Wordful Wednesday-The One in Which Fran wants to be Reinvented

Welcome to Wordful Wednesday……for more information, see my right side bar:

Today it’s Fran, one half of the duo behind Mayhem & Moxie being Wordful, and that makes me very happy.  Now.  You should know that she is the most amazing spreadsheet preparer I’ve ever met, and if you are anything like me, you’ll know that is quite a talent.  She has her MBA in something important.  She’s smart, she’s funny, and I’m lucky enough to call her my friend.

Please welcome:

I think I am in need of a change.  Come July, I’ll be celebrating my two year blog anniversary.  That’s a mighty long time in blogland, especially since time is essentially measured in dog years.  (In my case, this means I’m super ancient.  After all, 2 calendar years x 7 dog years = 14.)

In order to prevent utter boredom, it is high time that I shake things up a bit.

I thought my guest post on Seven Clown Circus would be the perfect opportunity to get feedback from the masses on how to move forward.

My goal is to reinvent myself, like many of the best celebrities do.  I’m thinking along the lines of Madonna, P. Diddy, and the Artist Formerly Known as Prince…except I don’t need a symbol.  I need a name.

If I could magically turn back time, I would do things differently.  Our blog shtick currently goes something like this:

Hi, my name is Francesca and I blog with my long-time friend, Kacey at Mayhem & Moxie.  Our site proves that perfection and motherhood simply cannot co-exist.

It’s cute, maybe even quasi-memorable, but it doesn’t scream, “Hey, hey you over there.  Look at me!  I’m a superstar!” Doing something as mundane as using my real name is fine, but I’m missing that added flair, that bit of pizzazz.  Wouldn’t it be great to be remembered as the Pioneer Woman, Design Mom, or even Cool Mom?

Figuring out the right on-line name and identity is like giving yourself the sparkly bling that makes you unforgettable.

I’ve come up with a few names that I’d like to share.  Before doing so, I think it’s best to provide some necessary background info.  After all, if we are going to work together to figure out the best possible option, you should really understand a little about me.

I’m a stay-at-home mom to two toddler children, ages 2 and 4, and am currently pregnant with my third.  On the outside, I look like your typical suburban mom.  I am a big fan of the yoga pant uniform, wear make-up only on “special occasions”, and am adamant about using my oversized sunglasses to hide the large circles under my eyes that seem to have taken up permanent residence.

For all the “visual’ readers out there, here is what my typical day looks like:

Crazy Comes Easy By the End of the Day

Early mornings are always my best time of day with my kids.  Maybe it is because they are not quite awake yet, but I am pretty much the epitome of Mary effing Poppins.  Calm, cool, and collected, me and my bottomless carpet bag of tricks are practically unstoppable.

From about noon through the early afternoon, I tend to fall off the wagon a bit.  My kids can become challenging.  At those times, I practice what I call “silent screaming.”  It’s how I maintain some outer semblance of sanity, while on the inside I really feel like this:

By late afternoon/early evening, our house moves into a state of full blown crazy.  Tired from the day’s events and in need of food, baths, and a bed, we all go into survival mode.  My kids want to watch TV?  Sure.  How about jump on the couch and run around the house like a banshees?  No problem.  My only rule is that no one drinks any of Mama’s special grape drink.  It’s just for her.

So that is me and my day.

Now, help me to choose a name that best epitomizes my “essence.”

To get you started, I came up with a few ideas…

Haywood Jashootmee (Hey Would You Just Shoot Me?) Mom
A Few Beans Short of a Chalupa Mami
Iona a Car and I am not Afraid to Runaway Mommy
Luke Warm Mama
Al Kaholic Woman
Anita Bath and My Own Damn Blanket Mum
Helena Hanbaskett (Hell In A Hand Basket) Mom

Let’s get down to business.  What’cha got for me?

About Angie

Angie is a CRAFT dabbling, recipe making, WORD loving, sunshine hording, book DEVOURING, Mama to a lot! She's kind of in love with Instagram right now, so if you want her attention, go find here there. {smiling}

Comments

  1. I have three kids, three and under, and am pregnant with my fourth…this made me laugh!!
    .-= Muthering Heights´s last blog ..See The Flowers =-.

  2. Oh this had me laughing! Love the chart, and love the name list (especially the beans one). I love change so I can totally relate to the wanting to reinvent yourself!

    And, Angie, so sorry about that Ge on your #2. Obviously, I had a little mishap entering my link!

    Happy WW, as always. And thanks for being such a fabulous hostess!

    Hugs,
    Genny
    .-= Genny´s last blog ..What are your favorite parenting books? =-.

