JPD Mom

A Review of a Peek

October 29, 2009

So.....I am not big on reviews of products, I am not one to get free products and then claimlie that I loved it.  I already made it pretty clear how I would NOT be doing many more (if any) reviews with bloggers.  I was actually thrilled to hear that there would be some crack down on the reviews and the blogger would need to fess up and explain that the review was just an advertisement.  

Any hoo, I did myself a little review...and I will disclose what I got and how it became to be.

Flattery Will Get You Everywhere

Yes, like everyone else I love me some compliments.....I know, totally self absorbed - but I am being honest!  I am sorry, I do enjoy nice words.  Say something nice and THEN insult me....I may not even hear the second thing as I will still be blushing and and saying, "Oh stop." after you said something nice.  So....last week I got an email (like I get sometimes weekly, if not at least monthly) asking me to review a product.  I was asked to review the latest version of Peek and I was going to get a Peek in the mail, they were going to activate it, all I had to do was use it.

I quickly (well not really it was more like a few days) emailed back saying I did not usually do reviews and I could not figure out why my readers of my blog would care.  I never thought I would get a response, but i did - the email I got back said that my writing.....wait for it......was AWESOME.  They called me awesome?  I mean, me?  I was like - okay, sign me up.

Blackberry I will Always be Faithful to You

Here is the thing I love my blackberry, I am on my secondthird if you count last Fall when I dropped mine in a cup of coffee and then tried to deny it.  I took it to the Verizon store and said it stopped working....the guy took the battery out, showed me the color changed proved it had been in liquid and then he smelled it.....he said, "Ma'am (I hate that) it smells like coffee."  I was all, "those damn kids....."  Anyway I upgraded this Summer to #3 - and my blackberry is pink - bright fluorescent pink.  That way my husband does not pick mine up by accident and I NEVER lose it in my purse - it almost glows.  I get calls, check email, keep up on Facebook, watch my google email - I am almost always connected.

The bad part about my blackberry is the cost, it costs us about $50.00 a month.  Also it gets stuck sometimes and I have to reboot my computer.  I also do not like all the bells and whistles sometimes - lots of the little extras it does - I never use.  And I am not a cell phone talker - I hate talking on the blackberry - cell phones are much easier.  Oh, and I am not a blue tooth girl - I. hate. bluetooths.

So, I may always love my blackberry I am not totally convinced it is the best, or most economical for me.  It works for now and I do not go far without it....in fact it is the first thing I check in the morning and the last thing I check before bed.  I always know what is going on, who is trying to reach me and I like that.  I um, may have some issues....but that is a total other post.

Me & The Peek

I got the Peek last Friday and set it up right away.  I already had my work email set up with my blackberry so I set this up with my Facebook email account....yes, I have a separate account, and I figured if I was going to get to try something out - why not keep in touch with my Facebook friends.  The Peek is just a small device that lets you check your email, and reply.  It is not a phone, it is not checking the internet, it is not a GPS device - just check my email.  But only one account - which of all does not work for me, I have a few:

Work Email - work related stuff, PR stuff, companies I work with, sometimes friends

Personal Email-my children's school (Facebook too) has this email account.  I link this to Facebook.  I also use it for ALL catalog orders, any time I need to give an email address

Google Mail - This is um, I have no idea why I have this.  This email is sort of a little bit of both emails.

With the Peek I was only able to hook up to one email account.  I liked checking all my emails, oh and I have Instant Messenger on my Blackberry....another good thing. 

Not the Perfect Solution

I have 3 email accounts, I can only check one.  I have no internet, I have no Instant Messenger.  Even though I do not like talking on the phone, I need a phone.  I would need to have two devices.  The one that I have is black and thin - I can NOT find it in my purse.  If I were to purchase one I would buy a bright color so I could find it (not really a con but a truth).

