***Post Update: For all of you curious to watch me make an arse of myself, the producers at Connect with Mark Kelley have obliged your requests and put my television mockery on line for your viewing pleasure.
So grab some popcorn, say a Hail Mary, and thank the Heavens above that I’m not your Mother and then click this link.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.***
This summer, as I was sweltering at my uncle’s funeral, with rivulets of sweat trickling between my breasts and making my boobs itchy, Opportunity knocked at my door.
There I was, discreetly trying scratch the itch away, not realizing no matter how discreet I thought I was, I was still sitting in a torn folding lawn chair parked next to a broken RV trailer sitting on wooden blocks, scratching at my boobs like a monkey in a zoo.
There is no accounting for Opportunity’s timing. Nor is there, as my parents would like to point out, any accounting for how I always manage to be that one chick sitting there scratching her tits in public.
(I, myself, have a theory about that but in the interests of not being disowned, again, I’ll keep my mouth shut.)
So, like the rube unknowingly inviting a vampire in, I opened the door.
I’d totally be the chick who asks the homicidal psychopath in for tea because I had nothing better planned for the afternoon.
(Can you tell it’s only days after Halloween and I have spent far too many hours of my life watching scary movies?)
Ahem.
So it was on that hot and sunny day as the boob sweat threatened to drown me that I was offered an unexpected job.
On television.

It could have been the beer I had chugged moments before, it could have been grief had clouded my usually impeccable judgment (shut up) or perhaps I was suffering from heat stroke, but whatever it was, I heard myself agreeing.
To be on television.
Why yes. I do have rocks for brains. Thanks for asking.
I always wanted to be the female version of Ron Burgundy. It’s like the heavens opened up and offered me the opportunity to ‘Stay Classy‘ on a silver platter.
Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I’ve just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you’re doing and listen. Cannonball!
So this is how I found myself staring at the television screen last week with my children beside me, listening to them heckle and mock me as I counted all my double chins staring back at me.
Once I got past the whole Vanity Destroying Self-Esteem factor of seeing myself on the boob tube, I began to realize the benefits of this opportunity staring me in the face.
Not only was I just given access to an entirely new medium in which I can make my husband squirm uncomfortably as I air our dirty laundry in public but I can use this opportunity to get really flexible with myself as I learn to talk with one foot permanently embedded in my mouth!
I do love me the taste of my own toe jam.
If that weren’t enough to convince me of the brilliance of this choice, just seeing the rabid fear on my children’s face as they braced for the inevitable embarrassment they are sure I’m about to gift upon them was enough to cement my choice and reaffirm my decision to appear on a national prime time television.
Suddenly, a whole new realm of parenting possibilities opened before me. I could use this position on television as a means to keep my spawn in check. Forget to do your homework? You wouldn’t want me mentioning that on television would you? Back talk your mother? Oh, payback will be sweet when I go on air wearing curlers while munching on a piece of straw to talk about how you used to run around naked in the playground.
The threats of parental punishment are limitless, really.
(However, if any CBC producers are reading this, I promise you it’s a hollow threat. I’d never make an ass out of myself just to teach my kids a lesson.
Don’t read my blog archives though, okay?)
The very best part of being asked to be part of a news program like this? Sending pictures of David Hasselhoff in a bikini to the very professional host of the show.
Sorry about that Mark. Blame the writers of Mamapop. They made me do it.
Er, I meant, the best part of my appearance is it is lends street cred to my blogging for my husband, who actually (misguidedly) believes I now have a REAL job.
You know, opposed to the fake job of pounding out these posts to invisible people while maintaining our household, doing all the shopping, driving and parenting of our three children.
(Wait! Does that make me sound bitter?)
Anyways, if I’m really lucky maybe I’ll get so famous I’ll inspire an entire line of Halloween wigs like that chick with eight kids and a douchey soon to be ex-husband.
I’d totally wear that haircut. If I were blind and all the camera’s in the world were broken.
I’ll settle for not entirely and completely humiliating myself on a weekly basis.
What can I say? My bar isn’t raised that high.