  3. mom’s hands are always full! i feel u.. im a working mom and a full-time mom.. how can that be hehehe
    .-= mizhelle´s last blog ..Mellow Yellow Monday #32, Blue Monday #23, Wordless Wednesday #95 and Pixelbug Weekend #20 (365/100-102) =-.

  4. I don’t have any suggestions, but happy Wordless…or Wordful Wednesday!
    .-= Jamie´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Dawson and Goofy =-.

  5. This post was hilarious!

    It took me forever to come up with Honey Mommy… so maybe I’ll come back in about 3 months and have a fabulous new name for you!

  6. Iona a Car and I am not Afraid to Runaway Mommy – My favorite!!!
    .-= Pamela M. Kramer´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – His Ice Cream =-.

  7. I’m not sure I could top any of those. Those are some pretty good ones. I favor the one about how you have a car… 😉 How bout “Calgon, Take Me Away Mom?” Probably some copyright issues there, huh?
    .-= Elaine´s last blog ..The Soundtrack of My Life =-.

  8. I had a little prob when entering my link… guess I was so excited about the prospect of being first that I inadvertently hit enter and my first link is to last week’s WW post and not this… when I realized this and corrected it, I am not 15… but don’t know how to take off the first link. Sorry about that… ugh..

    Thanks for hosting this great carnival!
    .-= LifeAtTheCircus´s last blog ..Praying for my Kids =-.

  9. Fran, you’ve done it again. I’ll sleep on your question and give you a call in the morning.

  10. But everyone knows you as Francesca of Mayhem and Moxie, well at least all the important people. But if you do need the change (hell any name is better than ‘Mommy’ for me) I’d choose Helena Hanbaskett.
    .-= Mommy Drinks Because You Cry´s last blog ..2010 Ultimate Blog Party! =-.

    • You’re one funny lady. Mommy Drinks Because You Cry may very well be one of the best blog titles I’ve seen in a while.

      Oh, and your half-assed post had me laughing out loud.

    • So this comment was actually from me, not Angie.

      But posing as an imposter Angie is kinda fun. I’ll have to remember this going forward.
      .-= Francesca´s last blog ..I’m Not Here Today =-.

  11. Hmm, I do not have a good name, I am afraid my brain has forgotten how life was when my oldest had just turned two when the twins were born. However, as a mom to three teen sons, life has not slowed down. I have computer time in the morning and late at night. Someday I may have time…..
    .-= Jennifer´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon 11 April =-.

  12. Great Post!! Hilarious!!
    Happy WW!
    .-= Rocio´s last blog ..Introducing "Tuesdays Around the World" =-.

  13. So I am going to print that chart out and hang it on the wall….next time hubby asks me some inane question late in the day I will say nothing and merely tap (quite loudly) on the chart.

    Sincerely,
    The-Mom-Who-Doesn’t-Wish-For-More-Hours-in-The-Day-Since-I-Know-It-will-Just-be-More-Time-For-My-Kids-To-Drive-Me-Crazy Mamma (formerly the Loving Mom)

    p.s. is my new name too long?
    .-= Liz@Loving Mom 2 Boys´s last blog ..My Lists: The Laundry Edition =-.

  14. MommyNamedApril says

    i have three kiddos three and under. i totally feel your pain. and love the chart 🙂
    .-= MommyNamedApril´s last blog ..My Kids (and possibly my husband, too) Are Obsessed With Alligators. Which Kind of Freaks Me Out Because They (my kids) Are So Pink and Yummy Looking. =-.

  15. Great post Fran! I think I am partial to : Helena Hanbaskett (although I think because I find myself saying that phrase. LOL)

    How about Fran Fing Tastic? II couldn’t get away with it on my blog, but maybe you could on yours?)
    .-= debi9kids´s last blog ..Back When It Was 6 Under 5 =-.

  16. How about…

    Get outta my way I’m a mommy!

    That’s how I feel sometimes anyway.

    🙂
    .-= Angela @ Nine More Months´s last blog ..WW: Ribbit. =-.

  17. I LOVED your chart! You actually described my whole entire day, everyday in a nutshell. I call my yoga pants and flip flops my momiform. Its pretty sad when I am still wearing my pjs in front of the neighbors when the bus comes to bring the kids back home from school, lol! I suck at thinking of names, hence Pretty Pink Momma. Lame. No creativity what so ever over here. All I can think of is, Inida Schower or maybe you said it best with Mary Effin Poppins!
    .-= Kimberly@PrettyPinkMomma´s last blog ..Wordless/Wordful Wednesday – Traffic Jam =-.

