Finish the Sentence Friday time!  Today’s may have been a bit confusing to those who follow along in our Facebook group, as […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - Oh man I have been guilty of so much above and then some. So, not even going there, but will say that I totally find it interesting that when we do get our periods, we just suck it up and move on with it. Seriously, my grandmother was right that if you let one man have a baby the human race would die off! But seriously, I digress and yes trust me totally shake my hand on the guilty confessions tonight 🙂February 13, 2014 – 10:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to your grandmother saying that if we let a man have a baby the human race would die off. That’s SO true!February 14, 2014 – 9:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - I love that you did the original one, b/c, of course, you are just plain an original. And because the punishments DO NOT fit the crimes. And because I think you are an original for coming up with so many cruel an unusual punishments. And because you rubbed Don’s nose in it. Yeah, the last one.February 13, 2014 – 10:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Jen Kehl - My husband has OCD and needs to do his own laundry too because apparently I don’t cold his shirts right. That’s fine with me.
    Also, showering is over-rated.
    I bet Don Is afraid that whatever he does or SAYS can be held against him!February 13, 2014 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jen! I didn’t even think about Don knowing that whatever he SAYS can be used against him! Awesome. And yeah, the OCD. I wasn’t hanging them up quickly enough or something. Oh and I was washing them with other stuff. Totally a crime.February 14, 2014 – 9:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Definitely found guilty of panicking that my husband stayed home today because that meant that he had to witness (and perhaps judge) that I put the girls (I was babysitting one) in front of TWO movies so that I could write an article.
    And yet, I’m still writing it now. And I miss my kids.February 13, 2014 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw. I get missing your kids while you park them in front of the TV. Luckily for me, my husband is worse about play than I am so I look like a saint (which is not necessarily a good thing). xo to you. We do what we must.February 14, 2014 – 11:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - I am laughing my ASS OFF!!!!! Oh gosh- I just don’t even know where to begin!!! wait- let me pour some more Bacardi…cause I have had a sick needy whiny smelly coughy fevery kid at home ALL WEEK so can I relate to that mess of your life? Oh girl, you KNOW I can!!!

    Don- oh Don… what are we gonna do with HIM???!!!

    You CRACK me up nailing his butt (not sure why I shy from ass now) to the wall!!!! GO YOU!!! pathetic Don- I mean really- get your shiz together if you’re gonna hang with the bad girls that can take over this world in ONE breath. (Liquor smelling breath to boot)

    I’m gonna give Don some serious grief!!!

    Ps: I left an entire sink of dishes for Derek tonight, while I ran out the door. 😉February 13, 2014 – 11:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh no to the smelly sick whiny needy kid part, Chris!!
      Um not sure what to do with Don. I think he was gonna post today but his work computer was being a meanie or whatever.
      HAHA to leaving a sink full of dishes while running out the door! Awesome girl power, you!!February 15, 2014 – 1:16 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Oh CRAP! No literally- it’s the CRAP that I forgot to comment about!!! LOL

    Any job that includes any crap of any kind is painfully brutal and the rectal thermometer??? They get tested? Are you serious? Crap is nothing compared to THAT. Holy CRAP!!!!February 13, 2014 – 11:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA yeah those crap jobs? Have to be the ickiest of the nastiest kind…
      Saw a thing on FB that the rectal thing was real but even I use the new $60 thermometer thing that measures the ear temp and want to get that one that you just swipe over the forehead. Still, yeah, I think it’s true….February 15, 2014 – 1:21 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - yes- it’s ME again… cause I didn’t get to tell you that Cade logged in about 589 hours of TRASH tv this week. Just so you don’t feel so bad…

    Okay- I’m done. REALLY!!!! LOLFebruary 13, 2014 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAH thank you. I adore you for coming back and telling me that!!! YOU ROCK.February 15, 2014 – 1:30 amReplyCancel

  • Ilene - I typically shower but I “might” be guilty of not washing my hair for several days in a row because it seems cumbersome. But drinking wine is never cumbersome. Especially during 6 day weekends thanks to snow.February 14, 2014 – 12:32 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Maybe 6 day weekends make us be forgiven for a LOT? And yeah, wine is good. I wish it were earlier now so that I could have some. But well, bedtime…thanks so much, new sister wife!February 15, 2014 – 1:32 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - LOLOL….I’m totally laughing my frickin’ ass off at that Don cartoon. Full on multiple snorts, tears coming out of eyes laughing. *BREATHE* Ok, ok…next order of business. Remind me never to piss you ladies off!! Lordy! You mean to tell me that the rectal thermometers that are used have been up someone else’s hiney first? I’m all about not showering on the weekends if not needed. The test is when Phoenix won’t come to me anymore then I know I went too long. Ok, back to looking at the cartoon again!!February 14, 2014 – 1:35 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAH well I’m so pleased that you have full-on multiple snorts! Multiple anything (except sneezes) is good right? Er…wait that was Don talking.
      Phoenix actually shuns you when you haven’t showered!!!???? God he’s one awesome dude.February 15, 2014 – 1:33 amReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - LolFebruary 14, 2014 – 2:35 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - To answer your graphic yes! My husband seems to follow mine after I’m in a better mood then i’m all like, “What’s wrong with YOU?”

    I’ve always wondered about the road kill people. If /when/ and what they pick up. I just wondering if one of those ginormous hawky things carries off a cat. Christopher and I saw one take a live squirrel one time. EWWWWWW.

    Not rub anything in because I can imagine your last 24 hours and your today, but we finally have blue skies and school started on time. Woooohooooooo!February 14, 2014 – 7:54 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - What’s UP with the man period anyway???
      So gross that you and Christopher saw a huge hawk (vulture???) take away a squirrel. Nasty. Yay for you and school. I’m genuinely happy for you and trust that you also understand why well, I might be a little psycho right now and am really truly not that happy for you? Wait!! OF COURSE I am happy for you! For real, enjoy it. We’re supposed to get more snow tonight. And just before bed Tucker saw that his (as in mine as I built it for him with him barely helping at all) snowman fell down, and I didn’t help him up yet. Even though he might be hurt. Sigh.February 15, 2014 – 1:36 amReplyCancel

  • karen - OMG…laughing so hard…I can’t, love the cartoon you made of yoru hubby. AWESOME.

    If men really do get periods…they would find a way to have “period days” off from work and of course birth control would NEVER be an issue…sighs….February 14, 2014 – 8:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Karen! He’s not my hubby but since you said that, and I think you’re like the third person to, we might soon be like internet friend commonlaw or something so please be more careful in the future. I’d hate to be arrested for polygamy or whatever it’s called if you’re the chick.

      But yes, men totally have period days!!February 15, 2014 – 1:38 amReplyCancel

  • That Girl Ryan - Gosh this was brilliant!! It’s about time somebody called Don out on his man period. Please tell me you sent him this cartoon as well? lol i loved this, i cant wait till Don sees this.February 14, 2014 – 8:45 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I did send it to him, and he moseyed on over here eventually. I think he was asking about anal though so you know- easily distracted. And thanks!!February 15, 2014 – 1:39 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - Kristi, that was hands down, one of your funniest ones! Hate to say it, but snow rage brings out the best in you. And I get it. I’ve spent another week in toddler confinement. The psycho “hi!” Killed me. I totally know that hi. I don’t know what I love more the crime or the punishments. And yes someone does do roadkill. Dexter season 6 or 7. Now don’t let anyone say I didn’t learn anything on mat leave.February 14, 2014 – 8:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG to the snow rage, Katia!! I know you get it too and it’s freaking getting OLD. Do you ever wish you relocated to Arizona?? Shesh.
      I’d forgotten about Dexter season Road Kill. Thanks for the reminder!!! You learned SO MUCH, wise one!!February 15, 2014 – 1:40 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - Yes! You said it much funnier than me, but I so get this. We are on our third snow day this week, but have had several this year. Ironically, the only days they have left to use as make-up days are now our Spring Break days. By then, I’m sure I’ll be begin for a day off! 🙂February 14, 2014 – 8:54 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Lisa, do you think they’ll cancel spring break? I’m not sure whether that would make me happy or sad right now. We’re in school on Monday to make up for one of the other snow days, and have already lost another holiday…sigh…February 15, 2014 – 1:42 amReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Steck - Wait…Don is sitting this one out? Even I finished this week’s challenge. Get busy, Don!!! I’ve never thought about all the truly awful jobs out there. Your post has reminded me of how blessed I am. 🙂February 14, 2014 – 9:31 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yup. Loser that he is, he’s siting it out. And yeah, I suppose we are blessed with our less than disgusting jobs!February 15, 2014 – 1:43 amReplyCancel

  • The Dose of Reality - I am practically psychotic from the quantity of “togetherness time” my family has experiences thanks to the snowmageddeon. We’ve been trapped in here together since TUESDAY.
    I have taken to locking myself in the bathroom and pretending I can’t hear anyone calling my name–a maneuver I learned from my husband, btw.
    My kids have watched so much tv over the past few days even they are tired of it. I didn’t think that was possible. Ugh.
    LOVE your drawings!! Bwahahahahahahahaha!!! –LisaFebruary 14, 2014 – 10:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG I so need to steal the “I can’t hear you” ploy from the bathroom. And yeah, I am with you on not thinking it was possible for a kid to get tired of the TV. Sad, sad, sad day when that happens. Also it’s supposed to snow here tonight. OMG. Save me.February 15, 2014 – 1:47 amReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Good God, woman! It’s like you were watching me through my window as you drew me! I really was getting fatter on BLL, but I wasn’t on my couch, so there’s that. Does your aversion to the rectal thermometer job mean you don’t do anal? Is that inappropriate to ask? I feel as though, since I was called your husband on your blog for at least the second time now, I should know this.

    I’m so flattered to be in a Ninee cartoon.I can finally, officially retire happy from blogging forever! Thanks for the push!

    Oh, and the City Refuse Division picks up the road kill in St. Louis.

    Oh again…I love each of you, but still, all you ladies can bite me!!February 14, 2014 – 10:35 amReplyCancel

    • Mike - LOLOL!! I came back to this post JUST to see if you responded, Don! Laughing my ass off all over again after howling at that Ninee cartoon last night. My day is complete and thank you, sir 🙂February 14, 2014 – 2:18 pmReplyCancel

      • allison - Laughing my ass off at the fact that she called you out, Don. And PST noticed that you’ve been posting elsewhere in the blogosphere this week. ahem ahem
        Love this post, and very amused.
        Thank you (both) for helping me get through another snow day.
        And here’s to next FTSF.February 14, 2014 – 8:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hm. I wouldn’t say that I’m aversionish to the rectal thermometer but more about the fact that it’s tested by somebody else first. And yeah, I guess we need to be careful that we don’t get accidentally common-lawed here because the SKIMMERS (AKA jerk weenies) are obviously confused and weird stuff happens. Good thing you’re a cop and can like um, you know, have credibility in a court or whatever.
      If you retire from blogging because of this, I will be killed and I know you don’t want that shit on your conscious so man up, menstrual boy.February 15, 2014 – 2:00 amReplyCancel

      • Mike - Aversionish? 🙂 You are the smile that gives forever, Kristi 🙂 I mean that.February 15, 2014 – 5:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - Wait- so all rectal thermometers are pre-used! I am going to google this and hope my work doesn’t block it for what I’m sure could be some nasty results!February 14, 2014 – 10:36 amReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - My daughters’ daycare has been closed for three days straight, so I’m guilty of WAY too much screen time (thank God for PBS Kids!), yelling at my kids repeatedly and then taking them for a special snack at Dunkin Donuts to ease the guilt, yelling some more, letting them eat more crap, and letting the mess in my house reach disastrous levels. Because. My kids are home again. I can’t tell you how excited I am that my company is closed on Monday for President’s Day but daycare is open. Mama is so looking forward to a ‘me’ day! And a shower!February 14, 2014 – 11:07 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG I’m SO SO SO jealous that your job is closed on Monday! And yeah, thank God for PBS Kids and the Disney Channel. Oh, hey, does the treat at Dunkin Donuts work? Because I so need more tricks.February 15, 2014 – 2:07 amReplyCancel

  • Real Life Parenting - Christ on a crutch!! I love you!! I’m sitting in the Target parking lot waiting for a dude to meet me to buy something I had on Craigslist. I hope he’s late because I have makeup running down my cheeks from cry laughing at this one!!! I LOVE that you dedicated this entire post to calling Don out for being such a whiner!

