I am Alison.
I am short, not stout.
I am always doing doing doing, not so much being, being, being.
I am a mother. I am an insecure mother.
I am a rockstar on some days, on days when laundry gets done, toys get tidied away, dinner gets made and children are tucked in quickly.
I am abysmal on other days, when all these things get done, but I don’t feel accomplished.
I am a social media addict.
I am an ongoing learner. I chew up information and store them in my head.
I am a regurgitator of stored information in my head.
I am a rememberer of birthdays. Remember my head, the storer of all things?
I am a semi-perfectionist.
I am a writer of oxymorons (see above).
I am a full-steam ahead type person.
I am also a lose-steam-fast type person.
I am neither an pessimist nor an optimist.
I am a pragmatist.
I am a shopper of IKEA and all things on the cheap, because why buy a high chair that costs twice as much as an awesome easy-to-clean one from IKEA?
I am out of time.
For this post, that is. That was my 5 minutes of stream of consciousness, unedited, inspired by this post by Erin Margolin. Thank you Jana for the original inspiration.
Latest posts by Alison (see all)
- Words - May 22, 2013
- The Other Side - May 20, 2013
- Things I’m Afraid to Tell You: Volume II - May 15, 2013

















Right, Ikea stuff is not always long-term, but tastes and needs change.
Plus, the swedish meatballs/lingonberries for lunch is always pleasant!
braintomahawk recently wrote…From A to Zamzee
When you have kids, it’s best to get the cheap and easy to clean/ replace stuff!
I am a huge fan of Ikea. It doesn’t make sense to over pay for something that I know will at some point in our lives will have to replace–that and their furniture fits neatly into my small apartment!
KalleyC recently wrote…Have Screen–Will Swipe
EXACTLY!
This was neat exercise!
I too am an insecure mother who buys things cheap.
Today I decided to have some “me” time and leave the house a mess because it will get done.
I secretly think that when the kids come home and see me working they will help me.
Or they think “damn, she is so busy”…
One can only hope.
Thanks for 5 min!
Alma recently wrote…The Making of a Home
Did you get the help?
It was a fun writing exercise – try it!
And that’s why I miss IKEA so badly and can’t wait to have them open here next year (let’s hope the price won’t be too obnoxious!) oh and you are awesome and kick ass!
Maureen recently wrote…Chalean Extreme – Push Phase Results
Oh you’ll always find wallet-friendly things at IKEA!
LOVE THE LIST. I feel like a rock star too when I get chores done at the end of the day.
karen recently wrote…Need HELP with Meal Planning
Clean house, clear mind!
That totally sums up my impression of you. Except I think you forgot to mention “I am introspective.”
Robin recently wrote…Making (a) Room for Hector
If I had 15 minutes, that might have made it in there
Love this concept! I wish I could remember birthdays well…but I’m with you on Ikea shopping!
Leslie recently wrote…{Recipes} John Marzetti
Love. IKEA.
LOVE. IKEA.
Ooh, love this stream of consciousness.
Love the oxymorons…you ARE a rockstar
Runnermom-jen recently wrote…Photos, Photos, Photos
It was actually really fun to write!
Man you are a total all-star in 5 minutes
Natalie recently wrote…Two is Definitely Louder than One
Aw, you’re too kind!
I was gonna say there’s no such thing as #11, then I saw #12.
We don’t have an IKEA around here. We have to drive 2-3 hours, which I refuse to do. But I totally agree on buying cheap things. I do that with my clothes. That’s why I love Old Navy!
Also, had to look up pragmatist. Tough word. :S
Farah recently wrote…DIY: Desk Drawer Makeover
My kids wear Old Navy too!
I love it! So glad you joined us
jana recently wrote…Project: UnderBlog
Thank you for the inspiration, loved writing this.
I love this post!
What a fantastic idea!
thedoseofreality recently wrote…For the Love Of God…Use the Backdoor
Thanks Ashley, it was really fun to write!
Isn’t it funny how we can feel so together when we get laundry done and get a shower? (as I stare at 5 loads of laundry waiting to be folded)….:)
To me, a clean/ tidy house = clear mind
Awwww, I enjoyed that. And I think you’re perfect… just the way you are, momma
Charlotte recently wrote…Oktoberfest in Jersey–hold the schnitzel
Aw, you’re a sweetheart.
That’s a whole lot of awesome in just five minutes of free writing. Just sayin …
Why, thanks Bruna.
Ah, IKEA. That place stole my heart. And my wallet. Ahem.
You are also a kick ass friend.
Kimberly recently wrote…Essence Of Now
I love IKEA and they didn’t pay me to say that. I kinda wish they did.
And thank you. xo
Omgosh,
IKEA makes my palms sweat!
Xxxx Kissss for you, Sweets.
My Inner Chick recently wrote…Gaga, Madonna, Bitches, & Goths
Right??? SIgh. xo
i would like to add to the list that you are one kick ass wicked smart chic. (p.s. i saw the coconut. muhahahaha)
Vanita recently wrote…Here’s How To Rank In Google For Halloween
I forgot to move it off my calendar! Gah. Pretend you didn’t see it, then come back next Friday, ok?
are you kidding me? if i have to pay older teen, she’s making it for me this weekend.
Vanita recently wrote…Weight Loss Program’s Secret Weapon
I love that you’re talking about cupcakes and your last post is about weight loss. Oxymoron much?
that’s the beauty of Retrofit darlin’ i can eat anything i want, just in moderation. muhahahaha. i’ve lost 20lbs baby
Vanita recently wrote…Here’s How To Rank In Google For Halloween
Love this post! You are awesome. And yes – IKEA is my mecca!