    • Mary Effin Poppins does have a certain ring to it. 🙂

      Although so does Pretty Pink Momma, especially if you are the mom who is still in her PINK pajamas at the bus stop…just like me!
      .-= Francesca´s last blog ..I’m Not Here Today =-.

  18. I’m no help with the reinventing name thing. But what a hilarious posting and that pictorial representation is dead on. WOW! You described it perfectly! I, too, am Mary Poppins in the morning and the screaming woman at the end of the day.

    Awesome guest posting.

  19. Great posts. This is a perfect place for me because being wordless is so impossible……
    .-= grandma j´s last blog .. =-.

  20. I love Fran. I suck at reading charts. Which means she still seems pretty cool to me even if she is getting more crazy.
    .-= parenting BY dummies´s last blog ..Wordful BlogBaby Wednesday =-.

    • And I love you right back.

      But the sad truth is that I am slowly losing my mind. Lord only knows what will happen once baby # 3 arrives in August. I am expecting a total melt down.

      On the upside, it should make for an entertaining series of posts.

      Love me through it.
      .-= Francesca´s last blog ..I’m Not Here Today =-.

  21. How about “You Hit Your Sister and I’ll Hit the Juice”? Or “What’s Eating Franny Grape (Juice)”? (Can you tell I’m fixated on the idea of my own special mommy drink??)
    .-= Stacia´s last blog ..It’s a Mag, Mag World =-.

  22. Happy WW!!
    .-= Cindy A´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- My Sweetness =-.

  23. I got nothin…I’m still laughing over Mommy special grape drink. 🙂
    .-= Cecily R´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday and 365 Week 15 =-.

  24. love the graph! and I totally relate! 🙂 thanks for hosting!
    .-= julie´s last blog ..Blog Party…Randomness =-.

  25. Too late to give you suggestions, but the loved the silent screaming! That is so me!

  26. That chart totally fits me every day…
    .-= Mrs. Marine´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Even Ginger Loves Scentsy =-.

  27. I think you are perfect being Angie, but Chardonnay and sunglasses will work for me.

  28. Ag, I meant to say being Fran, but mommy brain is in overload today.
    .-= cat@juggling act´s last blog ..Scenes from a holiday – sunrise and sunset. =-.

  29. Thanks for the chuckle, Fran. And happy Wordful Wednesday!
    .-= Melissa B.´s last blog ..Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire… =-.

  30. I’ve missed out on the wordful fun lately. It’s fun to be back. Having a fun giveaway that brings out the smile in every child and the shutterbug in every mom!!
    .-= TuTu’s Bliss´s last blog ..Let Them Make Cake =-.

  31. lol! I wouldn’t change the name. I don’t think. I dunno. lol.
    .-= sheila´s last blog ..My kids tattoo. Little bitty #4Wednesday Fun! =-.

  32. I’m a newbie, playing along this week! I see your button all over the place and thought I’d join in the fun!

  33. I’m taking my readers on a hunt for misused words today! Join me in the hunt!

  34. LOL–LOVE the chart!!
    .-= write-brained´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday: Stuck to my Heart =-.

  35. I think I like Mayhem and Moxie best.

    And I’m an Auditor so I LOVE a good spreadsheet.
    .-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Apple Blossoms =-.

  36. Crazy and disheveled…yes, that would be me!

    I linked up again this week! 🙂

  37. Ha! Hilarious. I sympathize, though it’s a lot better now that I have a couple in preschool!

  38. I’m in the same conundrum as you are – I’m letting my readers choose my new name for me since my brain seems to have atrophied over time. 😉
    .-= Stacy (the Random Cool Chick)´s last blog ..Wordless/Wordful Wednesday – Conversation with Princess Nagger about Swimming =-.

  39. Loved your post and your potential new names! I totally relate to your desire to ‘reinvent’ your ‘virtual identity’ after two years of blogging. I did much the same thing after MY 2nd Blogoversary and encountered MANY unintended consequences that required time and ingenuity to ‘work through’ … but I’m glad I made the change. Best wishes as you move forward 😉
    Hugs and blessings,
    .-= Small Reflections´s last blog ..Random Outdoor Rubies – Midweek Memes =-.

  40. linked with no time. Cna’t find button. AAAAH
    .-= Maggie S.´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday: Happiness is… =-.

  41. I think most moms can sooooo relate to your table of craziness that unravels as the day progresses! Good luck finding your a name that captures the crazy!
    .-= Casey´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday =-.