    And that cartoon–your best ever!!February 14, 2014 – 11:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well he IS a whiner, right? And smart to meet Craigslist dude at Target, friend. Because who knows about the weirdos out there!! So glad that you enjoyed this so much and thank you!!February 15, 2014 – 11:06 amReplyCancel

  • Natalie - I am a firm believer in the man period. It really explains so much.February 14, 2014 – 12:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I think Don should have to buy a case of wine to make up for being a total man and backing out of a commitment at the last minuteFebruary 14, 2014 – 1:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - He really should. Good idea, Kerri. You hear that Don? You owe us WINE!February 15, 2014 – 11:16 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah - I did community service once, but it was at the Nature Center, and I minded (why do I feel that word should be mound?) the petting area. The worst was sweeping up goat and sheep droppings. The best was the day I got to make the deer salad and feed it to the deer. That got me super close to the black bears, too (with a tall fence in between us) so that was super cool too.

    Haha! I’m in TX and not dealing with that foot or more of snow in the DC area! Haha!

    Ah, “no-iron work shirts.” Your husband’s and Lisa’s. What have I been missing?February 14, 2014 – 2:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You haven’t heard of no iron work shirts? Dude, you’re missing out! Your community service sounds cool (well that one day sounds cool, the rest sounds like it pretty much sucked). Were you a bad bad girl that you had to do it or was this part of some enrichment program in high school or something? I’m guessing the latter, based on your crime being ditching being teacher’s aide but who knows??February 15, 2014 – 11:19 amReplyCancel

      • Sarah - Ah, but see, there’s where you missed the theme. I’m a good girl when being a bad girl isn’t worth it. But I’m a bad girl if I think the rules are stupid or the situation calls for it. I really need to tell the story and get it off my chest, but it will be a major undertaking. Maybe 2014 will be the year for it, though. And, good luck finding my mug shot! My record’s been expunged, lady!February 15, 2014 – 11:30 amReplyCancel

        • Kristi Campbell - OOOH now I’m completely intrigued. A mug shot? Your record??? Expunged? Sweet. This is gonna be good, I can tell already!!!February 15, 2014 – 12:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - I’m telling you…JCPenney Stafford wrinkle-free. Best. Shirts. Ever. I don’t even know where my iron IS anymore.February 16, 2014 – 12:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - LMAO! Those are harsh punishments! Well, except for the slaughterhouse, I’ve been in one (not as a worker though) and I found it interesting! Smelly but interesting.
    Happy hearts day!February 14, 2014 – 3:51 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Really? I’d be so grossed out by the slaughterhouse. Happy hearts weekend (since I’m a day late), Jhanis!February 15, 2014 – 11:21 amReplyCancel

  • Marcia@ Menopausal Mother - HAHAHA this is too damn funny—I don’t even know where to start! Ohhhh the comments about Don–LMFAO! Love all the “punishments” but holy crap #2 totally skeeved me out! GAHHHH!!February 14, 2014 – 3:52 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, the rectal thermometer thing is pretty freaky weird, and I’m not even sure if it’s true! I just saw that somebody posted something like that on Facebook!February 15, 2014 – 11:24 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - I went to college with a guy who had a summer job scooping road kill. He’d drive around in a truck with another guy, picking up the dead animals. I’m not sure what they did with them then, because he told me this story at a bar. So maybe he was totally making it up, but I was enthralled. I’m an easy mark when I’ve had a drink or two.February 14, 2014 – 5:06 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I wonder if he was telling the truth?? That’s funny and gross and I’d have been enthralled too.February 15, 2014 – 11:28 amReplyCancel

  • Sandy - I can’t see!! I’m laughing so hard I’m crying, choked on popcorn AND may or may not have peed my pants a little!! Between this and the comment thread, my night is made!
    I will, however, wish for an end to this horrific winter you are having because I really think you need to get the hell out of there!February 14, 2014 – 10:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - So so glad that you enjoyed it, Sandy!! Although sorry about the pee in your pants thing. That’s never much fun. And thanks for the good vibes about winter finally going away – we’ll take ’em!!February 15, 2014 – 11:29 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - Oh Kristi, you are hilarious! And I think I read once that men do actually go through testosterone fluctuations that can simulate “periods” so maybe you are on to something. Love the drawings!!!February 15, 2014 – 12:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sarah, I think men really do get periods! They sure act like it, anyway…February 15, 2014 – 10:53 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - That picture you drew of Don absolutely cracks me up!

    I’m hoping for the end of this shitty winter very soon!!!!! Hope you have no more snow days!February 15, 2014 – 8:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I hope the same for you, Sadder Sarah! Snow days can be fun. Like as in ONE, where it’s WHEEE let’s go build a snowman. Oh. By the way, the snowman I built for Tucker yesterday? Fell down. Now I have to try and explain that he’s not “hurt.” UGH.February 15, 2014 – 10:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Clearly, I came to this party way too late. This is hysterical – on all counts. The whole too much screen time on a snow day thing? Yeah, my kid is WAY over her allowable hours total since we got home Wednesday night. She has school tomorrow, though – makeup day – and I don’t. Am I insane to be sort of sad about that? Hrm. Playing with the kid…love it and hate it…I’m way better at activities and projects that do not involve me being on the floor.

    The Don thing is hysterical – and I don’t even know the poor guy!February 16, 2014 – 12:43 pmReplyCancel

  • April - So, that’s the back story! LOL! I definitely think this prompt was easier than the one that he came up with. Don needs to take that Midol and call it a day! I’m sorry you’re stuck inside for so long. I wish my husband would just get Presidnet’s day off. He has no holidays from work, it seems. And if those were the options of community service, I would choose to do the jail time. Thank you for linking up with Countdown in Style.February 16, 2014 – 5:12 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - You are too much! With Tucker being 4, I’m surprised you all don’t do more crafts. So many of the ones I find on Pinterest are for like 3 and 4 year olds. I find experiments and all that they can do. You could maybe cook or bake with him? JR is too little for me to do that stuff with now. I feel for you with the snow days though. It’s gotta be tough. Hang in there! Thanks for supporting my blog hop this week! xoFebruary 18, 2014 – 1:21 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle - This was so hilarious! I have been guilty of all of those two and those community service jobs are horrible! Can you imagine? I saw the rectal thermometer job thing on Facebook too though and I was laughing.February 18, 2014 – 1:25 amReplyCancel

Today’s Our Land author has elected to remain anonymous. She’s amazing, lovely, talented, and is bringing this series a new perspective about something I hadn’t previously heard of – Schizotypal Personality Disorder. I thank her for sharing her story with us today. I think you will, too.  Today’s Our Land – Schizotypal Personality Disorder. Our Land, […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Jessica - You sound like such an awesome mom, recognizing your daughter’s strengths and battling with her through the difficulties. It must be so hard to deal with something that we don’t know much about, but I am so glad the medication is helping. I hope it continues to work, and I hope there will be a day when we understand more about these sort of symptoms and can really help people live their best lives. It sounds like you’re doing a great job helping your daughter do that.February 12, 2014 – 10:29 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree that she’s an excellent mom, Jessica and appreciated learning about something that I’d never before heard of. I hope that we will understand more and more to help people live in Our Land. Thanks for coming!February 12, 2014 – 10:55 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - That was a beautiful post and very clearly explained what it is like to have Schizotypal Personality Disorder. You sound like you have created such a loving and supportive environment for your daughter so that she continues to thrive and not let her disorder hold her back.February 12, 2014 – 10:30 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily,
      I agree that it’s a beautiful post and that she’s done a great job of creating a supportive environment.February 12, 2014 – 10:57 amReplyCancel

  • Mandi - Such a personal and eloquent post. I can see how much you both adore and love your daughter in your words, but more than that, you respect her, and so many mothers tend to forget that we need to respect our children. Thank you for sharing your story. She’s lucky to have you, too.February 12, 2014 – 10:44 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mandi,
      Such a great point about respecting our children. I agree that they’re lucky to have one another.February 12, 2014 – 10:57 amReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Wow. This is so powerful. I understand you wishing to keep your daughter’s story her own but be willing to share what you can to educate those who do not know and thank those who do.February 12, 2014 – 10:59 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I feel really lucky that she shared this story on Our Land. I really do think it will help somebody else along the way.February 12, 2014 – 11:22 amReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - Oh my Gosh, that must be so difficult and scary. I really appreciated the honesty of this post. I have no doubt that you will help someone with this post feel a little less alone.-AshleyFebruary 12, 2014 – 11:05 amReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - I have heard of this from minor in psychology back in my undergraduate work, but truly can’t even imagine now as a mom dealing with this. But I must say you sound (and agree with others here) like a wonderful mom and truly do seem to know for the most part what your daughter does need. Thank you for sharing your story here for all of us today helping us to understand this condition better.February 12, 2014 – 11:06 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Janine, I’m impressed that you’d heard of this as I hadn’t but I suppose that’s due to your degree. And yes, she seems like the best mom for this particular girl. Maybe, sometimes, God pairs us up, yes?February 13, 2014 – 12:30 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - This is a disorder that most people don’t know about, and that makes your sharing even more important. I respect your anonymity due to your desire to protect your child, and I appreciate you sharing her(and your) story. I hope your daughter continues to be surrounded by peers, adults, and family who support her.February 12, 2014 – 11:14 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I agree, Dana, that her anonymity is important and that her story will help others!!!February 13, 2014 – 12:31 amReplyCancel

  • Mike - Dear author, this is an incredibly beautiful post! I had never read about SPD until now and thank you for your candid, from-the-heart sharing with us. I absolutely love the social interaction your daughter is able to have with other kids. The bond the two you have is also priceless. Your love, patience and understanding is so heart-warming. Sending you all of our deepest thoughts and prayers to everything that can be Right and Perfect for her always 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing her with us also, Kristi! 🙂February 12, 2014 – 12:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Mike, thank you, and I’d never heard of SPD either (and assumed it was sensory processing disorder which I have heard of) when I first saw the abbreviation. Their bond is amazing. For sure. Thank you for reading!February 13, 2014 – 12:33 amReplyCancel

  • K - Wow. This is my first time hearing about SPD as well; thank you for this beautifully-written glimpse into your and your daughter’s world…what a powerful post. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!February 12, 2014 – 12:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - Wow- thank you so much for sharing that with us. I really appreciated the line, “My daughter is not her symptoms.” How fortunate she is to have you for an advocate and a mother.February 12, 2014 – 2:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I love that line too because really, none of us are our symptoms, right? I hope you have an amazing weekend trip, Steph!February 13, 2014 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - I had not heard of this disorder before. I appreciate your willingness to share it and I respect your desire to remain anonymous. Your daughter is lucky to have such a loving support system around her!February 12, 2014 – 2:24 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I hadn’t heard of it either, Lisa and I agree that mom and daughter are both lucky!February 13, 2014 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

  • Considerer - I don’t think I’d ever heard of this, either, but I have heard of other things which have left parents trying their best to battle against their children’s imaginations brought real by their condition. I’m glad you’ve worked out ways of supporting your daughter so well, even if some of these ways appear overly strict to others – you know your daughter best and you know how she needs to be supported and encouraged, and it sounds like you’re doing a fabulous job.