Me Likey Some of the Peek

I liked that the Peek was simpleto use - it took less than five minutes to set up.  I liked that I could check email all day, it never went down, it was very easy to use (uh, ya I am repeating myself).  The wheel on the right side was like my older version of the blackberry - I was familiar with it.  It locked easily.  The Peek is very small, slim and the keyboard is easy to use.......eh, a broken record - it was simple.  If this had existed 3 years ago I would have probably gotten this instead of a blackberry - it only costs $15 to $20 a month.  For when I travel - this Peek would be great - just to keep me connected.  I am not one that texts (but I am trying to figure out texting......which the Peek lets me do).  Even though I have not figured out texting, I like that it costs me NOTHING.....all part of the plan.

The End of the Story

The Peek is fun to use and great to stay connected.  I would rather get an email from a friend (or business partner) than a phone call.  I also just (as in seconds ago) tried texting........for the first time.  Dam, I wish I was texting all last week.   It is super easy.  This device would be great for people that do not need 1 billion applications for their phone (uh me).  I am not switching, but I do like the Peek.  I think it is worth looking at when figuring out if you want a way to stay connected when you are out and about.  This device would be great for my mother - someone that likes to stay connect to work, but has no interest in a blackberry or i-phone.   

The Whole Dr. Phil Truth, the whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth

October 15, 2009.

It has been almost 24 hours since I saw myself on the Dr. Phil Show last night.  In Northern California it airs at night, but I had already heard from friends across the country what was said, and how I looked.  I can't even begin to explain how surreal (and very uncomfortable, even after a glass of wine) it is to watch yourself on TV, hear your voice and to know  the show was edited.

 

 

Behind the Scenes at Dr. Phil

After the make-up artist, the hair person, the handlers and the producers all got us guests gussied up and wound into a total heart-beat freaking out panic, they escorted us down to the studio.  My husband could not come, we were told to leave our cameras/cell phones/purses in our room.  Heather Armstrong was told to stay put, me, Jessica and a woman named Melia (sorry about spelling) were marched down some stairs to where Dr. Phil was filmed. 

Once the three of us got to the back of the stage a producer type with an earpiece started dictating where we should stand and who was in front and behind us.  Oh wait, let me back up - there was a gaggle of women with purses laughing, giggling and holding pieces of paper standing in front of us.  They were all very animated and I was clearly confused.  Who the heck were these women? Why were they clutching their purses and how come none of them had their hair and make up done?  Who told that one to wear the tight tan suit with crocks?  Jessica informed me they were from the studio audience and were NOT guests.  I was still a bit baffled as I did what I was told by Gaffer man.

Stay At Home Mom's Over Here.....Working Mom's Go Over There!

If a camera had been on me when they started dividing us up by whether we worked or did not work you would have seen me start to panic.  I was seriously starting to sweat when I figured we were going to be in the audience (what?  I thought I was a guest?) and when I saw that the Stay at Home Mom's by far outnumbered us working mothers - I freaked.  The gaffer/producer dude was yelling at us to move from one side or the other.  I was having flashbacks from grammar school, like PE when the damn dodge ball team was picked.....I was a 40 pound weakling who was knock-knee-ed, guess when I was picked?

We were told to stay in our line (I was last - go figure) and we all walked down more stairs to another behind the scenes/seating area location to wait to be called up to "practice" where we would sit.  As we are all standing there one woman (I will call her Babs) whowaswearing a too tight suit, had dyed blond hair,and her roots growing out started asking questions to the group.  In a somewhat high squeaky voice she started quiet, but then got louder as the crowd answered the questions the way she wanted them too, "Who's a stay at home mom?  Are you a stay at home mom?  Raise your hand?  You are? Woot! Woot!  You are? (high fiving the ones that were) Yeah!!".  The women standing near hera with their hands up and their faces smiling with delight and glee.  Then Babs gave them the rally call they so needed, "Yeah!  Us Stay At Home Mom's we are going to RULE this!"  I was annoyed.