  42. Too funny!!

  43. Gonna have to go with ‘Mary effing Poppins’. Catchy, memorable, sassy–;o)

    Blessings!
    .-= octamom´s last blog ..Chameleon Confusion =-.

  44. How ’bout Gone Nuts Mama? 🙂
    .-= Marie´s last blog ..Introducing "Cane" =-.

  45. That chart has so much truth in it…as the day goes on I feel the same way! 🙂 Great Guest Post! Have a great day!
    .-= Mellisa´s last blog ..Wordless and Wordful Wednesday: A House in the Woods =-.

  46. I think you are just hilarious!

    How about ‘One Brain cell less?”

    Ok that does not sound jazzy. Sigh I’m not good to you!

    I loved reading this today!
    .-= JamericanSpice´s last blog ..Bucket Seat At The Movies – WW =-.

  47. Finally Someone I can Relate To! LMAO
    .-= Night owl mama´s last blog ..20.000 Ways to Save with Tropicana Juicy Rewards =-.

  48. Fran, I love you.

    And I really like the Al Kaholic Woman. I think that fits. 😉
    .-= Jen´s last blog ..What to do with all that Artwork. =-.

  49. i’m relating to you sister…by the way, i already follow you and think you are awesome so i don’t think you need reinvented, but if you do then that’s all good for me.

    as for a new name…how about “new name”. it’s all i got this morning. sorry. 🙂
    .-= a thorn among roses´s last blog ..i still remember the beach… =-.

    • You are lovely.

      My post was mostly an exaggeration of the truth. After changing from 3BBC to Mayhem & Moxie, I’m not likely to go switching up things again. Way too much work! 😉

      Plus, what if we lost one another again? Then where would we be?
      .-= Francesca´s last blog ..I’m Not Here Today =-.

  50. Sadly I have no clever name suggestions, as I am currently freaking out about a job interview I have in an hour. However I am currently doing that silent scream in my office, and had to talk about the coincidence!
    .-= Megan (Best of Fates)´s last blog ..Golden & Delicious =-.

  51. Found Button.

    Your names were all fun. I think Helena Hanbaskett is the most memorable.
    .-= Maggie S.´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday: Happiness is… =-.

  52. LMAO!!
    .-= Melanie @ Whimsical Creations´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-Cousins =-.

  53. I love your chart! Seriously, there is marketing potential for that chart. 🙂
    .-= Buckeroomama´s last blog ..My Girl is 3! =-.

  54. LOL, I am so glad I’m out of the toddler years (almost).

    I have 3 boys ages 10, 4 and 3 and they keep me so busy. I thought that as they got older things would get easier…..boy was I wrong! I love the vrazy life they have made for me and wouldnt change a thing. Well, maybe a little more sleep would be nice!!!

    I love Helena handbasket!!!!
    .-= Nicole´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday =-.

  55. I laughed so hard reading this. We practice lots of silent screaming in our house. LOL! The chart was fantastic.
    .-= Joy´s last blog ..Take Me Out to the Ball Game =-.

  56. Oh, yes, I can relate!! Thanks for the laugh this morning. I so needed it!!

    Happy WW!!
    .-= Kara @ His, Hers and Ours´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday Some Bath Time Fun =-.

  57. Thanks again!

  58. AHAHAH!!
    I can relate!
    .-= Erin´s last blog ..Wordfull Wed- My classroom =-.

  59. Oh, what about The Fabulous Ms. F?

    When I started my blog back in February I came up wiht all sorts of cool names, then when I went to enter them in, someone else had already used them. (I was trying to add them to my url). So I ended up The Drama Mama by default, and I have to admit that it really does suit me. *sigh*
    .-= The Drama Mama´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-A Scooby Moment =-.

  60. Wow your life sounds oh so familiar!! haha. I am just a few years ahead of you and can I just say that it stays crazy….. I don’t have a name for you because if I did I would be using it myself hehe!! I really don’t though sorry! Great post though you really made me laugh!
    .-= Brandie´s last blog .."not me" Monday! =-.

  61. How about Crazee Ashell Mama (crazy as hell)… you’re TOO funny! Thanks for the laugh today—Lord knows I needed it!
    .-= Denene@MyBrownBaby´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday: A Spring Break Family Affair on St. Simon’s Island =-.

    • Another winner! I am loving the name you suggested, Denene. Totally had me laughing.

      It was so great to see your name pop up here this morning. I’ve missed you! I had the chance to meet Stacy (aka Justice Fergie?) from Blogalicious/MamaLaw while at the Bloggy Boot Camp in Baltimore. She and I both gushed about you. It was fun.
      .-= Francesca´s last blog ..I’m Not Here Today =-.