    So glad you wrote for Our Land – it’s been an education, and I think anyone struggling with SPD or confronting the challenges of trying to parent a child who has it, will find great solace in your words.February 12, 2014 – 3:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I so agree, Lizzi, that anybody struggling with SPD (parent or child or sibling or friend) will benefit from seeing this author’s beautiful perspective on it. Thanks so much.February 13, 2014 – 10:21 amReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I’ve never heard of the words that make up the disorder’s name, but I do believe my brother-in-law might have this. He is in treatment for looking for hidden cameras and believing magical worlds are out there.
    It’s heartbreaking and imaginative and lovely too. He’s a wonderful writer because of this. And it’s also VERY heartbreaking.
    Wishing you both much peace in your life.February 12, 2014 – 3:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wow, your brother in law might have this? I hope they get him some answers so that he can keep the magical worlds but lose the hidden cameras. I’ll bet he’s an amazing writer.February 13, 2014 – 10:27 amReplyCancel

  • Yvonne - The way your describe your daughter’s disorder it sounds very similar to my sister’s illness, although her diagnosis is different. Like you, I don’t write about her – at least not on my own blog – in respect for her. My heart goes out to you because I do have some idea of how hard it is – although it is harder for my mother as I imagine it is for you. My sister has no idea she is ill so refuses to take medication. I am glad you and your daughter have been able to find some relief and as the other comments say, you love for her shines through.February 12, 2014 – 5:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Oh Yvonne, I hope that somebody can find a way to help to convince your sister that her life will be more of her own with medication – that sounds like it must be really hard on your mom. Thanks so much for sharing.February 13, 2014 – 10:32 amReplyCancel

  • Rachel - Your ability to provide your daughter with reassurance instead of diminishing her fears is remarkable and a true gift to her. It warms my heart to hear that people have rallied around you and your daughter. You seem like a warrior advocate for your daughter. Thank you for sharing your experience.February 12, 2014 – 8:56 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - Thank you for sharing this incredible post with us. I’ve never heard of SPD, but I’m glad you’re raising awareness about it.February 12, 2014 – 9:34 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Until today, I have never heard of SPD. Your courage in sharing this post has educated me and I’m sure will touch many, more people. I love that you said “my child is not her symptoms”. Absolutely! It sounds to me like you are both blessed to have one another.February 12, 2014 – 10:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - And she is lucky to have you for her mother. Your story is brave and beautiful. I have never heard of SPD, but thank you for sharing this information here. I also love your statement that “my child is not her symptoms.” I sometimes want to scream that at everyone who will listen. Too often, we define people – any people – by behaviors or appearances and it is simply not right. We are all so much more than our symptoms.February 12, 2014 – 11:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - I’ve heard of the disorder, but didn’t know what it was called. Once again I have learned something from this series! Thank you for sharing this with the blogging community! Your daughter is lucky to have you as a mama!February 13, 2014 – 12:23 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Thanks for sharing this story “mom”. I didn’t know much about this disorder other than how it’s depicted on screen. Great idea limiting television, I can’t look at most things myself before going to bed.February 13, 2014 – 2:13 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Oh precious mama… you are a light in her world. You were SO meant to care for your special child and I am in awe of your strength and courage in your journey to give her the best (and safest most healthy) life she can have. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story, and I am so grateful to gain more information on this disorder and the perspective from which it came.February 14, 2014 – 12:12 pmReplyCancel

Do you ever take walks at night and peer through lit windows, wondering at the lives of other people? I took such a walk recently and I want to tell you about it, because I can’t stop thinking about the family that I saw. Imagining them. Wondering what led them to the life that they […]

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by Kristi Campbell

Whatcha think, peeps?
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  • Janine Huldie - Best dream ever and love how Bridget was involved in this dream. I seriously wanted to cry when I read that. I know the sap in me was totally tearing up. But seriously, loved, loved, loved your dream 🙂February 6, 2014 – 10:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Janine. I got a little teary when I read it to my husband too. Here’s to the inner sap in all of us!February 7, 2014 – 2:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - It took me one paragraph to know where you were going with this post, and then I cried a little for the rest. That is the best dream, and I can’t tell you how much I wish that it comes true. I don’t think our dreams for our children ever happen exactly as we imagined, but they will happen. Loved this, my prompt-posting friend.February 6, 2014 – 10:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, I was hoping it wouldn’t be so easily figured out so quickly but I kindof like that it made you cry a little bit (is that really weird?? probably).
      I hope it comes true, too. BUT…I also know that whatever we’re dreaming of in 12 years may be so very different from what I hope for today, ya know?
      Thanks, Dana.February 7, 2014 – 2:16 pmReplyCancel

      • Nina - Don’t worry Kristi… you had me thinking you were eavesdropping for a while there. I was wondering what in the world you were doing standing in front of someone’s house. It was when the family had that extended conversion where I thought, “Wait a minute…”February 11, 2014 – 12:17 amReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - My Skewed View - LOL Kristi! That was totally that funny!!!
    I loved it and even laughed out loud!

    Also, I love your dream. And I know it won’t happen exactly that way, but something just as wonderful will happen. I know that for sure.

    You are an awesome mama.
    TTTX10February 6, 2014 – 10:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Jen. So glad I made you laugh and you’re right – whatever dreams don’t come true will be replaced by others.
      TTTx10February 7, 2014 – 2:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly L McKenzie - Hahahaha! YES – brilliant vlog added on at the end. Well done you. I laughed out loud – and I remember the joke from earlier in the week when you shared it.
    The ” … realize it’s enough” quote is lovely. May we all dream that.February 6, 2014 – 11:01 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kelly, thanks so much! I think “brilliant” may be a stretch but I’ll take it. 😀
      And yeah, it’d be wonderful if we could all dream that “it’s enough.”February 7, 2014 – 2:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - You made me cry again. Like the big tears. I no watch your vlogFebruary 6, 2014 – 11:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - lolFebruary 6, 2014 – 11:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - watcheditFebruary 6, 2014 – 11:15 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - hahahaha, love the joke! I knew it was hilarious and it totally was!!! Ok, well I’m off to pass out now…lol.February 6, 2014 – 11:47 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Glad you liked the joke. If you remember it and tell it to your bar friends over the weekend, you’ll have to let me know!February 7, 2014 – 2:46 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - This was well done, and took me a paragraph there to figure out. I hope that whatever form reality takes, it’s enough for you. That’s a pretty big dream, really, and it’d be nice if you got it.

    And also the Tucker/Bridget idea is WAY cute.

    I still love your joke, but it’s in the telling. You made me smile with your you-ness. I needed that. Thanks.February 7, 2014 – 2:26 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Only a paragraph? Sheesh I was hoping my peeping Tom illusion would last a little longer than that. Oh well. It is a huge dream but well, dream big, right? And yeah, I love the Tucker/Bridget idea, too. They’d look adorable together.
      Thanks for loving the joke. And the me-ness of me.February 7, 2014 – 2:57 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Your Vlog and the joke rock, Kristi! I wish all of my blogger friends would do Vlogs. It’s great to see them in person and hear their voice. And YES, note to self made to follow suit here.

    Your dreams, Tucker’s dreams, what we all wish for with those we love. I tell folks that they are only limited by their imagination. I looked at your drawing for a while and drifted off in thought to where your post had taken me to as I “stood in your shoes” at that moment. Very emotional for me. Your beautiful spiritual vibe and unsurpassed positive outlook has me believe only one thing: That your dreams for Tucker will be filled with far more beauty, joy and accomplishment that you can possibly fathom. Always believe, our friend. This was an incredible post and I loved it 🙂February 7, 2014 – 3:02 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Mike! You know…I read some other people who participated in FTSF this week talking about how long it took them to edit. I just clicked “record” on You Tube and did it. But now I feel like I should have edited it or something – oh well.
      I also can’t tell you how much it means to me that you believe that my dreams for Tucker will be filled with even MORE than I hope for! Thank you so much. Your comments are always wonderful and make my day!February 7, 2014 – 3:14 pmReplyCancel

  • Real Life Parenting - I think one of the challenging parts of parenthood is seeing how our hopes and dreams–and everything we imagined this all to be–don’t often mesh with reality. I spent a lot of time trying to “come to terms” with the idea that what I had pictured (athletic, all-American, easygoing son who spent his days playing outside with friends having fun–without constant conflict) was not my reality.

    Life got better for all of us when I pushed those thoughts out and just embraced what we were living. I catch myself still occasionally feeling that way and I try to remind myself that this life is enough. It may not be perfect, but it never is.

    I love your dream.February 7, 2014 – 7:41 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s hard to let go of what we had pictured, I think. I always assumed I’d have a four year old who could properly say his name. He’s awesome as he is of course, but sometimes I think I haven’t yet let go of some of the earlier dreams that I had, if that makes sense.
      And yeah, this life is enough. You’re right – it’s never perfect.February 7, 2014 – 3:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Girl you made my day! I just paused to say that.February 7, 2014 – 8:39 amReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - Awwwww that was beautiful!!! I read the post after I watched the video 😉February 7, 2014 – 8:48 amReplyCancel

  • Emily - Ah yes, I’ve been there with such similar dreams…and even though I’ve got that teenage boy now, who has far exceeded my expectations, the dreams never stop. He’s a few years away from prom, and he just transferred (this week in fact!) back to the high school he went to last year (long story) and it’s an all boys school. They have prom, but I’m not sure where they find those girls! I too have the dream that he’ll date my friend’s daughter who is also on the spectrum or else he’ll find a girl who just gets it, gets him, and doesn’t care about his quirks. We are the moms so we have to keep dreaming no matter what.February 7, 2014 – 9:47 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Here’s to both of our boys going to prom and I love that you want Big Dude to date your friend’s daughter. And here’s to keep dreaming, my lovely friend. Cheers.February 8, 2014 – 11:59 amReplyCancel

  • jamie@southmainmuse - I remember my oldest going to the prom. What was so dream-like for me, was seeing him in that tux, looking so handsome and you grown up. I started fantasizing about him in a tux on his wedding day. It was like he became a man right before my eyes. Lovely thoughts/post about your son.February 7, 2014 – 10:53 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Awww…I can just imagine seeing my son in a tux, looking so grown up. I love that you started fantasizing about him on his wedding day.February 8, 2014 – 12:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - O.K. I went from Kate’s vlog making me laugh to your post making me cry! And I don’t even have PMS! That is a beautiful dream. “Whatever doesn’t come true reveals what does” – that needs to be printed on something and put somewhere for all the world to see – seriously. That is now my favorite quote! (Loved the vlog, too!)February 7, 2014 – 11:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks Lisa. Sorry to have made you cry but I really love that you liked the quote so much!!February 8, 2014 – 12:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Echo - I love your dream, Kristi.

    I often dream about things like that as well. Hazy glimpses of what could be. Although, much like your dream, I feel like I am viewing them from the outside or the “audience”.

    My biggest dream is that my children grow up happy, healthy, loved and that they can successfully navigate this crazy maze that we call life.February 7, 2014 – 12:40 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thank you, Echo. Isn’t it funny how we see those glimpses of our dreams as if we’re viewing them from the outside? I wonder why that is…
      Here’s to happy, healthy, loved children who are able to navigate. Cheers to that!February 8, 2014 – 12:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Absolutely stunning post! Not sure why this one hit me the way it did, but it hit me. Maybe because I, too, wonder about other families in the same way. And no doubt because I wonder how my closely my daughter’s teenage years will match with what is typical. In many ways, mine did not, so why would I ever imagine my children’s would? But I love this sentence: I also realize that it will come true, but in completely different ways than I am able to see today. I feel like I should frame it.February 7, 2014 – 1:18 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks Sarah! I suppose my teenaged years were both typical and not. My dad raised my brothers and I from the time I was a freshman in highschool so I suppose that part wasn’t typical. I wish we had crystal balls! Although nah – maybe not as fun to know what the future holds, huh? I’m glad that you liked the sentence about realizing that our dreams will come true but in completely different ways that we know today. Thanks so much. I appreciate your awesome comment.February 8, 2014 – 12:04 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Wait..is Tucker taking Boo to the prom? That’s amazing.
    I want all of this and more for you. I love this dream.
    I might be wiping tears away right now..February 7, 2014 – 2:48 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw. Love that you got choked up and yes, hopefully, Tucker is taking Boo to the prom. Wouldn’t that be awesome?February 8, 2014 – 12:11 pmReplyCancel