*I appear on tonight’s episode of Connect With Mark Kelley on CBC’s Newsworld Network. Don’t ask me if you can view it in the States, cuz I have no idea.*






Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 10:52
Wow, congratulations! How exciting for you. I’ll be tuning in to watch.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 11:04
i’m sure i’ll be able to find it on youtube somewhere.
can’t wait!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 11:10
good times
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 11:20
oh i’m so gonna be watching!!
as long as your segment doesn’t interfere with The Ultimate Fighter, which is on at 8.
hey, we’re alberta rednecks too, what can i say? i’m just hoping NASCAR and/or barrett-jackson isn’t on tonight.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 11:25
de lurking to say that IF I were in canada, I would totally watch V tonight.
sweaty boobs on camera make me nervous.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 11:42
Can’t wait to see tonight, for once we have an advantage to being in Canada. Hulu is my nemesis
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 11:48
and that’s how Sue… I mean Tanis… C’s it.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 12:46
Sweet! Congratulations!!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 13:16
I don’t have T.V. I might have to break into someone’s house to watch you. Or you could post a video youtube style?
Pretty please with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and cherries on top?
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 13:23
Got a link for ya for the online version of your first appearance or so I am told…have to run and get kids at school, and can’t double check.
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/TV_Shows/Connect_with_Mark_Kelley/ID=1311170583
I’m told, it can be seen in the US, but someone actually in the US will have to confirm?
IT gremlins at CBC will have links up regularly. Or so I have heard….
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 13:33
Just watched the link from Aurelia, Tanis is on just after the 30 minute mark. You can skip ahead to it!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 13:38
Ohhh congrats to you! Your children will be the best behaved ever now!!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 13:39
Aurelia’s link works in the States … or at least in this strange Republic of Texas I find myself in! Thing is, that’s a direct link to the show from the 27th. Try this one to get the latest version (and by that, I mean the surely bleeped-to-the-max one — or is Canada not as silly with language as TV here? — with Ms. Redneck Mommy Herownself!)
http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/TV_Shows/Connect_with_Mark_Kelley
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 14:01
Will it be available on youtube? Step-son was recently on Maury Povich and they place on both Facebook and YouTube.
Let us know.
A shamless plug for Ryan and his program:
Check out http://www.monstervisiontv.com and FB under that name.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 14:21
At last a reason to watch the CBC!
Just for the bloopers!
I never have forgiven them for canceling ‘This is Wonderland’
DJ Weatherbee
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 14:22
I have just set the PVR. I love Mark Kelley. I’m a huge fan. Are you recording this so you can show it at your kids wedding?
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 14:34
now I will have to see if I can watch it online in the states, because a chance to see the Redneck on T.V….priceless
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 15:38
Wow, I’m so proud of you, Tanis. Finally, something else decent to watch on CBC besides hockey.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 15:49
I’ve set my DVR to record it.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 15:50
Fan-frickin-tastic! Congrats!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 16:08
too funny,you are going to cook EVERY night…rightttt.
i think Mark has a thing for you! he really perked up on your segment.
congrats to you,but Boo and kids are in big trouble.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 16:32
Cuz you have no idea? What kind of answer is that to your American friends? You have POWER now. Walk into the CBC and DEMAND an answer. Frankly, I don’t even believe you are on TV until I see it for myself. Surely someone can Tivo it and make a copy for YouTube. Canadians know how to Tivo things, right?
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 16:45
lmao…..loved it….and to Neil…umm what is Tivo??…yeah i’m canadian….you are one hot mamma….xo…can’t wait for the follow-up……keep us posted….
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 16:49
i TOTALLY can’t believe mark asked you on a date!! on tv!! “maybe we’ll have to go out for dinner” doesn’t he KNOW you’re married?
scoundrel.
i definitely think he has the hots for you – did you see that big ass smile on his face?
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 17:06
LMAO!!!! OMG! You’d better watch that dead pan humor.
“We shouldn’t talk to anyone or listen to the media”. LOL!
You kill me.
Forget the meal at the dinner table. I just throw it at them when they growl. LOL.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 17:12
dude!
you’re on wikipedia!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 17:20
This is so rad, congrats!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 18:45
Tanis, this is my first time commenting, but I am a loyal reader. You are my favorite Blogess!
I watched tonight, from the US! I had to sit through the Canadian News on the live feed until it came to your portion, but it was great seeing your news & I got my dishes done while my laptop streamed the show. Loved your installment.
I have to admit that we sit down to family dinner most nights, but I have only one child and we started when he was 2. Maybe that’s the key? And I am not at all organized. I am usually throwing laundry (or last night’s dinner dishes) off the table, at the very last minute. But it has been a good experience for our family.
Forget the parenting studies….do it if it works for your family! Don’t do it if it doesn’t! That’s my parenting manifesto!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 18:56
Thats just great, well done. I hope you will have a link to it so I can see it too!!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 19:20
Might I suggest you find out if we (that is, we in the States) can view it online like FIVE MINUTES AGO??