As I told Jessica (who was in front of me) she (Babs) did not KNOW me, she did not know who I was - I had a blog dam nit....and I was not afraid to use it. Then I started thinking, since when was it us against them?   I did not sign up for this.........I was gritting my teeth by then.  The only saving grace was that when we all got our microphones they passed on Babs.  She was all aflutter, since she was told (as she repeated) that she was getting one.  I am not embarrassed to say I was thrilled by this turn of events - but I was still petrified of what I was going to endure once I got out on stage.

The Fun Has Just Begun

Us "special Moms" all stood in the back as Dr. Phil talked about the topic.  One by one he said hello to us and one by one most of the Mom's were placed on the SAHM side.  I waited, smiled until it got to Jessica and then she said her now infamous quote, I was shocked.  I did take a step back, if you watch I turn to look up to the audience and I literally mouthed to my husband who was sitting there, "WHAT THE??"  His response ......he was laughed and cackled like a hyena - so glad he came. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dr. Phil Show "Guilty Moms"

Did Dr. Phil ask you those questions? Did you talk more?

Dr. Phil went to me first and said my name (edited out) and he asked about a post I wrote (edited out) regarding these stay at home mom's who said mean things to me.  I did not have any idea that I was first, all I knew from producer #2 was that I had to hit on the points about the blog when Dr. Phil spoke to me.  I said the quote, "Can't we all Get Along (channeling the great Rodney King)" - it was edited out.

Girl why did you not jump on her or throw your chair at her?

Had I know the topic and how Jessica felt I may have been more witty and more prepared for a bitch/slap girl on girl fight (doubtful but a strong possibility).  The truth is, I did not (and do not) want to be remembered as that beeotch on Dr. Phil who went crazy on a SAHM.  I know that Youtube is forever, and I know you can edit things to look one way....and I know someday my kids will not be so keen on all that I have said and done.  I also realize that I am not going to change her views and she sure won't change mine - so what is the point of throwing a few swear words and evil growls her way?  I do care what others think, and though I may be considered a bitch - I am not that big of a bitch.

What were you really thinking when you did that eye roll facial twitch thing?

I have no frickin' idea what I was thinking, heck they could have filmed that at a break or when I was begging everyone around me for a mint (I was).  I know I was shocked by Jessica's comments, I know I wanted to say something but only if I sounded articulate.  I now wish I said more - but I can live with how I was portrayed.

Was she for real?  What do you think about the show?

Having filmed it, seen the edited version and had sometime to think about the show I do have some thoughts.  I am surprised in this day and age that these polarized views are still out there and that we spend time arguing about them.  I was told by the producers that she was sincere and that she meant everything that was said - I don't know if that is true, but I am going to have to take it at face value.  I do know that her come backs and one liners were pretty crisp and either she is brilliant on her feet or she had an agenda for the show.  Either way if you check Dr. Phil's blog, The Huffington Post or lots of other forums on the web you will see Jessica got the conversation going, and going and going.  No one even knows my last name (which is fine) but they ALL know hers.

I do wish I had said more, I wish I had been a little more brave and shared my views and what I did for a living, but such is life.  I think I have a unique situation and something that other parents could learn from....but that will be my next talk show I get invited to be on.  Right?

My Claim To Fame - Dr. Phil Show October 14, 2009

October 11, 2009

So if you have nothing going on this Wednesday or you are totally into the Mommy Wars you may want to catch the episode of Dr. Phil.  It is titled Stay at Home Moms vs. Working Moms (dun dun dun dun) that was me doing scary ominous music.  And yes, I am a guest on the show, and I am hopefully not making an ass of myself...tune in for yourself to see.  I know what happened, I know what I said, I know what was said....and I know that editing can change reality.  I am going into this with both eyes wide open, and all fingers and toes crossed.  If you miss the first 10 or 15 minutes, you will miss me talking - after that I don't say much, but maybe a few eye rolls, nods and smiles.