  • That Girl Ryan - LOL I love your joke…lol I sat at my computer for like 20 minutes and was figuring out what the punchline meant and then i got it. hahaha i think the way you tell it is what makes the joke. hahahaFebruary 7, 2014 – 4:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - First, Calliou is a little shit, so as soon as I’m off my company’s network, I’m coming back to watch your vlog. Second, your dreams for your son will come true, even if they’re not exactly how you envision them now. All of the love you pour into him will manifest itself in ways you cannot even imagine today. And when faced with those realities, they’ll be better than any dream ever could be. LOVE this!!February 7, 2014 – 4:31 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Caillou IS a little shit! And I agree that the realities will be even better than any dream would be. Thanks so much for the awesome comment – I appreciate it.February 8, 2014 – 12:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Brittnei - Kristi! It was so nice to see your face and hear your voice. That is such a wonderful dream to have of Tucker! Honestly, every time I come to your site and read about him, I always think that it is just a phase and that with a little help in this earlier phase that his speech and actions will line up with what you and the doctors would consider normal and this “delay” will be so far behind him 🙂February 7, 2014 – 5:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Brittnei and I hope you’re right that his delays will one day be behind him. I appreciate the encouragement.February 8, 2014 – 12:16 pmReplyCancel

  • Jennifer Steck - May your dream come true, beyond everything you can imagine, Kristi. And…bravo for the vblog. You and the rest of the bloggers are inspiring me to give it a try.February 7, 2014 – 7:14 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks so much Jennifer! I learned later that a lot of people edited their vlogs and all sorts of fancy stuff. I just clicked record in You Tube. Lazy me, I guess….February 8, 2014 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

  • April - Beautiful dream. I don’t have the girl yet, but I dream of the same thing.February 7, 2014 – 7:22 pmReplyCancel

  • rachel - “What dreams don’t come true reveals those that do”. Wow, that is just seriously deep and powerful. I do see your dreams for Tucker coming true. I really do. (well, except for the part of having a mom who looks like his grandma!) Beautiful post, Kristi.February 7, 2014 – 8:58 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Rachel. I hope you’re right about my dreams for Tucker coming true!! xoFebruary 8, 2014 – 12:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Courtney Conover - Wow. That was awesome, Kristi. Seeing as though I am so sleep-deprived that I may just start trying this message in another language, I unfortunately cannot list all of the dreams I have for both Scotty and Kennedy; this box isn’t big enough. But I can tell ou what’s number one on the list: 1.) that they are happy, and 2.) that they — and other children — would one day know a world in which they are not discriminated against. OK. Total non sequitur here, but when I would go trick-or-treating as a kid, I used to LOVE catching a glimpse of the inside of people’s homes. (I think I loved that as much as the candy.)February 7, 2014 – 9:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to loving a glimpse into people’s homes when trick-or-treating. I love those glimpses too and STILL do to this day. And yeah, here’s to all of our kids being happy and that they know a non-discriminatory world (hey you should write an Our Land post about that!!!).
      xoFebruary 8, 2014 – 12:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Bianca @ Rant Rave Crave - The first part about the junior prom was so sweet. I’d say you were pretty spot on thinking that the mom was remembering her son as an infant or a toddler. The joke was funny too. I heard a different version where a man mimes to his wife “where’s the rake?” and she mimes back “I left it behind the bush” haha.February 7, 2014 – 10:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to the rake being left behind the bush!! I haven’t heard that version.
      And thanks, Bianca. Remembering our children as infants is so surreal…February 8, 2014 – 12:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Marcia@ Menopausal Mother - Loved your dream—again, another example of your excellent writing skills. I was thinking heavily on everything you wrote and then I watched the video—hilarious! I love that joke. One of these days I need to get in on these video chats y’all have been having….if I can ever figure out HOW to do it (technologically challenged, here….).February 7, 2014 – 11:45 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - The video chat is super-easy to join and you should. They’re a blast! And thanks for the lovely comment, Marcia. I appreciate it so much.February 8, 2014 – 12:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Rich Rumple - Sis, you never fail to amaze me. Let me say just one thing. I pray your dreams can come true! I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Luv Ya, Lady!February 8, 2014 – 12:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Love ya too, my brother from another mother! I pray they come true, too. And yours my fabulous friend.February 8, 2014 – 12:33 pmReplyCancel

  • karen - omg…SOBBING ONCE AGAIN…wipes away tears…okay LOVE what you said…Justin WILL have a date, will have a spouse, will have a family just not in the way you imagine, but it WILL happen…February 8, 2014 – 6:35 amReplyCancel

  • mike - What a great post. I hope your dreams can and do come true.February 8, 2014 – 7:56 amReplyCancel

  • K - Beautiful post, Kristi, and what a wonderful dream. You have such a way with words. I love, love, love that you emphasized, though, that dreams are transient and that the future can be amazing even if it’s not quite what you envisioned. Here’s to an amazing future for all of you, regardless of whether Tucker and Bridget go to prom together. 😉February 8, 2014 – 2:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - K, my friend,
      It’s true, you know, that my dreams are transient. And yours are, too. You have such a big huge life in front of YOU, and I hate that so much of it is simply focused on breathing right now.
      thank you for your most excellent comment. OH and you should please totally please write a NEW OUR LAND about this breathing thing, and not wanting to worry your mom. I think it could be amazing. As are you, my soon to be famous little Sistah from anothah Mistah. 😉February 9, 2014 – 12:14 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - So I’m currently miming at my computer screen: pointing to my eye, pointing to my left boob *and what do I do for YOU again?*

    Your post was beautiful. I often feel like there’s no filter between your soul and the words on my computer screen, as if I plugged in straight into your soul. “I dream that no matter what happens I realize that’s enough” is so aptly put. I think that will resonate with anyone reading your post.February 8, 2014 – 2:55 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAAHAH to the “what do I do for YOU again?” Did you get the whole pointing to the boob and eye and box thing? Sorry (hehehe)

      Adore your words and thank you. I hope you are right.February 9, 2014 – 10:21 pmReplyCancel

      • Katia - I did get it! I was trying to signal “I heart you!” I didn’t know what controversial body part to use for “You”. 😀February 9, 2014 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - This is a beautiful dream, Kristi, and it made a beautiful post. Do you know that the love you have for Tucker is so alive in everything that you write? I mean EVERYTHING! I’ve probably said it before but your son is so blessed…as are you. Your post didn’t make me cry this time…but I can’t stop smiling!

    Loved the video too…goofball 🙂February 8, 2014 – 9:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Thanks, Sandy. I’m glad you can’t stop smiling. That makes me Big Happy. 🙂February 9, 2014 – 10:27 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Oh Kristi… this is so powerful!!! I love your dream, and your ability to have the awareness and insight and wisdom to know that dreams unfold differently than what we plan.

    But dreams come true nonetheless….

    The best dreams are the ones that aren’t even the ones we dreamed really… those that we couldn’t even fathom. Just wait- yours will come too.February 9, 2014 – 3:07 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It’s SO true that our best dreams are never the ones we plan. Or fathom. I look forward to mine, and yours, and all of ours!February 9, 2014 – 10:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - So beautiful. I hope all of your dreams come true and I hope all of ticker’s dreams come true and if they don’t, I hope it’s because they reveals the bigger better things that were supposed to be yours and his.February 9, 2014 – 10:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle - That was a beautiful dream. I never dream about my kids like that. I don’t think I ever had a possible futuristic dream about them. Like last night, I dreamt that my middle kid (the one I dream about the most) and I were in some weird building with a sound booth, and i was looking for a good hiding place for her to hide from some crazy guys with guns (not sure why they were there, like they didn’t know we were too). The worry in those dreams is very overwhelming. If I don’t dream we are at a bank being robbed, then it’s I can’t find a kid and spend a good portion of the dream looking for her. I’m sure I have good dreams about them that I don’t remember. I hope I do have them at least.

    BTW, when I read the walking glimpsing into windows part followed by the family, the details were so amazing I was like, “What kind of walks do you take at night?” Yep, up until the part where you said it was a dream, I was starting to think you might of been peering through the windows from a tree with some binoculars.

    And I loved the insightful analysis of these dreams. What dreams don’t come true reveal those that do. Beautiful.February 10, 2014 – 9:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HA to hiding in a tree with binoculars! And what IS it with the worry/panic dreams? I have those much more often than the really good ones…my son, falling off a steep bridge, and me going in after him, getting lost, getting hurt, ugh. Although I guess it’s better to get that horrible stuff in dreams rather than in real life, right?February 11, 2014 – 12:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Nina - Wow you have a gift with words. What a story! Even though I can’t really relate, you brought us into your world for a few minutes. Thank you for sharing. I truly hope that you dream will come true 🙂February 10, 2014 – 11:05 amReplyCancel

  • Lanaya | Raising Reagan - We can always hope that what we dream is enough. It’s one of the scariest and hardest thing about being a parent. And Tucker and Bridget are adorable!! Yay!

    xoxo
    LanayaFebruary 11, 2014 – 11:06 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You’re right that it’s one of the scariest things about being a parent – the worry that they’ll be okay. Yay for Tucker and Bridget! 😀February 11, 2014 – 12:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Lady Lilith - My dream is that my two little ones grow up to be happy and healthy making the right choices in life.February 11, 2014 – 12:43 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Making the right choices, happy, and healthy are perfect dreams and what we should all strive to have for our children.February 11, 2014 – 12:47 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie - I didn’t realize this was a dream at first and I just pictured you standing in the street listening to the couple talking. When you wrote “the father said, “Hush” ” I thought the next line was going to be “there’s a lady over there listening to us.” Silly, I know, glad to say I did end up figuring it out. I enjoyed the story, as a parent of three I can totally relate to all of it.February 12, 2014 – 9:41 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That’s funny that you thought the guy was hushing her because I was eavesdropping! Thanks so much for commenting.February 12, 2014 – 11:19 amReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - This is so powerful my dear.
    We all have dreams so rich and full of optimism and hope. But we have to be aware that those dreams, change or evolve or never happen and you’re fully aware of that. The best dreams are the ones that hit us. It may not be a dream that we anticipated but it’s just as beautiful as we imagined a dream to be.February 12, 2014 – 6:37 pmReplyCancel

Today’s Our Land Series post is brought to you by the fabulous Jean H. from Mama, Schmama. Jean’s gorgeous writing is full of light and wisdom. Each time that I visit her pages, I am either smiling, laughing, nodding my head in agreement, or “awwww-ing” over her touching and heart-filled outlook at life and parenthood. […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Rachel - Well, Jean. Of course, I can relate to every bit of this, having also been a teacher of kids who came from poverty. You summed up every perspective, every myriad emotion — that sense of elation when you connect with a child, the sense of relief when you find common ground with a parent, the heartbreak when you are helpless to reach a child. I feel that my years as a teacher were some of the hardest I’ve ever spent, but by far some of the most valuable. I carry the lessons with me every day. Thank you so much for imparting those lessons here! So important! I think those kids were damn lucky to have you as their teacher!February 5, 2014 – 9:10 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - Rachel- and you know my teacher heart feels big knowing you could relate. Your kids were lucky too.February 5, 2014 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - “I carry my lessons with me every day.” I love that. And I am so thankful that Jean shared her words here today!February 6, 2014 – 12:12 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - I am struck by how wise you are (despite already knowing that). These two sentences encapsulate you in their wisdom and sensitivity: Meet that person where they are right now. And because sometimes grand gestures are necessary, do them with the respect for the needs of pride and dignity of the recipient.

