The name of the blog of today’s blogger spilling her issues should serve as a warning that if mild profanity upsets you, you should slowly back away for today.
(Waits a few seconds for the nuns and toddlers who most certainly read my blog to leave…)
With that said, she’s the shit. No, literally. That’s part of the name of her blog–The Shitastropy–a place she writes about her family, her life and the moments in time that leave her thinking “You can’t make this shit up.”
But another thing she writes about is mental illness, a subject you know that I know a few things about (unfortunately.) However, I’m so excited for her—and jealous, but whatever—because she is working on an anthology, “Surviving Mental Illness Through Humor,” that will be available March 2015.
They’ve compiled 38 poignant and hysterical pieces “to show people that they are not alone. Our hope is to mimic the real life ups and downs of mental illness and let others know that they will laugh again, that there is hope and that as bleak as moments are, there are options.” In addition, each author has selected a charity to support and highlight in their area.
And that, my friends, is the shit.
Name: Alyson, but I typically go by Jillian’s or Jake’s mom to the younger crowd
Blog: The Shitastrophy
Where, what and why do you write?
Where: In my utopia—my office. This year I waited until my husband went away on a two-week trip (I’m no fool; better to ask for forgiveness than permission) and I had our office completely redone. New floors, painted all the dark woodwork white, new paint on the walls. Everything. It is now my Zen, and it has doors – that I keep shut. It sure as hell beats my old office, which was the kitchen table.
What: I mostly do sarcastic adult humor. I have no problem dropping in a rogue f-bomb if the situation calls for it. Sometimes there is no better word.
Why: Well, if I didn’t I would lose my damn mind. It is very therapeutic for me to let out all these crazy weird thoughts. I swear I am a walking Seinfeld episode.
First thing you think of when you wake up in the morning.
How much longer can I sleep before I really really have to get up? Two minutes? I’ll take it.
What’s the one “issue” or frustration annoying you the most right now?
I have numerous unfinished projects around my house that I am paying someone to complete and yet the person is missing in action all.the.time.
Three websites you visit every day.
I’m giving you categories because I am an overachiever:
- The big three of social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest.
- The big three of news: CNN, Huffington Post, Bloomberg
- The big three of humor: Buzzfeed, College Humor, The Onion
What’s an unusual talent and/or accomplishment you could never put on a resume?
Actually I am very skilled at making resumes and often tapped by friends to make theirs. I have yet to design one that didn’t get the person the job they wanted. Oh, and I am really good at organizing. I can look at shit and figure out where to put it like a game of Jenga. You would never know this looking at my house, because, well…kids.
(Editor’s note to self: Send Alyson resume for position of someone who gets paid to blog and taste-test hummus in yoga pants from my couch.)
Favorite place to be?
The ocean. I grew up at the Jersey Shore. I love the sound of the waves, the sea gulls (as long as they don’t sh*t on me – which happened once) and putting my feet in the warm sand.
If you could rule the land for one day, what laws would you create and enforce?
I would say any asshat that gets in the right-hand lane and doesn’t turn right should lose their license. Also, I feel very strongly that the speed limit on all four-lane roads should be 45 MPH. I am also going with the law that people who hurt kids should go to jail forever – no chance for parole.
What TV show would you want to appear on?
Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Given the holiday season, what are your favorite and least favorite Thanksgiving foods?
I actually hate, as in despise, turkey. This causes an issue on a day dedicated to turkey. When I was younger there were always pasta options because my mom’s side (who we spent the holiday with) are Italian. Now my in-laws host Thanksgiving, but they have a honey baked ham that I love. As for my favorite, well my husband’s Aunt Diane’s pumpkin bars are phenomenal and I eat like 4 or 5 and take some to go every year.
What superficial thing are you most thankful for?
My car. It’s not fancy, it’s a minivan, but if I had to walk places I would totally hate it. I will search a parking lot for 20 minutes to get a primo spot right up front. Sure, I realize I could have parked in the back nine and walked in five times by then, but it’s the thrill of the quest and the fact that I’m lazy.
What question do you wish I had asked you and what would be your reply?
Favorite thing – sleep followed up closely by coffee and beer.
So there you have it. Go check her out after you play along:
Food you look forward to most during the Thanksgiving season?
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