I need me some redneck fix.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 19:28
You did great!!! I chuckled….as did my teenagers…as we sat in front of the TV eating dinner…them trying not stab each other with their spoons! Looking forward to the next segment.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 19:31
OMG! It sucks so much that I missed it! Oh well, I’ll be sure to catch it next week. Congratulations!
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 20:18
Saw a clip of your segment! I’m thinking that Mark doesn’t quite know how to deal with your deadpan sarcasm. I, however, LOVE watching him squirm. Great show! Loved it. And, as much as I hate to say it, you appear to be misrepresenting rednecks! Your kitchen is far too white and sparkly. I figured you’d have wood panelling and deer heads everywhere.
Tuesday, 3 November, 2009 at 22:40
Clips work fine in Hawaii, but some still argue we’re not actually a state. The way Alaskans and Canadians refer to the “Lower 48″ doesn’t help things.
That aside, it was awkwardly awesome!
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 0:05
I wanna be just like you when I grow up !!!! Funny funny lady, you are forcing me to be myself when it comes to writing, thank you for making me laugh out loud everytime I visit. Tracy Westerholm
can’t wait to see you live….
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 5:43
Rock and roll! Hopefully people in the states can watch, too.
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 6:51
Just watched it. You did a great job, although I have a request for next time. More nudity.
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 8:33
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, but this is my first time posting a comment. I just had to say that your spot on Connect was hilarious! I can’t remember the last time I watched CBC (gasp!) I agree with you–those parenting experts can’t have kids. Otherwise they’d know just how full of sh*t they really are.
Can’t wait to hear how your dinner time experiment went.
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 10:58
Saw it online. You rock! Good luck on getting your kids to eat what you cook. If you do get that to work, give details!
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 11:37
too bad CBC is only Digital out here, and I can’t get ANY TV signals. I know, it’s crazy, no TV?
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 12:34
Thanks Aurelia for posting the link.
Just in case you aren’t interested in what comes before Redneck Mommy, skip to about 30:57 and there she is!
Can’t wait to see your new wigs!!
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 12:36
OK Katie Couric. A few questions:
1) By National Television, you mean Canada? Is it a Hockey show? Curling? Just curious.
2) I had no idea porn was on the non-paid channels.
3) “Discovered by the Germans in 1904, they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a whale’s vagina.”
Mayo Out!
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 16:28
OK I did get to see it. Holy Accent from the West Batman! I think you did a good job with that scarf. Supper is a Daily event here. I cook supper every night and we sit down to eat it usually as a family. Quiet? nope not going to happen
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 16:46
Pleas post links each week so we can applaud you from down here in the states!
Loved it! And am now convinced, more than ever, that my craziness is due in part to the fact that we’ve always sat down to family dinners…despite my ridiculously poor organizational skills!
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 18:02
I would watch it online but CBC makes it so damn hard to view their videos. Anyway, congrats on moving up (sideways?) in the world.
Andre
PS. That photo of David Hasselhoff in the speedo makes me feel like I really need to take a shower right away to wash away the “ickiness” that now covers me like a blanket of luke-warm slug slime.
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 19:49
SWEET GIG!!! I’m so excited I get to laugh at you on TV now on a WEEKLY BASIS.
Also, two words: WILL FERRELL!!!!!
Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 at 21:05
You are beyond perfect for that. You were adorable and I will cry if you ever sport that do… (although I had it about 8 years ago but, not that with that degree of bangage)
um.. yeah
Thursday, 5 November, 2009 at 4:43
Just watched the TV segment. Oh my god! I had no idea you were so adorable. I’ve been reading your blog for only a couple months now (The archives too) and I developed a crush on you because of your writing (which shows your brilliance, humor, strength and sensitivity) but holy crap! you are beautiful! You should be on tv everyday! That smile! Those cheeks! Your eyes! Your style! Just perfect.
Thursday, 5 November, 2009 at 7:49
That was awesome!! And you’re so freaking cute!
Thursday, 5 November, 2009 at 11:51
Loved to watch your segment. We sat down together to eat every night. I’m glad we did. The only thing on TV at that time was the news so missing TV wasn’t a bad thing. Now that we are grown those dinners are some of our best memories. We’d laugh and share and had some great times. Get your kids involved in the process and it won’t be so bad. Don’t give up on family dinners.