    Amazing post and once again hat’s off to Kristi for making this one of the most inspiring platforms on the internet.February 5, 2014 – 9:35 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - Hats off to Kristi, indeed. Rare is a writer who can swing from silly to profound with such intelligence and heart as she can.February 5, 2014 – 10:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Jean is SO WISE. I love that she said to meet the person where they are now, too. Pride is big. And hats off to both of you for contributing to our land. I’m so happy and honored to share your voices.February 6, 2014 – 12:19 amReplyCancel

  • jamie@southmainmuse - What a great story. It’s a ironic that just this morning I sent an email to a friend who works in an alternative school about interest in a Creative Writing workshop. I’m not much of a teacher but I love writing and know its power to help those on the outside express feelings.February 5, 2014 – 9:56 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - Absolutely, Jamie. My classroom community always had lots of writing. Many of my students found power in their writing.February 5, 2014 – 10:24 amReplyCancel

  • Jhanis - Beautiful words which I hope will penetrate many a heart. How easy is it to be kind? As easy as it is to be cruel. Only that your heart overflows with joy with the latter.February 5, 2014 – 10:14 amReplyCancel

    • Jhanis - Darn it, my keyboard is drunk. I meant with the first one, not the latter. Gaaah!February 5, 2014 – 10:17 amReplyCancel

      • Jean - I always confuse myself with “former” and “latter.” BUT I got what you meant!!! It also takes more bravery to be kind, in my opinion. I need to remember that more often 🙂February 5, 2014 – 10:26 amReplyCancel

  • Deb @ Urban Moo Cow - Meeting people where they are … goes for everyone, doesn’t it? How often we forget. I admire your courage so much. I’m sure it would have been just as easy to avoid “that neighborhood” and teach elsewhere. So many very good people do so, but it takes a special someone to immerse herself in the difficult, sticky quagmire that is urban poverty. Brava.February 5, 2014 – 10:22 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - Exactly, Deb! I do believe that goes for everyone. It just seems that is forgotten when people interact with those who are “other” I grew up in the community in which I taught. They were my classmates and friends. When I decided to teach, it just seemed natural that’s where I would do it- so, less courage on the part of this teacher, but I’m fine with that. 🙂February 5, 2014 – 10:30 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - My favorite part of this is about smiling and making eye contact. That person to person connection is at the heart of teaching – children are not going to work for a teacher that doesn’t care about them or care about building a relationship. This is such a great essay – I work in one of the most wealthy/privileged districts in our state, so it is so fascinating to hear these stories and know that amazing teachers are everywhere 🙂February 5, 2014 – 10:51 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - Right? When I think of all my coworkers, I remember many people who went above and beyond where I did. It was inspiring to see and a little heartbreaking when I thought of how much people put-down the profession.February 5, 2014 – 11:17 amReplyCancel

  • Dana - “Be confident that you can help. You are equipped with all you need.” If only everyone would believe that, Jean. There are many reasons why people don’t live in Our Land, and one is that they just don’t think they can make a difference. But they can, and you’ve shown us how. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your wisdom, my friend.February 5, 2014 – 11:04 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - I think it’s not too hard just to smile and make eye contact but then again, sometimes it is super hard to do that. Thank you for reading it, Dana!February 5, 2014 – 11:20 amReplyCancel

  • Michelle Liew - I was a teacher of kids from the neighborhood too….and how they had to deal with bias. I can completely relate, Jean. And am too surprised that they contribute to the bias with bias of their own.February 5, 2014 – 11:13 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - It’s understandable though, right? When that’s their leading example, what else would they do? We spent a lot of time in the classroom working on showing kindness towards others.February 5, 2014 – 11:23 amReplyCancel

  • Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom - Wow, Jean never fails to blow my mind.

    {You stand in line behind her at the grocery store and pass her on the sidewalk. Every interaction you have with her is your chance to prove that people are kind and “not racist.”}

    Always inspiring and ever insightful.

    Absolutely lovely.
    xoxoFebruary 5, 2014 – 11:23 amReplyCancel

  • Jean - As you inspire me, Jennifer! Thanks for reading.February 5, 2014 – 11:24 amReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - There’s such an understandable undercurrent of distrust in the people who live in that part of town that it’s hard to break through all the BS that you have to about race and privilege and motives so you can get to the task at hand, namely, teaching.

    I deal with many of these people at their worst, so I have to remind myself that there are good people in this part of town and to have an open mind. It’s not always easy. God bless the teachers though, no matter what part of town they teach in!February 5, 2014 – 11:25 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - Yes.Mistrust. Exactly. I’m sure you’ve experienced the value in staying in one community and how your reputation gets a chance to build so it makes it a little easier, part of the time. When I left last year that caused more guilt than anything else, it still does, because so many people leave and break the trust. And I think I know where you work (my friend is a teacher there)and I should be the one saying God bless you.February 5, 2014 – 3:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - Yes, Jean’s words always amaze me – love hearing this perspective and hearing about her work. Well..your work, Jean, if you’re reading this. No need to talk about you in the third person!
    I come from a family of teachers. It’s in their minds and hearts. It’s a gift. I wasn’t born with that gift so I’m in awe of every perspective of it.February 5, 2014 – 12:09 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - Tamara, at my grandpa’s wake, my uncle got up and spoke about how his dedication to working with kids seeped into the lives of his children and grandchildren. He pointed out how many coaches, teachers, counselors, etc. were in our family.When I grew up, I didn’t want anything to do with teaching but then I did fall in love with it.I like how teachers seem to create more teachers.February 5, 2014 – 3:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - I am one of the people who can relate to this post. I taught children of poverty only briefly, and when I did I tried to consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs on a daily basis. But the real hero in our family is my husband, whose life balling is education for the underprivileged. I do believe it is a calling and some people are naturally gifted for this profession. Like him. Or you.
    I really loved the end of you post. So teacherly to move from the abstract to the concrete–here is what you can do now, today. And I agree that treating everyone with more respect will move us forward to a positive, supportive community.February 5, 2014 – 12:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - And the profession sorely needs more men doing what your husband does.I never thought of teaching underprivileged kids as my calling, like he does, it just happened to be the kids who lived in my community and so that’s who I taught. I wonder if I would have done so if I grew up somewhere else.February 5, 2014 – 3:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - Oh, Jean. You are so wise and gifted, both as a parent and as a teacher. I love your honesty and humor combined with legitimately helpful practical advice. You are inspiring without being preachy or full of yourself. Those whose lives you have touched are better for it, without a doubt. Including me. 🙂February 5, 2014 – 12:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - I was, ahem, lucky enough to work with a group of teachers and a principal who never ever let anything go to our head. And then, there’s always been the educator-loving politicians who harp on how we live a Donald Trump lifestyle on our extravagant salaries while ruining America’s future… 🙂February 5, 2014 – 3:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - This was absolutely beautiful, Jean. Having grown up around 5 parents/step parents who were teachers I to this day have an admiration and love for those that choose that career field. One that is highly underpaid and further more so atrociously under appreciated. I like what you said, “I would listen without judgment.” The smiles and warmth you have brought to some many children will forever be imprinted in their minds and hearts forever! Thank you so much for sharing her with us, Kristi 🙂February 5, 2014 – 1:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - Thank you so much, Mike! My mom was an educator and I always said teachers had the most important job in the country, until I became one and then it felt a little presumptuous to say that about myself 🙂February 5, 2014 – 3:30 pmReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - Sobbing. This is simply amazing in every way. Thank you for sharing this story today. I totally needed to read it.-AshleyFebruary 5, 2014 – 1:38 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - Ashley, this is two posts in a row I think where I made you cry! I promise to be frivolous and full of humor the next time you visit 🙂February 5, 2014 – 3:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - Not only do I love this post, I love that picture of you! 😀February 5, 2014 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - Well, of course-the sun looks good on everybody. And thank you!February 5, 2014 – 10:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kathy at kissing the frog - Inspiring. I taught in a low-income school for 8 years. It’s tough, often unnoticed and unrewarded work. But, the kids who stand out are burned in your heart forever. Thanks for sharing here!February 5, 2014 – 10:28 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - Kathy, they do. I’ve only been out since last June and I miss it. The teaching, the challenges (oddly enough), and the kids. I kept relics from year to year of certain kids as reminders for why I was there. I still have a few in my little closet office now.February 6, 2014 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - My Skewed View - This really is so thoughtful and important Jean, thank you. I see it as a cycle that also doesn’t break easily as generations pass it on – on both sides.
    My MIL is guilty of using the statement those “insert nationality here”, but she has grown up in a neighborhood her whole life that went from middle-class to impoverished in the last 80 years. And trust me, in her neck of the woods, she’s right – she’s not safe. So breaking the cycle is really hard.
    But it’s still worth it to try.
    And so the few times I’m in Waukegan, I face those thinly veiled hostile stares with a smile. Sometimes it’s enough to make a crack in the ice, other times I leave with my heart pounding.
    But it’s true what you say. You gotta try.February 6, 2014 – 2:31 amReplyCancel

    • Jean - But it should be easier to start breaking that cycle with children. It sickened me to see full grown adults looking at my seven year old children like they were going to jump them when we were on field trips. Seven year olds! And my kids behaved. Just imagining what a child’s life and worldview would be like after being on the receiving end of looks like that as young as seven…February 6, 2014 – 9:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - Lovely post Jean. I spent over 20 years as a therapist in residential and in-patient Psyh… I know all too well about the struggle and the strife of the poverty and crime and hopelessness and quite frankly help-less-ness of countless people.

    I love your perspective and your precious serving ways…those kids were damn lucky to have you.

    On a funny not- I JUST saw you on bloglovin’ while I was looking for another blog- seemed like you were someone may know and if not I wanted to know, so I started following you!!

    And HERE you ARE? Love when that happens!! 🙂February 6, 2014 – 5:46 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - I just found you all over the place, we are now following each other! The blogging community can have “small world” moments occasionally and I like that. Would it be corny to say I’m the luckier one to have had them in my class? Yes. Totally corny. A lot true.February 6, 2014 – 9:48 pmReplyCancel

  • Lady Lilith - It is really nice to see that there are good teachers. They are hard to come by. Her students are very fortunate.February 6, 2014 – 9:21 pmReplyCancel

    • Jean - Thank you for saying that! I have worked with many good teachers, principals, and administrators. They served as daily inspiration to me.February 6, 2014 – 9:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Out One Ear - Linda Atwell - another amazing guest post. I’m running out of unique words to describe all these awesome people. We need more teachers like her. (My husband was one too. He has so much compassion for kids.)

    P.S. I’m for world peace too. 🙂February 10, 2014 – 2:15 amReplyCancel

Like many of us, I get attached to my cars. Well, except the ugly Government Mobile that my dad bought my brother and me because it just plain sucked (and yes, it’s “me” and not “I”). However, when you’re in high school, even the suckiest, most embarrassing car is a car. And having an occasional […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Mike - This game is soooo over. I was all in for Peyton and gang too. Epic ass-whuppin’. I’m so with you on attachment to my vehicles, Kristi! I’m notorious for it. I just avoid car payments at all costs. But, wowee do they have some fancy new gadgets these days. I’m with you on the dealership guys…me,”Can I have an afternoon with someone just to teach me how to operate all of this stuff?” And dumb ass proof vehicles? My type of ride! I have a 2004 Jeep Cherokee. It’s got all of the fancy stuff (back then) and is perfect. Bought it when I got Phoenix. It’s HIS Jeep. He rides shotgun with me EVERYWHERE. My fav part of this post? Tucker kissing your old car goodbye. That’s priceless, our friend 🙂February 2, 2014 – 9:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - OMG I can’t say how sad and mad I was watching (1/2-assed, I admit) the game tonight. It’s like we just weren’t the same team. 🙁 Sad. Mad. Sad. And hope Peyton signs on for another year, actually.
      I’m not against car payments although I know that I should be…love that you still have your 2004 Cherokee. My Jeep (1984 CJ Renegade) was my baby. That lovely was paid off for years and cost me less than $6,000 to buy it used with $98,000 miles). I STILL miss it – it was my favorite car to date. I mean I loved the expensive convertible (not that expensive when it comes to convertibles, a loaded VW Eos) but man I loved it. And yeah, Tucker has some weird savant thing. He can recognize all cars and routes to get places. It’s kindof freaky.February 2, 2014 – 11:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Laura - Congrats! Hope you enjoy getting attached to this one too 😉February 2, 2014 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi - You bought the Batmobile? How totally cool is that?

    As for the game, I’m not sure what to say to my Broncos-loving friends that wouldn’t sound too smug, so I guess I’ll just be quiet now.February 2, 2014 – 11:12 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well. Enough of a Batmobile for Tucker. Which just means the car is black really, but I’m okay with that.
      And Yeah. you can go ahead and not say ANYTHING to Broncos fans. Which given where you live, you should be one but whatever, Traitor.February 2, 2014 – 11:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me - Can’t offer any consolation on the game – I didn’t even know who was playing. Just not a sports fan… That car sounds totally cool – like the Batmobile and KITT all wrapped up in one!