I am sure you all recall I mentioned it about two months ago when I was flown to be on the show, blah blah - the red lipstick post?  Heather Armstrong?  Jessica?  Everyone I told about it kept asking if I actually went on air wearing the death/blood red lips.  The answer is NO.  I wiped it off even before the make-up artist could see me.  I was horrified - as I am sure I scared the be-jesus out of poor Heather Armstrong who I was speaking with at the ass crack of dawn.  The red lipstick was not filmed, I repeat I did not have the ghastly look of I suck the blood lipstick on when I met Dr. Phil....enough said.

I May Not Be Ready for Prime Time

So if you go to the Dr Phil site  you can see a brief synopsis of what the episode is about.  I am curious how they edit it, I am curious if I am edited out - I am hoping that I sound intelligent.  A few factoids and information about the episode:

• What happens on the phone with a TV Producer does not stay on the phone.  It is not like Vegas, whatever you say can and WILL be used against you....on the air.
• Dr. Phil is very tall and calm and NOTHING phases him.
• It is flipping freezing in a studio where a TV show is filmed and there is a live audience
• It is hard to talk when you heart is beating so hard you can hear it in your ears
• People say the darnedest things on TV
• Not all publicity is good....or it may not even turn into publicity
• Some people (okay women) I meet irritate the crap out of me on sight
• Some audience members are down right crazy
• Oprah Winfrey has the best looking audience ever.....no other show compares
• I find it hard to be witty and sound intelligent at the same time
• When on National Television it is a good idea to NOT be totally honest about your all your beliefs.
• Take notes when you tell someone something - they may ask you to repeat it
• What Dr. Phil says to you off the air is not the same as on the air
• Think twice before asking your husband to go with you to the Dr. Phil Show.
• Saying a prayer every night that I will not be some foot note on The Soup may or may not help

The Interview Process Begins

When being interviewed to be a guest on a show you may encounter many, many strange questions.    I don't know if that is the case with every producer, or every show but for me and getting me approved to be on the show, that sure was the case.  I had to jump through hoops, answer questions over and over and give an all over description of my looks (tattoos, piercings and facial hair to boot) for one interview.  Here is a brief time line of how the three days before they "booked me" for the show went early in August:

The Seed is Planted

Monday night I was checking email and I saw one from another contributor from the Silicon Valley Mom Blogs.  It asked if I had ever been attacked by Stay at Home Moms and if you had, Dr. Phil wanted to hear about it.  I emailed her back and said, "HELL YA!" (okay no I did not, but I said yes) and forwarded her the blog post I wrote about it happening to me once, twice, three times a lady.  She introduced me via email to a producer at the Dr. Phil Show and I went to bed.

Oh My What Have I Done?

Tuesday morning at the office I got a call from a producer (let's call him #1 shall we?) who had read my blog post (he loved it) and wanted to talk to me about what had happened.  He asked me numerous questions, wanted deets on scenarios and laughed at appropriate times.  He said that a senior producer may call me to get some more information.

Later that day, Producer #2 called, but she was more like a senior producer or #1 - but I am not sure.  She had me re-tell the stories I had told #1, she asked more questions.  I talked, I went on and on. She also laughed and took notes (I found out later).  She then told me that another producer would be calling for some background information on me.

The third producer called me and we gabbed for almost 40 minutes.  She was funny, she was totally enamored by my blog post...we were BFF's right away (she has not called since but whatever).  Anyway since we both went to SJSU and were both sorority girls we had an instant kismet - even though I was like 20 years older than her - but it was all good. 

She asked my age, my height, my religion, my political affiliation, my weight....yes she asked my weight.  I had to give a description of my hair, my face, basically I had to swear I looked like the photo I sent.  They asked if I was married (yes) , if we lived together (yes), if the kids lived with us (sometimes...no I meant YES), if I drank (no, but answer was yes), if I did drugs (no), was I ever arrested (no), in jail (um NO!), in a mental institute (does my house count - I mean NO!).  I had to tell if I was mentally ill, if I was stable, if I took any medications.  The best part was answering questions about.....my teeth.  The teeth questions were my favorites:

"Are your teeth crooked?"  no

"Are your teeth grey?"  no

"Are your teeth brown or chipped?" no

"Are your teeth crooked or cracked? Are they straight?" no and HELL NO  and YES - I had braces dammit! (starting to wonder who the guest are that Dr. Phil has on the show with all this talk of teeth)

"Are you missing teeth?"  What? Oh my god no.

