Friday Favorites - Countdowns, celebrations, and rejections.

It's Friday. 

It's Favorites day. 

And I think you all know where this post is heading...

..right to Michelle's Birthday Countdown! 

You guys, since most of you are new you don't remember how much I love my birthday.

And since I've gotten older, it totally gets lamer, so I'm not sure why. 

But I do. 

Don't worry about writing it down March 21, I'll be reminding you March 21 next week so you can all have a(nother) excuse March 21 to have a cocktail that night March 21. 

I realize my birthday has nothing to do with this week's Friday Favo - wait, what's that you say? 

How's the book doing?

Oh, okay.  I suppose I'll go ahead and plug my book again. Twist my arm. 

Seriously, though, a lot has happened in the past week, and I'm just so excited to share it with you.

So taking an easy first spot in the Favorite's list this week is (drum roll please)...

1. The book, the rankings and the reviews - 

So this happened last week -

iTunes Top Paid Humor

We took down Ellen, Chelsea and Tina. Bam, Bam, and Bam.

WhatEVER.

Pretty big feather in our cap when you consider our lack of...oh, I don't know...agents, publishers and money. 

And on Amazon, the book is still #1 in Humor Essays, #3 in ALL of Humor and yesterday was #131 in ALL of books.

This week I Just Want To Pee Alone has continued its whirlwind flight, and now that people are getting their books and reading, the reviews are telling you why.

Here's a few:

This book had me crying laughing to the point my husband looked over at me like I finally lost it. These woman are amazing and for them all to take the time to write something for all us frazzled, stressed out, exhausted, over the moon in love with our kids Moms, is just awesome. Makes you thank everyone that you aren't alone with the insanity and sometimes tears in the role of motherhood. Thank you, thank you, thank you all!!!!!!

I have never in my life empathized while I snorted / laughed / howled till I cried then laughed more till I peed (NOT alone, I may add!) over a book like I have this one. It's all funny because it's all true. Seriously the best, most realistic, absolutely hilarious mom book ever.

And this one, proving that our book isn't gender specific. It's like the Justin Timberlake of books -

I was on the fence about buying this book because I'm a single guy and I didn't know I would relate to the humor. I bought it last night and made the mistake of starting to read it around 11PM and stayed up way past sleepy time because I was laughing so hard. It's hilarious. You don't have to be a woman or a parent to associate with the experiences shared in this book. They are just funny. I can't wait to get home to read more.

Have a teenager? The Girl Next Door Drinks and Swears has an idea on a way this book can be helpful -

Oh, and mothers of teenagers? Buy this book right now and lock your daughter up in her room 'til she's read it cover to cover. Cuz this shit is better birth control than a chastity belt. I ain't lyin'.  

And then there was this blog review, from Meredith. She's awesome and has excellent taste, obviously.

If you haven't ordered yours yet, why the hell not? remember it's so easy to do! Just go to the tab up top that says "buy my book" (or click those pink words) and you'll find magical links to easily transport you to the exact page you need to get to (and please use those links  - It's the only way I profit from the sales of this book, and while I only get pennies from every book purchase, it might add up one day and I'll be able to open a martini bar where I promise all my readers will get drinks on the house!).

Not only hilarious, the book can easily be bookmarked to help you through various parenting moments.

And for those of you who have read it - Thank You!! You don't know how much your support means to me. Seriously. If you laughed, please share the love and PIMP like a mo'fo. Share a link or even just a comment on facebook, tell your friend, your sister (but don't tell your 97 year old grandma. There's some spicy language in there!).

And pleeeaaase write a review on Amazon after you read it! The reviews are what help the book stay visible! Thank you!!