    Have a great week!February 2, 2014 – 11:32 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Batmobile and KITT are getting way affordable and OMG I’d forgotten about KITT. He was the coolest car in the history of time. Sigh. I totally settled.February 2, 2014 – 11:55 pmReplyCancel

  • linda Atwell - Out One Ear - well, the (retired) insurance adjuster came out of me as I read your post. And my first thought was that your jeep, since it caught on fire, should have been covered by insurance. Then I realized it would only be covered if you had full coverage and I then assumed you just had liability insurance. If that is the case, it sure sucks to spend that kind of money and have it go up in flames. 🙁

    As far as the Super Bowl, I might have caught a little bit of Bruno Mars, but other than that, I missed out on the bowl entirely. And by choice. My husband was rooting for the SeaHawks because, well, we live in the NW and they are the closest professional team to us. And he grew up near Seattle, so although you are sad, he is happy. And since today, Groundhogs Day, is his birthday, I’m glad the SeaHawks won and made his day a little extra special.

    I hate buying/changing cars–so I feel for you. Glad your got one you liked. (I do for some reason like the new car smell.) Have a great rest of your Super Bowl Sunday.February 3, 2014 – 12:28 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, Linda. It was sad. I did only have liability at that point because it just wasn’t worth much (and I wasn’t – financially – either). Being as I’d almost lost my license for speeding so much, my insurance was really high. In fact, at one point, when the jeep still had payments of a whopping $165/month, the insurance each month was higher than the car payment!
      The guy who “fixed” my engine refunded my $3500 but that’s all I ended up getting. Well later, I sold the burned-out jeep for $750 but considering I had $1000 wheels and tires on it at that point, and a $2000 stereo, etc. etc. I came out behind. Still, I loved that thing. I wish I still had it.
      Good for missing out on the super bowl because the donkeys sucked. Fine fine, your hubs can be (quietly) happy about his win though and happy birthday to him!!February 3, 2014 – 2:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - They do sound like cool features for sure. I wish I could get my car to self-clean on the inside.

    LOVE that Tucker kissed your car. Niece kissed mine yesterday and I told her off because it’s filthydirty and then BOTH kids started snogging the bits of the car they could reach and I couldn’t tell them off because I was laughing so hard!

    Bad luck about your team.February 3, 2014 – 2:21 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dangit. Now I don’t like it because it doesn’t self-clean. Thanks, Lizzi.
      HAHAH to niece kissing your car and then you telling her off and both of them “snogging” the bits they could reach. That’s hilarious. And awesome. And my team lost without even making it a good game. I can handle a loss. But they played like crap. That’s harder to take.February 3, 2014 – 2:43 pmReplyCancel

      • Considerer - I daresay the other cool features make up for it. You’ll cope. I bet it even has air-con for summer, ey?

        They were both SO awesome and I really hope they didn’t catch something from the dirt! Silly, sweet kids.

        Your team sucked, I heard. I have ONE friend who understands NFL and I got told all about it.February 3, 2014 – 4:19 pmReplyCancel

  • zoe - Best feature on my ten year old crapper of a vehicle??? Paid for.

    Sorry for your loss (Denver).February 3, 2014 – 5:49 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah, I miss having a paid-for car sometimes. But I’m hoping to teach this one to simulate exercise for me while I drive so that might be worth it. Laziness is worth a lot.February 3, 2014 – 2:44 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - (haven’t had that happen in a while…) the frickin thing dropped my Comment!!

    damn! I hate that…and it was such a witty and insightful comment too! with references to professional sports, automotive safety engineering and the sheer awesomeositiy of (the concept) of BJ coupons… gone! in a frickin click of a mouse.

    …anyway. One thing I will repeat (no, besides *that*) is: hide the extra ‘non-key’ key thing in the desk where you write, hiding it in that kitchen drawer will just mess you up at some point.February 3, 2014 – 6:19 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - What a bummer. Although if “Great post” is your idea of a “witty and insightful” comment, it was dropped because I programmed my new car to eat “Great post” comments immediately.
      Thanks for the tip about the kitchen drawer. I only turned in one key yesterday when I dropped off my old car and I’m pretty sure it’s the kitchen drawer’s fault, actually. Huh. HOW DO YOU DO THAT.February 3, 2014 – 3:03 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - Watched that game last night and how crazy was it. I am not even a huge football fan and still knew that it wasn’t a great game and definitely left more to be desired. Yay to the new car and I am not sure I would ever be able to completely get used to a smart car, but does look like it has more then a few perks to it! 🙂February 3, 2014 – 7:55 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Janine, the game was a disaster. I can’t even believe how badly the Broncos did. It was just sad. Yeah, the smart car things – I’m sure there are millions of features I’ll never figure out.February 3, 2014 – 3:06 pmReplyCancel

  • That Girl Ryan - You are a jeep girl? I think we can definitely be friends. I love Jeeps! Especially the kind that you posted a picture of.February 3, 2014 – 9:27 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That Girl Ryan, I LOVE Jeeps. And that kind that is in the photo? Is really the only “real” kind, ya know? Yay to being friends. ;DFebruary 3, 2014 – 3:09 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - The car reads text messages to you?!?!? I’m sold on that alone!February 3, 2014 – 9:48 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know right? Now I just have to program it. Which…we’ll see how much I’m digging it then. Hopefully that, too, is idiot-proof.February 3, 2014 – 4:50 pmReplyCancel

  • jamie@southmainmuse - It is funny how attached we can get to a car. I let my oldest take my Suburban to college so he could haul his kayak and such. I missed it so. I’d got it when my now college sophomore was in 4th grade. I inherited a 2001 Infinity from my dad. Never thought I’d like a smaller car. And this was just going to tide me over till we could afford a car payment. After driving it about a year, I really feel attached to the darn thing and want to drive it till it falls apart. And I think I’m in love with small cars now.February 3, 2014 – 10:00 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Isn’t it funny how attached we get to our cars? I’m glad that while you missed your Suburban so much that you really love your new (to you which is new) Infinity! I hope it lasts for a long long time!!February 3, 2014 – 4:59 pmReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - I was devastated to give up the car I had before my minivan. I loved it so. Your new car sounds amazing, by the way! I could totally use a dummy-proof vehicle myself! ;)-AshleyFebruary 3, 2014 – 10:24 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ha. Dummy-proof cars for all of us. Should we make a pool on how many days it’ll take me to out-dummy it?February 3, 2014 – 5:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I need a cheddar bunny proof car! Or maybe a pirate’s booty proof car. The backseat looks like a booty war took place.
    I love dumbshit-safe cars too. Remind me to tell you about the time I locked the keys in the car with the engine running. And I was taking up 2-3 spots. And I had to call my mom to come with her spare, unlock the car, repark it to not look like a dumbshit, and then turn it off.
    Only, there was a fire drill and she couldn’t do it discreetly because everyone kept shouting, “Hey, Tammy! (not my real name) Isn’t that your mom?”February 3, 2014 – 10:41 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA to your mom having to come rescue you with a new set of keys. OF COURSE it was during a fire drill – these things have to happen with an audience or they don’t sufficiently scar us.February 3, 2014 – 5:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I need a cheddar bunny proof car! Or maybe a pirate’s booty proof car. The backseat looks like a booty war took place.
    I love dumbshit-safe cars too. Remind me to tell you about the time in high school that I locked the keys in the car with the engine running. And I was taking up 2-3 spots. And I had to call my mom to come with her spare, unlock the car, repark it to not look like a dumbshit, and then turn it off.
    Only, there was a fire drill and she couldn’t do it discreetly because everyone kept shouting, “Hey, Tammy! (not my real name) Isn’t that your mom?”February 3, 2014 – 10:42 amReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - So wait- that new car that does everything but wipe your ass is CHEAPER???

    Where do I get one? Seriously- OHMYGOSH I want THAT CAR!!!!

    Superbowl fail. Oy. I didn’t watch a lick of it- and I heard even the commercials sucked.

    At least there wasn’t a blizzard over there… that’s about the most positive thing any Denver fan can say, right?February 3, 2014 – 10:51 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I know, right, Chris? Amazing that it’s cheaper. I have found two tiny things that are not “as good” as my last car (like my other car displayed a list of all music on my iPhone/iPod. This one doesn’t give the full list so you have to look at your phone or upload the music to the car – so I think I can live with that maybe).
      Yeah. Sigh. Broncos. Sigh. Weep. Sniff, sniff.February 3, 2014 – 5:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Dude, it was over with the first snap. I had no cell coverage so you were spared my taunting texts. Yes, you can be thankful for that too!!

    How weird/cosmic is it that I had to replace old reliable a week ago? I’m still in mourning. Except this car is clean. I mean clean, no goldfish crackers or anything breeding in the back seat!! Congrats on the car

    I wish I could say I am with you in your grief, but that was just embarrassing.

    Oh wait, congrats on your can’t be a dumbass car. I see road trip in your futureFebruary 3, 2014 – 1:17 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Well – like you said – I suppose I do have one thing to add to my thankful list this week and that’s that YOU did NOT have cell phone service. Awww…sorry about old reliable. That sucks. But yeah. the clean thing is pretty big.
      Sheesh. Yup, a road trip to the cape where you feed me wine to make up for being mean about my home town football team.February 3, 2014 – 5:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah - Great on so many levels!
    1. Grammar lesson, thank you. Nothing drives the dude and me crazier that that stupid over correction. It probably doesn’t drive the dude that crazy, but I had to work him in there to show you I was in the know.
    2. My cars are my friends. I love them and name them. My first car, a 1980 gold Dodge Colt, was named Farley. True story: we donated it after my sister moved on from it, and I would still see it around town. One time I actually stopped someone in the parking lot so I could tell him the car’s name. By this time, he was a good 20 years old, but the driver and I raved on what a fine car he was. I was so pleased the new owner appreciated him.
    3. Loved your number three. So me to not be willing to sit at the dealership a bit longer to learn how to work the controls. I gotta get goin’!

    And congrats on the new dummy-proof car. Sounds like a winner. But what is his/her name?February 3, 2014 – 1:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - 1. Sarah, you are SO in the know. Way to prove it though. It’s important that nobody else forget and sometimes, I may need a reminder as well. So good for you there.
      2. My cars are my friends too! Don’t tell anybody as I need to keep my tough reputation up (hahahaha) but I thanked my car yesterday and told him goodbye.
      That’s awesome you saw Farley around town! SO AWESOME. I’m glad somebody worthy ended up loving him too.
      3. Yeah, getting a new car can be cool (especially when you find a dummy-proof one) but the whole experience is a pain in the butt. Once they give me the keys, I don’t want to sit around for a boring tutorial. I’d rather screw everything up on my own.
      I haven’t named the new car yet. I’m waiting to see if his personality reveals his name to me. It’ll probably be something smart-sounding though…maybe Albert. No. Because Fat Albert and my car is black so people might get the wrong idea. I’ll let you know.February 3, 2014 – 5:49 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I can start my car from my remote too, and it comes in handy when it’s butt cold outside – the car is already warm when I get in. Also works well when it’s hot as hell. Enjoy your new car – hopefully it took the sting out of the loss just a little.February 3, 2014 – 3:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It did take the sting out of the loss a bit but I found out today that my iPod/iPhone music doesn’t get listed in the display like it did in my old car. Not taking my key out of my pocket to open the door is cool though. Especially because I won’t have to fool with my keys to unlock my door if like, you know, um, a SERIAL KILLER was chasing me or something. Not that I know any of those, but well. Dexter seemed nice, too 😉February 3, 2014 – 8:27 pmReplyCancel

  • y - We used to have one of those keyless cars with the parking camera. Ours was a hybrid Auris and the trunk space was squeezed out by the extra battery so my husband complained daily and I complained when the girls and I went visiting my cousin and then took her girls, plus their sleeping bags and other bags for a sleepover. We changed it for car with a bigger trunk, but I do still forget at times that I have to press the button to open the door and remember to put the key in the slot.