  62. That afternoon time? Terrible. And, that’s the time that I get home from work and have my kiddos. Good times.

    As far as the name? I’ve got nothing. I like Helena Hanbaskett the best.
    .-= Krystyn´s last blog ..She got in a fight. And lost. =-.

  63. I like ‘Reckless and Sexless’. Better beat me to Go Daddy…

    Names are a big problem for me. I always hated being Erin since I have never really met any adult Erins. It’s like we all die off after puberty. Somehow, I survived.

    For the record, Mayhem & Moxie kicks ass as a name. It’s so Mad Men.

  64. Maybe you’ll give birth to a new you? You’re having a girl, right?
    .-= erica´s last blog ..By: e =-.

  65. Oh, these are so funny! Helena Handbasket is my fav.
    .-= Shell´s last blog ..MY Word and A Mommy Moment =-.

  66. I’m also going to be celebrating my 2 year blogiversary in May. I look around and feel that I am now one of the old guard in that I have stuck it out and am still posting. I have seen so many come and go and it saddens me a little knowing that they are not around, but I also know that there are a lot of up-and-commings out there too.

    Love the idea of reinventing yourself. I wish you the best of skill in determining what currently defines you in a memorable way.
    .-= Christopher (AKA: CaJoh)´s last blog ..F2: Easter =-.

  67. Luke Warm Mama i like that.

    how about ‘sanity optional’

    or perhaps

    m & m & m (mayhem moxie momma)

    (my blog/business name is moxie photo and design)….and i thought about renaming it to Moxie PaD. but i have decided against it. for now anyway.

  68. I agree Fran Tastic!

    Mayhem and Moxie is great! I never knew which of you was mayhem or which was Moxie though?? 🙂

    I was gonna suggest goodncrazy.. but oh yeah.. 🙂

    Love a bunch of those names you’ll be awesome!
    .-= carissa´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.

  69. I don’t have any great suggestions…it took me a while to go from “Beanie’s Mama” (when I only had Beans) to “BZMomma” (to when we added Razz to our fam)…But, going off of what Leah suggested M&M&M could also be M3…and you might even get some BMW lovers out there thinking it’s about their M3 model. teehee.

    Anyway, great post! Had me laughing! I’m a WAHM with a 4 and 2 year old and also pregnant w/my 3rd! So yea, I TOTALLY RELATE! I need to hit your blog up more often!
    .-= BZMomma´s last blog ..Ahhh Spring… =-.

  70. Hmmmm, all winning names, I’m sure. A few beans short of a chalupa has a nice ring… or how bout anitamotherslittlehelper (i need a mother’s little helper)?
    .-= amber´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday: Tori’s First Birthday. =-.

  71. Totally practice the silent screaming… except I do it all day. Very funny post.
    .-= Chefdruck´s last blog ..There’s a New Chef in the Kitchen =-.

  72. Reinventing yourself I love it! You can do it – just be original!
    .-= Candy Silvasy´s last blog ..Wordless Wine Wednesday 4/14/2010 =-.

  73. this is my 1st visit to 7 clown circus. since my WW always seem to be more words than photos I figured I better check this out! Sorry I have no names, you already got the funniest ones down! I totally know the silent scream but these days my volume knob is broke on HIGH! I will have to check out more here & on your moxie blog too. I linked up (& have a linky) hope to get to know some of the crazies here better !
    .-= Faythe@GrammyMouseTails´s last blog ..WW/ Spring is still a popping! =-.

  74. Hmmmmmm….I’m in the same boat as you. I will be celebrating my 2 year blogoversary this July and I’m pregnant with baby #3. How weird is that? It’s a bit bizarre, isn’t it? Maybe you should be Bizaro World Run DMT. But it doesn’t have quite the same ring as some of the titles you already came up with.

    How about Pining Near Woman or Beyond Recognition?
    I’ll keep thinking for you. Good luck and congratulations!
    .-= Run DMT´s last blog ..BlogTrotting through Tampa Bay =-.

  75. it is fun to see bloggers when they guest post you learn more about them..

    Happy Thursday.. A day late… on this post..

  76. Laughed out loud more than once during this post. You are hilarious Fran, I plan on following you possibly even stalking 🙂
    .-= jennyleite´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday =-.

  77. And the store had a basement. I will pick up mine
    then. Commercial fishing is an adventure sport,
    but once it hooks you in there is no talk of such an energy policy.

    For instance, the Jets squeezed the ball for 36 minutes.

    This one is not familiar with pontoon fly fishing boats have enclosed cabins.
    In early spring, as the graph below does, you should head out on a party boat.