(keep on reading to find out how you can WIN a signed copy)

2. Baker's Edge Brownie Pan -

If there's one thing you should know about me, other than the fact that I once ate an entire box of Lucky Charms in one sitting and that I can touch my tongue to my nose, it's that brownies are my favorite of all the cake like desserts. I mean, I really love brownies (except if they have nuts, then I will politely chew and chew and chew and act like I'm blowing my nose but really am spitting out my over chewed brownie/nut mush into my napkin). And even more of a favorite? The edges. Good God don't get me started on the edges. I often over bake my brownies just so they're extra crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

Christmas before last my mama gave me this Baker's Edge Brownie Pan, and I almost cried with joy.

Every brownie has an edge. The woman knows I how I love my brownies.

I get on brownie making kicks where I'll make two pans in a week, and then go four months without, but yesterday was definitely a brownie day (the teenager sized cramps may or may not have had everything to do with it.)

While I do love "from scratch" brownies, I'm no snob. These Pillsbury ones are DEElish.

I'd like to tell you there's more than half a pan left, but I'd be lying.

3.  Duran Duran Pandora Channel - 

I've been spending  a lot of time sitting at the computer lately. As in "the back of my thighs feel like they're sunburned from sitting in the faux leather chair for too long" kind of time. I estimate over the past two months, I've averaged at least seven hours a day sitting at my desk. Husband, who sits at a desk for 10+ hours a day has no sympathy, as I'm sure those of you who have desk jobs do not either. But remember, I DO NOT GET PAID (unless you will pretty please order your book AND anything else you ever buy again from Amazon or LivingSocial by getting there from those giant boxes on the right. Otherwise, remember, I get diddly-squat. This has been a PSA for Thing 1's college fund...and that martini bar).

Anyway, the point of this Favorite is that lately I've grown tired of listening to the same 3,000 songs in our iTunes library and have been digging Pandora while I work. I've set up stations for all types of music, but my absolute go-to favorite is the Duran Duran station.

Besides the obvious reason, the music that's played along with the DD classics (and the welcome obscure singles that I've forgotten about) is 80's alternative nirvana. Cure, Flock of Seagulls, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Eurythmics...the list of awesomeness is never ending, and I've yet to hit that "thumbs down" button. Funny thing is, almost every song that comes up is actually one that I have in my iTunes library, but there's something about the way Pandora mixes them all up that makes it magic. 

Try it. 

4.  Lindsay Yenter's poise in her rejection - 

She knew she was the winner. 

She didn't even act nervous, so sure was she that Sean was going to drop to one knee.

She dressed with confidence, saying things in her wittle baby voice like, "Today I'm getting proposed to" and "Today is the day we'll remember forever" (well...actually, sweetheart....).

Look at the confident admiration of the earring! 

And then.

Then.

She got the "but...."

And after giving him the look you'd give someone who'd sort of promised you a $100,000 diamond ring and a family who'd make miniature mansions in their backyard for your children and free access to that chest (after marriage, of course) - and then ripped it all away in front of millions of people watching - Lindsay grew up. I was expecting a full on toddler tantrum, but she calmly pulled her hands away, told him to "Please, please just stop talking...", "I'm happy for you" (WTF?) and that "...this is my nightmare." It was nice dicky of Sean to continue talking and moreover, to tell her that "I do love you" (that must have made Catherine feel secure. I totally thought he was gonna pull a Mesnick after the show). But Lindsay held it together beautifully, and didn't seem to fall apart until after she took off her heels to make the rejection walk back to the SUV. 

She continued to show maturity and poise during her reunion with Sean on the ATFR episode, and for reasons I cannot fathom, didn't seem to be holding a grudge or feel any ill will toward him, even wishing him and Catherine the best. 

Well played, Yenter. 

You've just endeared yourself to Bachelor Nation, who will forgive your annoying baby talk and will welcome you into the Bachelor Pad in a few months. 

Well played. 

That's all I've got today.

Remember to skedaddle on over to Amazon and leave a review if you've read (or are reading) the book!! And tell a friend! 

Feeling lucky? Check back tomorrow for a chance to WIN your very own signed copy

...and a martini!