    You may have interesting moments though, like the one where my kids when off into the house carrying my handbag (purse) and I was about to drive off when I realised I wouldn’t get very far because they also had the key.February 3, 2014 – 5:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ugh to the hybrid trunks. My husband had one of those for a while and it was really annoying although he did get rear-ended by a large truck and the back of his car was barely damaged, although the truck was.
      This one isn’t a hybrid, and one of the reasons we got it was that the trunk holds almost as much as my last car (which was one of those mini SUV things).
      HAHA to your kids walking away with the key and the button not starting. We already have worried about Tucker figuring out how to start the car (luckily, you have to hold the break down while pushing the button and he’s short).February 3, 2014 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - I’m with Tamara. I need a crumb-proof & milk-stain-proof car! I also need a little-old-lady-who-isn’t-paying-attention-proof car. A little old lady ran a red light three weeks ago and t-boned my husband. With my little one in the car. Thank goodness they were ok. Sadly, the car was not. Result: insurance paid out and hubby’s got new wheels!February 3, 2014 – 9:04 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ah me too. Hey guess what I didn’t post in this. So as we were checking out the features of the SILVER CAR that I was going to buy, some old dude backed into the front of it? While we were sitting there. I felt really bad for him. I had to get the black one which maybe was better anyway as we could tell Tucker it was like Batmobile.
      YAY to your hubs getting new wheels and thank goodness nobody was hurt!February 4, 2014 – 12:24 amReplyCancel

  • Ilene - Oh my gosh! I love your car! And I hope Tucker is kissing this car in no time! I think he will! I want a car that reads text messages to me! I will gladly go back to the dealer with you for those extra 15 minutes to learn how to set that up!February 3, 2014 – 11:08 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ilene, I hope he’s kissing the new one in no time, too! Let me know when you want to go to the dealer with me because it would be way more fun with you there, too!February 4, 2014 – 10:32 amReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - Ok it sounds dummy proof EXCEPT-does it start yelling at you when you leave your keys in a cart at Target and walk out? I’m just wondering, because if so I want one. You know why… 😉 COngrats on your new ride!February 3, 2014 – 11:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHA, Sarah, I don’t think ANY car will yet be able to help you with losing your keys inside Target. I’m sure they’re working on it though so hang in there. 😉February 4, 2014 – 10:34 amReplyCancel

  • Katia - I love you, because you’ve just managed to make cars enjoyable and funny. I fell in love with every single car you were describing and then I was like “damn, Kristi, not NVRNUFF! You can’t give up that car!” and then “Not the glass ceiling! TELLMETHISISNOTHAPPENING!” I love your new dummy-proof car, though, so we’re good. 😀February 4, 2014 – 9:34 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw Katia. I love YOU. You’re the bestest. Glad you’re okay with the new dummy-proof car. I think it’s going to work out just fine, although I still miss that NVRNUF jeep.February 4, 2014 – 1:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Lady Lilith - I now how you feel about your car. When we were younger and my mother was upgrading her car, all of us were so sad. When you think about it we did spend a lot of time in it. Between getting to and from school to playdates, it is like a mobil home.February 4, 2014 – 10:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Lady Lilith,
      It’s true that kids spend a ton of time in mom’s car so it makes perfect sense that they will get attached, right? Ha to it being like a mobile home – so true.February 4, 2014 – 1:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Lady Lilith - I know how you feel about your car. When we were younger and my mother was upgrading her car, all of us were so sad. When you think about it we did spend a lot of time in it. Between getting to and from school to playdates, it is like a mobil home.February 4, 2014 – 10:20 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kids do spend a ton of time in mom’s car so it makes perfect sense that they will get attached, right? Ha to it being like a mobile home – so true.February 4, 2014 – 1:09 pmReplyCancel

  • meeshie - You know, the entire reason I bought my car last year (2014 kia soul) was because of the backup camera and voice activated features. I figured it would reduce my stupidity factor. 😉February 4, 2014 – 11:51 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m all for reducing stupid whenever I can so good call on that! Ha. 😀February 4, 2014 – 1:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - About the Super Bowl – sorryyyyyy 😉 I stopped watching by half-time and missed the best part (the show).

    Anyway we already know that I need your car for #1. I’d have to test that out to believe it. Then one you didn’t mention – I have manually locked my car with the engine running – c’mon 2004 Honda – really?

    And lastly – I got the silent treatment all day Sunday because I didn’t back down the middle of the drive – rather the muddy snow slushy side – and got my car stuck. I future tried to back up and pull forward anyway which resulted in mud splatter on the side of my car.

    My white car is such a gross combination of mud and bird $hit that I apologized to the bagger who helped me out with my stuff after I went to the commissary yesterday. We haven’t been able to park in the garage for about a month now because of renovation stuff being in the garage.

    Was this a thankful post? See why I never link up?February 4, 2014 – 12:56 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yeah the Super Bowl sucked. *SOB* I just don’t know what happened. I wasn’t sure we’d win, but I thought it would at least be a great game, and it just wasn’t. Sigh. I heard the 1/2-time show wasn’t great (we had Tucker bath and bedtime during it) so maybe you didn’t miss much after all.
      Ok I’m cracking up at the fact that you got the silent treatment all day for getting stuck in your own driveway and splattering more gunk on your car. Oops, wait, did I say that I’m laughing at you? What I meant was “OH no! Sorry that happened!”
      Also I find it hilarious that you apologized to a staff person about your car’s state. hehe!
      Hopefully you’ll get your garage back soon???February 4, 2014 – 1:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah | LeftBrainBuddha - omg totally jealous because I really want a cool minivan. enjoy your new wheels, mama!February 4, 2014 – 8:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Calandra - I agree with your post. Wait, you sold the jeep? It’s really cool.February 5, 2014 – 6:54 amReplyCancel

  • Lizzy - Muddle-Headed Mamma - How cute that Tucker kissed the car door! I love how you can write about picking up a car, kristi, and make it funny. I reckon you could write about grass growing and still find a way to make it funny 🙂 The dummy-proof car sounds all kinds of amazing. I’d only be worried about it reading aloud a text message to me when I didn’t want it too … it would be just my luck that they one time I got a raunchy message or something super private, that I happened to be giving someone a lift at the same time and the car would read the message loud and clear! Please do write a blog post if that does ever happen 🙂February 5, 2014 – 7:11 amReplyCancel

  • Sandy Ramsey - Ooh! A shiny new car that may or may not be the Batmobile and its’ smart too? Sounds good to me! My favorite part about a new car would be that it’s clean…for about a minute and a half.
    I cannot speak of the Superbowl. I’m trying hard to forget it ever happened.February 5, 2014 – 3:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Kelly Mckenzie - Oh is it wise for me to say I while I am Canadian, Seattle is just down the road so I was hoping Seatlle would win? If not, please delete.February 6, 2014 – 12:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Lori Lavender Luz - I must admit, when I saw the pic of your NVRNUF Jeep, it takes me back to fun, light-hearted polaroid-tinged days. I know while we were living them they weren’t so fun and light-hearted, but looking back things seemed so simple back then.

    Your new ride looks posh!February 6, 2014 – 2:45 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Good Lord, so many blog hops!! What kinds of cars were these, dear? Are you not at liberty to say because you don’t want us to think you’re a snob or what?? All those fancy options seem very distracting to me, but I guess Batman has to have all the bells and whistles, right? The first new car I ever got was a Wrangler. I loved that fucking thing.February 6, 2014 – 3:18 pmReplyCancel

  • TCI - I am glad you are happy after giving up your old car. It isn’t easy. We have already changed our mind three times about downgrading our car. It really is hard to downgrade even though you know the costs and you are struggling to cope with it.

    By the way, isn’t your new car have other features that you like other than being dummy-proof? You didn’t tell us anything else about it when you provided a lot more for your old ones.February 16, 2014 – 4:33 pmReplyCancel

  • Chad - I just wanted to say that I got a real kick out of reading these comments. Funny stuff.February 22, 2014 – 11:36 pmReplyCancel

  • Skylo - We have a minivan with a keyless start (big red start button) and I can not have my kid sit anywhere close to it or that hand reaches out to push it! So annoying and dangerous!May 7, 2014 – 8:41 amReplyCancel

Way back in the 80’s, I was a carefree college student living in California, doing typical college things like studying a lot and staying up all night to type procrastinated papers on the word processor located in another building, because that’s how life was in the 80’s. It’s true. Nobody had laptops, and when you […]

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by Kristi Campbell

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  • Janine Huldie - Oh, I totally remember those walks of shame and pretty sure we were all there at one point or another, but now I am seriously happy that cell phones and selfies weren’t around back during that time for either of us! Loved your drawing though and definitely made me laugh tonight. Thanks for that and ya I am first!!! 🙂January 30, 2014 – 10:02 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I’m SO glad nobody had cell phones back then. YAY for first!! And thanks, Janine.January 31, 2014 – 4:10 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - I love the FRUCK stories and your selfie before selfie were popular. You not only rock you are a freaking innovative rock star. Just don’t retire like Motley Crue okay?January 30, 2014 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HA, Kerri. So no being like Motley Crue when it comes to their retirement. Check. Wait. Which part? Like the billion goodbye tour concerts?January 31, 2014 – 8:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Kenya G. Johnson - LOL!!! Girl you drew that picture! I’m just guessing you were in the black and gray. The walk of shame is bad enough but in a royal blue dress AND matching shoes?January 30, 2014 – 10:20 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Kenya. Good call. I’d never have worn the matching shoes. Um ok fine, once, to my cousin’s wedding, I wore died PEACH colored shoes (just got a little sick remembering) but that was for like, you know, her wedding.January 31, 2014 – 8:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - Love it…my favorite walk of shame story is when I slept over at my boyfriend’s house in college for the first time. I drove us (drunk of course) to his house the night before and we were both so “out of it” that neither of us noticed that I parked in a tow-away zone. The next morning after I crept out of his house, I noticed that my car was gone. I was waaay too embarrassed to go back in and tell him what happened so I walked that walk of shame all the way home to my own house — it was only a few blocks away, but still. When I told my roommate what happened, she was thrilled because it gave us an excuse to skip class and go retrieve the car. Oh and that college boyfriend? At least I ended up marrying him 7 years later. 🙂 Oh and one more thing – woo hoo, I’m participating in FTSF!! It’s been a while, but glad to be here!!January 30, 2014 – 10:22 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Emily that’s HILARIOUS. I can’t believe that you were too embarrassed to go tell him and walked all the way home. I’d have been pounding his door down making him feel sorry for me and buy me breakfast and stuff. No wonder he married you. You were even cool in college!
      And I second the Woo Hoo to being back in FTSF, you. You’ve been missed. So glad you’re here.January 31, 2014 – 8:33 pmReplyCancel

  • April - I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but I’ve had my “Walk of Shame” moments and would always go home with my head held high acting like nothing happened. I was never ashamed, but maybe I should’ve been. LOL!January 30, 2014 – 10:31 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HA, April. It’s good that you weren’t ashamed. You probably weren’t still drunk, which is also good 😀January 31, 2014 – 8:34 pmReplyCancel

  • christine - Oh, I so enjoy your all girls college stories, especially the ones which have to do with the fruck.

    The walk of shame…You nailed it. 😉January 30, 2014 – 10:57 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Christine. The Fruck rocked. So did college, really. I mean, mostly. Thanks for coming by! I still want to know why you don’t like the soccer moms. Popping over now to see if you’d said.January 31, 2014 – 8:35 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Atwell - Out One Ear - I don’t have any of those college stories, but my husband sure does. Well, not exactly like yours because he went to a state college with both sexes, so I assume his would just be staying the night on campus with someone of the opposite sex. Although I went to community college, I didn’t finish my degree until much later in life, like 35. But in all honesty, I just wasn’t a partier. I tried partying and didn’t really get it–all that out of control stuff. And that is my problem in a nutshell. I don’t like being out of control, I like controlling things and that is why Lindsey and I butt heads. I want her to do A. She wants to do B. I try to talk and talk and talk her into A. Silly mother that I am. She does B and I get mad.