Barbara recently wrote…My life in numbers
Thank you Barbara! Most of my kids’ stuff is from IKEA
1. I love people who use the word “oxymorons.”
2. I love people who love the word asshattery.
3. Rarely meet one who uses both! (-:
Ado recently wrote…The Impact of Parental Alcoholism On Children
You love me, basically.
Duh!
Oh Ikea, you stole my heart…
Love this!
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently wrote…It is out there, out to get you…
IKEA has all our hearts. Sigh.
I can completely relate to lose-steam-fast/full-steam-ahead.
This post was fun!
Emily recently wrote…Yesterday in Pieces
It was fun to write!
I love every single thing about you, the good stuff, the stuff you don’t think is good enough (that I know is) the funny stuff and the serious stuff. The baker, the wish maker, the girl who can use an adult word and make me giggle, the woman who can use a calm comforting word and make me teary.
I love her…all those women that you are, the one who lives her life in a way that I envy and respect.
xo
Kir recently wrote…WOE:Haiku Friday: Daydreaming in Hot Pink
How do you do that? Write awesome comments like this? Love you. xo
I loved this. What a great idea. I’m going to try!
And by the way, this is everything I love about you.
Tonya recently wrote…The Power Of A Sock
Do it, I know you’ll rock it!
You are what you are and that’s wonderful.
Blond Duck recently wrote…Friday Five: Five Ways Queen Bitty is Going to Take Over the World
Thank you Duckie.
Love thus. Honestly it is like we were separated at birth at you we’re seed to the hot and me to the cool place. Yu are such an engage writer!!
Oh spell check… Engaging writer…
I think we are twins. Fraternal, since you’re blonder.
Here from SITS girls. Great post.
Thanks for coming by!
I think all monthers are insecure some days. I only pretend to be a social media addict. I could do without Facebook and Twitter.
Stopping by from SITS Saturday Sharefest
Carli recently wrote…Getting Rid of the Booty
Thanks for visiting!
Oh, I am SO signing on as your newest Bloglovin’ follower. From the above summary, I think you and I would be quick friends, girl.
Happy Weekend!
michelle recently wrote…The Power of Saying Yes : A True “Life” Story
Thanks so much, Michelle!
Hey Alison! Nice to meet you! Found your blog through SITS which I just recently discovered. Thanks for this 5 minute introduction. I look forward to poking around your blog! Happy Saturday!
Jolene recently wrote…New Themes: Gigawatt and Pinboard
Ok, and here’s my REAL info because apparently it’s too early for me and I can’t type my information correctly!
Jolene recently wrote…The Armory
Nice to meet you too, Jolene! Thanks for coming by.
Such a great post! I love ones like this – we (and you!) get to know you so much better
You are also so self-aware and an amazing writer!
Tricia recently wrote…Weekly gratitude #43 – feeling older
THank you Tricia, for your kind words!
Love those “rock star” days; may you have many of them! This is lovely and elegant, particularly for being written within five minutes!
Louise Ducote recently wrote…One Hundred Games
Thanks so much Louise!
I am also pretty free with the oxymorons lol
Love this. So much honesty and vulnerability in this post. I think we all feel insecure at times. But those rock star days even us out, don’t they? Great post, Alison
Mama Pants recently wrote…The Morning Plum Got a Fat Lip
I like to think so, the even-ing out. Thank you.
Stopping by from SITS! I can relate to so many of your self descriptions!
Thanks for coming by, Lisa!
Well done. I’m still many of those things in my heart, but fewer of them in reality. My illness means I do and remember a lot less. Enjoy it while you can!
Happy Sharefest. Have a great weekend.
misssrobin recently wrote…Today is a Down Day
I’m so sorry, Robin.
Thank you for stopping by!
Love this 5 minute post idea! Just read Kimberly’s post where she hates on those who post pics of their children, and saw your comment about not “unfriending” you because of all the pics you post…puleeeze, I love those pictures. WIthout them, I think I’d have stolen someone’s baby by now. And I think you’re a rockstar every day. When I grow up, I’m totally gonna try and be you. Seriously. Honestly.
You just made my day. xo
I love it! And the contradictions are perfect.That’s what makes life interesting.
Natalie recently wrote…Essence of Now (September 28, 2012)
I’m a jumble of contradictions, and they change day-to-day
Love it, girlfriend!
Stream of consciousness writing is so very…real. Love.
Galit Breen recently wrote…A Tiffany Tween Room
I’m beginning to really love SOC writing!
Nifty little exercise. Cool to see how much you can learn about someone in just a few minutes
For the record, I consider myself a dreamer AND a realist. How does that work even?
Sarah recently wrote…Let the crazies run free. Happy Friday.
Stream of consciousness writing is awesome, I love it!
You can be a realistic dreamer. Or a dreamy realist.
Favorite line was “I’m full steam ahead, I’m lose steam fast.” Yes! I am, too! I wonder if there is a mother out there that isn’t insecure in some way. I’m thinking no.
AnnMarie recently wrote…Essence of Now: Homecoming 2012
Probably not, sadly. But I’m working on being less insecure
I would like to be a rockstar more days but I’m also good with abysmal on others…
Love this. And you.
E
Elaine A. recently wrote…How my mind works
I’m abysmal more than I’m not, so there’s that.
Love you too. xo
Those rock star days can really help. When I get on a roll with cleaning, everyone steers clear at my house.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently wrote…Lunch Idea- Apples for Lunch
Wish I had more rock star days!
I have never been to IKEA. Can you believe that?
Jessica recently wrote…Comfy, Cozy, And Cute FTW!
Shut the front door!
Wait…why are you an insecure mother? You have no reason to be. You rock! Seriously.
Jessica recently wrote…The happiest mother doesn’t have it all
Aw, thanks Jessica. I think the insecurity is in my head to keep me in check, before I think too highly of myself