I need a scapegoat. Is it Twitter? El Nino? My contempt for companies handing mommy bloggers opportunities on a silver platter just because they’ve squeezed one or two out of their Christmas? (I do feel like that’s a bit too strong of a statement – but I’m really irked that good bloggers are being passed up for mom bloggers – and I would write more on this, but I’m way too nonconfrontational.)

Something has to be to blame for the lack of creative juices flowing on this blog lately, because it’s certainly not the very real possibility that I’m just a bore.

I think I’m running out of options. I’ve tried Lexapro (didn’t notice much of a change in my mood), Effexor (made me clench my jaw), Cymbalta (headaches that  may have been migraines – but I don’t want to be too dramatic) and now Pristiq (makes me sweat like a whore in church). Xanax has been my only constant – and I take that on an as needed basis (which, surprisingly, isn’t as regularly as you may think). I realize that whatever antidepressant I settle on, I’m probably going to have to deal with some mild side effects, but sweating is not one of the side effects I’m willing to embrace in exchange for being perkier.

I know some of you have your hand in the crazy, just like I do – so, tell me what you’re on. What have you tried? What have you had good luck with? What kind of side effects have you endured to get back to your sunshiny self?

My sister used to work at a medical spa, and I got used to having fabulous facials, massages, and other spa services on a regular basis. I also may have snuck in some Boxtox and had my eyeliner tattooed – which is just divine. Since both my sister and I have moved, I haven’t found a good place to get  Facials in Chicago, but I just heard about the Tiffani Kim Institute downtown and I’m dying to give it a try.

They offer medical and spa treatments from certified practitioners in a relaxing environment. The Tiffani  Kim Institute is located right inside the Park Hyatt on Michigan Avenue, so it’s a real treat to visit and relax for the day, and you come out looking and feeling refreshed – don’t forget you and can hit the Magnification Mile for some shopping, too.

I say we schedule some facials and massages while we’re all in town for Blogher – what do you say, ladies?

The anniversary video that I made for Mike was such a hit that I thought it only appropriate that I make one for my dad for Father’s Day. There’s some pretty funny pictures and I went to great lengths to pick a song that wouldn’t make any one cry, so try not to tear up, okay?

Be warned that my naked two-year-old self makes an appearance. You’ll have officially seen it all once you’ve watched the video.

I like to break out in spontaneous song and dance – Mike’s used to it, so I don’t get much of a reaction from him, though my Elevator Dance does get a smirk from time to time (think Ashley Simpson on SNL). He did recently note that I haven’t been singing the same campy songs that I used to, so I dusted off an old favorite that I thought my grandma made up but is really from Guys & Dolls.

For almost 30 years Grandma has been getting all the credit for being the lyrical genius behind A Bushel and a Peck, but apparently she’s just been stealing Frank Loesser’s thunder.

Damn Grandma is a liar. Next you’re going to tell me she didn’t make up Lets All Sing Like The Birdies Sing, either!