    As far as seeing something funny on the way to…I’m going to need to try one of these finish the sentence posts someday. Instead of participating, I spend the morning putting together Lindsey and Nick’s answer to a Valentine’s question someone sent in. So at least I was somewhat productive. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.January 30, 2014 – 11:05 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hm. My first instinct is that when it comes to partying, you weren’t doing it with the right people or something but I have a friend who also does not enjoy (or didn’t back then anyway) the loss of control feeling. It made her a great designated driver! Ok kidding (not really because she did usually volunteer to drive) but I get it.
      And I LOVED the answer to Lindsey’s and Nick’s Valentine’s question. SO lovely and sweet. xoJanuary 31, 2014 – 8:38 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - I was concerned you had a secret photo of me until I remembered my school was nowhere near your school. SHAME.January 30, 2014 – 11:10 pmReplyCancel

  • ilene - All I can say is thank GOD there were no cell phones for selfies or Facebook tags when I was back in college. It’s one reason I don’t mind being old! If we had been on the same campus,I would have gone drinking with you for sure.January 30, 2014 – 11:17 pmReplyCancel

  • donofalltrades - Hahahaha, seriously, how were we not buddies back in the 80’s! Lol, can I say that out loud?

    I had a frequent walk of shame myself. I normally drank myself into a stupor and never knew what the hell I did after a certain hour of the night, so the breakfast line was always a joy. Were they judging me or did I sort of behave myself? Lol. God I miss college. Oh and Left tit in the box? Classic! Love it.January 30, 2014 – 11:26 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HAHAH OMG I forgot to talk about the feeling of being unsure whether you were a hero or a douche the next morning. GAH. Such a huge part of it.
      And yeah, I wish we were friends in the 80’s too.
      Oh! DO the Left Tit in the Box joke out loud. It gets funnier.January 31, 2014 – 8:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Love the bleary-face ‘selfie’ from the 80’s.

    And the joke was WAY funnier when you showed it live at the VidChat (and then again, a week later, when I told it to everyone who’d missed out the week before, wearing my Tigger suit…January 31, 2014 – 2:09 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - It is indeed funnier when spoken aloud than it is typed…for sure. 😀January 31, 2014 – 8:41 pmReplyCancel

  • That Girl Ryan - I totally you knew you were one of the girls…as a walk of shame frequenter myself, I can spot a fellow walk of shame-r a mile away.

    At least Monique was there for you in moments like this…we were stuck walking miles back to our dorm room and had to pass through a row of frat houses to get there. The frat brothers would get up early every morning to make fun of the shame-rs coming home.January 31, 2014 – 9:20 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dude. I spotted you early on as well. In fact, your post today? Yeah. Could be related. Monique rocked. But we had other moments, too. Like when dudes drove for 45 minutes because we couldn’t remember how to get back to school and then we sent them home anyway? Ouch. For them anyway. I still got my burger.January 31, 2014 – 10:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Lisa Forever Five Blog - Kristi, I live for your college stories. Really. As soon as you started this story a big smile spread across my face because your college stories are so freakin awesome! I so wish we were roommates back then. It would have been an amazing 4 years (or 5 if you switched majors as many times as I did!). You have to tell me, though, who was the guy that made you wait for the 7 am Fruck? Cute? Stupid? Loser? Winner? Please don’t leave me hanging!January 31, 2014 – 10:18 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, Lisa, we’d have been AWESOME roommates! Sadly, and don’t judge, I did the walk of shame more than once so the guy could have been cute, stupid, loser, winner. Yup, I was a college skank!! Usually I went for cute and dumb though. That was my trademark.February 1, 2014 – 12:15 pmReplyCancel

      • Lisa Forever Five Blog - You had me at skank!February 1, 2014 – 1:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama - Your artistic rendering of an 80s selfie? Just plain awesome! I love the smeared make-up and bed hair.January 31, 2014 – 10:49 amReplyCancel

  • The Dose of Reality - Bwahahahaha. I ADORE your illustration. You got the smudgy make up of the Walk of Shame just right. I have a picture (with an actual film camera!!) that someone took of me in college in 1989 with a beer box on my head. It’s very similiar you your photo above!! –LisaJanuary 31, 2014 – 10:52 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Holy crap, Lisa. I think I have a photo with a beer box on my head, too! Now it’s my mission to try and find it.February 1, 2014 – 12:17 pmReplyCancel

  • Meredith - That drawing is awesome. And, FRUCK??? HILARIOUS. At first, I thought it was a typo. HahahahaJanuary 31, 2014 – 11:12 amReplyCancel

  • Lisa @ Golden Spoons - OMG! So glad there were no fancy cell phones and selfies back in college!! I had one of those awesome word processors, too. Only, mine was actually in my dorm room!January 31, 2014 – 11:50 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Your word processor was in your dorm room? LUCKY! And yeah, I’m so glad that there were no cell phones or selfies back then.February 1, 2014 – 12:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - Great drawing and it’s awesome to hear humble stories from friends who remind me that we’ve all had that Walk of Shame! I would absolutely love to hear more of your college stories. And it’s great to know that you, like me, used a word processor in the 80’s. I have a ton of stories that went swirling through my head after reading this. Probably one that most guys can relate to. Getting too frisky with a platonic co-worker on text under an intoxicated previous night. Then the next morning passing them in a hallway, scowling at me, “No I will not sext with you, Mikey!” *sigh* Awesome post, Kristi! 🙂January 31, 2014 – 12:23 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Ooooooh, Mike! You have to blog about getting frisky with your co-worker because that sounds like a really hilarious story! And the fact that she called you Mikey after saying she won’t sext with you sends a little bit of a double message, no? Did anything come of it?
      I sometimes miss 80’s word processors and no cell phones. That’s weird right?February 1, 2014 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - LMAO! Thank goodness there are only cartoon reminders of those kind of nights. 😉January 31, 2014 – 1:35 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Indeed. If there were real photographic proof, I might not be able to run for president.February 1, 2014 – 12:20 pmReplyCancel

  • Menopausal Mother - Boy oh boy, can I relate to this post! I too, went to an all girls college in the 80’s. Did the walk of shame MANY times, I hate to admit. But oh, were those some FUN times. This post makes me miss those crazy ass days. Some of my best. Thanks for sharing the memories! 🙂January 31, 2014 – 1:37 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - You went to an all girls college in the 80’s too? That’s awesome! And you’re right – those were such fun times and I miss those crazy ass days, too. Thanks, Marcia!February 1, 2014 – 12:21 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - A funny thing happened on my way home from Ben’s school. I was sort of impatient to read you post, I read it, commented in my head and moved on. I totally didn’t realize one of the walk of shame girls was you, until the very end. I love description of the Fruck, Monique and college life in the 80’s and reading your posts always evokes nostalgic warmth in me, because you have a way of delivering content straight to the heart in a way that makes the reader feel. The illustration, as always, is fantastic.January 31, 2014 – 1:41 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Aw, thanks, Katia. You always make me smile with your comments. And I did the same thing – I read your post from my iPad and then only realized later that I never commented (and it is an amazing post by the way).February 1, 2014 – 12:22 pmReplyCancel

  • Sara - Love it! The droopy rose is too much and I love the drawing. So who’s that walking with you? Someone I know, by chance?? 😉

    For the record, I remember you telling that joke. The best part was always how hilarious YOU thought it was, which showed on your face long before the punch line. 😀 (It is a pretty good joke though). 🙂January 31, 2014 – 1:59 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Hm. Well it’s one thing to throw myself under the bus but admitting that Julie was often with me on MANY walks of shame throws her under the bus, right? Angelique was with us occasionally too. And Elizabeth, that crazy chick (remember her???). And haha to the joke. It really is much better acted out than typed. I’m going to have to start telling it again. 😀February 1, 2014 – 12:24 pmReplyCancel

  • Allison - FRUCK!!!!! Best new word alert I have this month.
    So much of this post reflected my life…except for the walk of shame.
    Oh, who I am kidding, I went to college at UVa.January 31, 2014 – 3:30 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Glad to have given you the word of the month, Allison! Love that you relate to the walk of shame!February 1, 2014 – 12:25 pmReplyCancel

  • Stephanie @ Mommy, for Real. - Yes. Of *course* one of them is you! And the Fruck- dying here! Also, I laughed out loud when I saw that drawing. Totally some of your best artistic work, you last minute genius, you.January 31, 2014 – 3:34 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - HA, thanks Stephanie. Not sure the word “artistic” is accurate but I’m happy that you like it.February 1, 2014 – 12:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - haha! I did NOT know one was you, actually.
    At my school, it was the Drunk Bus. The college buses stopped running at 1:00am or so. The cabs were ridiculous. No one had cars because..well..I don’t know why not, but we didn’t.
    The little shuttle was the Drunk Bus. I had a major crush on the driver. He probably thought we were all idiots. We were. I was never drunk on the drunk bus. Not once. Every now and then people would yell, “We’ve got a puker!” and that person had to be booted or carried off the bus.January 31, 2014 – 6:29 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Wait you were never drunk on the drunk bus? What’s up with that? Ew to the pukers. We didn’t have cars either. Guess we were just poor!February 1, 2014 – 7:42 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - I never had this issue after sophomore year. My boyfriend just spent the night every weekend – no walk of shame necessary. And when guys walk across campus looking hungover and disheveled, they are given high fives.January 31, 2014 – 8:44 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Yup. Guys getting high fives is such a double-standard! And I hope you got to experience The Walk at least once as a freshman. It’s a wonderful memory to have.February 1, 2014 – 7:45 pmReplyCancel

  • Natalie - The Cat Lady Sings - How sad, I knew exactly what a “Fruck” was before you even explained it…January 31, 2014 – 9:07 pmReplyCancel

  • Chris Carter - OhmyGOSH you CRACK me UP!!! Uh, yeah- too many ‘walks of shame’ to count here… ugh.

    Dreadful college mishaps and misguided poorly judged often desperate pleas of loving attention drew me to those walks of shame. SHAME I tell ya. Still lingers really-

    And class? Wait. I think I missed about the first year of them…

    And FRUCK? Wow. Classy!!! LOLJanuary 31, 2014 – 11:11 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Cheers, sister walk of shamer! And yeah, I know you’re jealous of the classy fruck!February 1, 2014 – 7:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Catherine Gacad - this is so funny. i went to cal berkeley and i think i did one walk of shame. at least i can only recall one right now. but the guy did walk me all the way home from his frat to my sorority, which i thought was pretty nice! i was like, “wow, you’re going to walk me home? that’s so sweet!” i can’t imagine taking a fruck, but hey, a skank’s gotta do what she’s gotta do! haha!February 1, 2014 – 1:38 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Catherine,
      HAHA you went to Berkeley? Awesome. That’s where we partied. And AWWW that guy was so sweet to walk you all the way home. That’s really really nice.February 1, 2014 – 7:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay - I LOVE the way this story ended, because the whole time I kept thinking–I was that skank!! And I couldn’t wait to get to the end and tell you–and then I read that YOU were that skank, too! Dammit, Kristi, we’d have had so much fun together in college! As it was, my best friend and I got into enough trouble. So maybe adding a third person to the mix would’ve landed us in prison. And that pic is ADORBS!! (Yes, I use words like adorbs sometimes, but I’m not sure if it’s because I like them or because I know others don’t and I’m just trying to be a shit head…:) ) Love it love it love it. I need a fruck.February 1, 2014 – 4:39 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Shay! HAHA awesome that you were looking forward to the end and telling me that it was YOU and then learning that it was me! And yeah, we might have gone to jail if there were three of us.
      You are adorbs. Dork 😉
      And yeah, everybody needs a fruck. (I just sung that to the tune of “Everybody needs a schneeed” from Lorax by the way so who’s the dork now?)February 1, 2014 – 8:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life - All I can say is I am glad there were no cell phones back then, because there is no evidence of the ridiculous things we all did! The kids today have a lot more to think about, thanks to cell phones and social media!February 2, 2014 – 8:44 amReplyCancel

  • Brittne - People really thought of some great ideas for this post. I had none! Ugh! LOL. I couldn’t think of anything. I remember these college days. That were horrible and awkward yet funny all at the same time. I think I had more bad times than good that’s for sure. The picture of you back then is so cute! 🙂February 2, 2014 – 9:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Rachel - I am laughing so hard. Like, if I had blond hair, I could’ve been the other girl. EVERY SINGLE THING about it I relate to. Well, not the fruck or the girl’s school. but the rest. And YES to no moral to the story. xoFebruary 2, 2014 – 11:34 pmReplyCancel

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