"Are you sure?"  Yes I am sure!

At the end of the conversation #3 asks me if I have a burning question for Dr. Phil.  I think, I pause, I roll my eyes I am stuck.  I mean I don't have issues, I don't have problems I want discussed on National TV - I am racking my brain for what to say.  Seconds turn into minutes and I finally blurt out, " I would ask Dr. Phil what the hell I am supposed to say next time these Stay at Home Moms say these really mean things to me."  On the other end of the line I swear I heard a chuckle or a grunt - but by a MAN.  I ask # 3, "Um, excuse me what was that?"  She says, oh nothing....nothing.  Back to 20 (I mean 100) questions.

Producer #1 called later that day (if you are keeping track he was not the senior producer lady, but the first dude to call me).  I had to go over more stories, re-tell the comments made that I blogged about and then he asked if I knew any of the mean blogger comments I got on my original post.  I said no, but in my head I said yes.  He wanted to know if he could contact them.....um no he could not.  And I swore (lied) that I did not know them.  I discussed my business, my life, my situations with stay at home mom's and their opinions of me.

I May Need to Go Hyperventilate and Put My Head Between My Legs

The morning of day two starts with Producer #1 calls again, only to tell me (and I quote) I am fabulous....ah shucks.  We go over the same stories again, and again and then he asks for new ones.  I try but I am stuck - I swear I can not bitch about this any longer.  We talked for almost an hour.

I was asked if I had my kids in Day Care? (no).  Did I hate Stay at Home Moms? (no).  Did I hate working Moms who put their kids in daycare? (no).  Did I think Moms should work? (it is up to the individual).  Did I hate day care? (what? no). But why? (what?) I mean why you did not do it? (uh, just cause I did not do it does not mean I hate daycare.  My husband and I did not choose to do daycare).  So you hate Daycare? (WTF?  No, no, no just nacho cheese....I mean not my choice  - to each is own okay?). 

I should have started to figure out what or who they wanted me to portray - but I did not.  I repeated over and over that yes I worked, but only when they were in school and as an owner of a business I had that freedom.  I was trying to stay honest, trying to stay true to me but I was also being torn and did not want to come off as a hater of ANY Mom.  I mean who cares what you do - as long as it does not affect me or my children - we were all gooood.  Right? Wrong.

Hollywood Here I Come

At the end of the day I got a call from #3 and she was calling to let me know I had been chosen to be on the show.  She told me when I would be flying, where I would be picked up, who was with me, how much I could expect to get reimbursed and that she could not tell me anything else.  OH wait, she said one thing, "A semi-famous blogger may (or may not) be on the show also".  Ah......okay?  I mean hell I could be considered semi-famous, so could half the blogosphere.  When I asked if I could tell anyone on Facebook or Twitter she said........NO.

As soon as I got off the phone I contacted the original blogger from the Silicon Valley Mom Blogs and told her the news.  She emailed back, "OMG I think I am the stay at home Mom on the show".  Okay - that helped a little.  I then ran into my husbands office and asked begged him to come with.  He agreed and we arranged for him to fly out later the same day.

Either on Facebook or Twitter I got wind that Heather Armstrong was going to be on Dr. Phil too.  Coincidence?  No.  I had not read her blog in a long time and when I went over to Dooce and guess what I found - yep, she was on the show too.  And the show was not what I originally was lead.  It was the Mommy Wars, the SAHM vs. us WAHM or just us Working Moms - it was war baby.  I was so screwed.