Many of us have been restless souls since the presidential campaign. We passionately campaigned for Obama or McCain or Clinton but are now left without focus or direction.

I’ve been waiting for another call to action. But nothing has quite stirred me.

Now there’s word that my Manhattan gals Victory, Nico and Wendy are in trouble.

“Lipstick Jungle” is breathlessly close to cancellation. Apparently, only the viewers can save it now.

Well… it’s not exactly like picking the next leader of the free world but heck, tv is cool too.

And I am the girl who helped save Party of Five.  My 1994 glory days.  Don’t think I can’t re-energize the troops and resurrect my letter writing campaign.  I can set up a phone bank for “Lipstick Jungle” in under an hour.  Don’t threaten me, peacock network.

Contributing mama Erin Butler has already signed the petition and sent in her lipstick.

I signed the petition but so far I’m not parting with any tubes of Laura Mercier.  We’re in a deep recession, ladies. I have my limits. But then again, can you really put a price on these abs?

By the way, am I the only one who has watched AND actually really enjoyed “Flirting With Forty?” You know, that sort of dumb Heather Locklear/ Kirby Lifetime movie.

Don’t judge me. You know there isn’t a lot on TV right now.

Meanwhile, guess who is flirting with two?

Yes, my baby girl Summer.

I love you baby girl.

And please don’t think that just because I rambled on about “Lipstick Jungle” and some guy’s abs and some stupid lifetime movie, that I don’t love you beyond words.

Because I always save the best for last. Happy Birthday my little Summer. XO

When you are trying to weather a severe economic meltdown, you must look for money making opportunities everywhere.

Like maybe taking on a part time job.  Or selling a U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.

That Governor Blagojevichitslkaslgkhalghsilsich really knows how to take action when times are tough.

Am I the only one who thinks it’s kind of sweet that he was also trying to secure a lucrative job for his wife too? You know, sweet in a very corrupt, smarmy kind of way.

I don’t know why everyone is coming down so hard on him. The guy has bills to pay, hair care product to purchase.

Ok. Tip number two. Even in this crappy economy, there ARE jobs.

According to a recent news report, there are openings in pipeline transportation and mining. Yup. Seriously.

Remember when your folks used to say, “What in heavens to betsy are you going to do with a pipeline transportation degree?”

Well, look at you now, Miss Smarty Pants.

If perhaps, you didn’t have the brilliant foresight to major in pipeline transportation, it’s definitely time to cut costs.

Follow Rick’s lead…

My husband is a true martini man (I mean, we named our dog Martini for gosh sakes).  Of course, we got rid of our dog but Rick still likes his drink.

In an effort to save money, Rick recently gave up his ritzy Grey Goose vodka for the more favorably priced…

Tito’s vodka.

And yes, it’s as velvety and smooth as it sounds.

Another way to save some cash… Instead of spending 40 bucks a ticket to take the girls to fun kid shows like Sesame Street Live or Dear Edwina, they now get to dance at home to Neil Sedaka’s new children’s CD, “Walking Up is Hard To Do.”

Nobody gets you through the hard times like Sedaka.

Well, there is some good news. At least President Obama is working hard at the White House to fix this whole ridiculous mess.

What?! That Bush dude is STILL in charge? Are you sure? Because it really seems like his time is up.

And Governor Blagojevichitslkaslgkhalghsilsich hasn’t yet stepped down? What is that guy waiting for?!

Ok. We may need another round of Tito’s. For everyone.

mama bird notes;

Is your DVR or Tivo selection just bumming you out lately? Click on drooling over this to learn about a movie that truly inspired and amazed me.

And last chance to win tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, staring the Radio City Rockettes! One New York area mama bird will win 4 tickets to the 4 pm show on December 28th.

To enter, just leave a comment on the mama bird diaries this week and tell me what you imagine is the best perk about being a Rockette.

Maybe you’re pissed off that “Lipstick Jungle” is headed for the TV graveyard of canceled shows.  Or maybe you can no longer handle Izzie’s ridiculous relationship with her DEAD ex-fiance Denny on “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Or just possibly, you actually went to see “Four Christmases” in the theater because Vince Vaughn is SO funny and Reese Witherspoon is SO cute but as it turns out, the movie is SO mediocre.

Well, forget all that. Seriously. Because I just watched an incredible, uplifting movie, called “Darius Goes West.”

It’s a documentary (don’t be scared) about 15 year-old Darius Weems, who suffers from a fatal disease, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). His brother died from the same disease.

But the movie isn’t depressing.  It’s completely inspiring.  And funny. And beautiful.

Weems and eleven of his best friends set off across America with the ultimate goal of getting his wheelchair customized on MTV’s “Pimp My Ride.” The movie is about friendship and love and the difference we can all make.

$17 dollars of every sale of this movie is devoted to promising DMD research. Their goal is to sell a million DVD’s by July 2009.  To learn more about “Darius Goes West” click here.

I’m also giving away a copy of the movie. So leave a comment and you are entered.

Walk four or five blocks in any direction and you will suddenly stumble upon a large selection of Christmas trees. This city can be so brilliantly convenient.

A 10 year-old girl named Ava, who must be from some cute woodsy place like Vermont or New Hampshire, will gleefully bound over to you and start describing the the variety of trees available.

Is it legal for a 10 year-old to sell trees? I’m not so sure but I can’t let these so-called child labor laws ruin my holiday merriment. Ok, I am not overflowing with Christmas cheer this year but I am hoping a tree will kick start the joy.

“How much is this one?” I ask Ava.

“Oh that’s 60 dollars.” she responds.

“Ok. I’ll take it.”

I don’t even try to barter. I can’t nickel and dime this sweet girl who probably has dreams of starting her own tree farm someday.

“So Ava, where are you from anyway? Up North?” I ask.

“Oh I just live across the street. They hire me every year to help sell trees.”

Damn city kids.

If you haven’t yet stomped away in disgust for being outsmarted by a darling elementary school kid, Ava will then wrap up your tree and even saw off the extra branches.

Should a 10 year-old really be using a saw?

My dad, Dylan and I drag the tree home (although free delivery is available) and we attempt to place the tree in the stand. But the stump is too darn fat.

Apparently, 10 year-olds totally suck at sawing trees.

So I get down on my knees and do it myself.

Oh, I didn’t realize Rick was taking pictures. Ok, I made my dad do it.

Should a 65 year-old man really be using a saw?

At least he’s not wearing his fancy tracksuit.  I don’t want to be responsible for the demise of my dad’s favorite threads.

Finally, my daughters did some decorating, mostly focusing on the lower right hand quadrant of the tree.

I’m not sure what that piece of red cardboard is all about… but I think it’s yuletide edgy.

mama bird notes:

Looking for a cute holiday gift? How about sending some good thoughts? Click on drooling over this to read more and take advantage of a mama bird discount.

One mama is looking for ideas on earth friendly wrapping paper. Have a tip for her? Click on askamama and share your brilliance.

And finally this week I’m giving away tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, staring the Radio City Rockettes! One New York area mama bird will win 4 tickets to the 4 pm show on December 28th.

To enter, just leave a comment on the mama bird diaries this week and tell me what you imagine is the best perk about being a Rockette.

Does anyone know where to order recycled or tree free wrapping paper? I want to be eco-friendly this Christmas but I just can’t do the newspaper thing.

I also don’t want to spend a fortune on fancy paper. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.