Okay.... here's the deal: I hate forwarded emails....
Why? Three reasons:
1. Because most of them are urban legends that serve only to fuel fear. And the fact that it has been forwarded over and over without anyone stopping and checking the validity of the story/statement/message really bothers me.
2. The other type of emails usually are very political and they are coming from friends who I guess assume that I feel the way they do about certain issues. 99.9% of the time I DON'T agree with them and of course do not forward them on.
It's this second type of email that bothers me the most. I feel like it is someone forcing their beliefs on me.... and in the few times I have emailed my counter-point back it has caused a HUGE brew-ha -ha. For some reason these people felt like it was okay to bombard me with their opinion, and could not understand why it would offend me, but if I emailed MY opinion back they would get offended.
3. I don't like to cry at my computer. I don't want people emailing me sob stories about kids with cancer or mothers and fathers at war etc etc etc. I know that suffering is out there.... and if I choose to inform myself about it, that is my business.... Especially the 'solider' emails. I know what it is like to have a love one at war. I know about the sacrifices... I don't need some ridiculous email to remind me.
Once in a while I forward on a funny joke to a friend ... once or twice a year I guess. I like jokes...
I like pictures of friends and family. I like birth announcements, and marriage announcements. Birthday and holiday greetings are great too....
This may sound harsh, and maybe I am being harsh. But it is the way I feel. I think these emails do a disservice. They promote fear, they encourage erroneous information and they promote ideas that can hurt and offend people.
11.30.2007
11.28.2007
Thanks-Turkey-Give-Day
What is it about the story of “The First Thanksgiving” that makes it essential to be taught in virtually every grade from preschool through high school? What is it about the story that is so seductive? Why has it become an annual elementary school tradition to hold Thanksgiving pageants, with young children dressing up in paper-bag costumes and feather-duster headdresses and marching around the schoolyard? Why is it seen as necessary for fake “pilgrims” and fake “Indians” (portrayed by real children, many of whom are Indian) to sit down every year to a fake feast, acting out fake scenarios and reciting fake dialogue about friendship? And why do teachers all over the country continue (for the most part, unknowingly) to perpetuate this myth year after year after year?
Well, when you put it like that..... ummm I don't know?
Is it because as Americans we have a deep need to believe that the soil we live on and the country on which it is based was founded on integrity and cooperation? This belief would help contradict any feelings of guilt that could haunt us when we look at our role in more recent history in dealing with other indigenous peoples in other countries. If we dare to give up the “myth” we may have to take responsibility for our actions both concerning indigenous peoples of this land as well as those brought to this land in violation of everything that makes us human. The realization of these truths untold might crumble the foundation of what many believe is a true democracy.
Wow! I guess so... I never really thought about it. And my guess is, most of everyone else I know hasn't really thought about it. Why on Earth would we even think to link Thanksgiving with all that emotion, history and conflict? I mean, COME ON.... we came over, were friendly for awhile then we were not so friendly.... and now we eat turkey and watch football.... Jeeze... what's the big deal?
Unfortunately - it is a big deal, what if 400 years from now September 11th was turned into a celebratory national holiday of how Americans and Radical Islamics came together on that day in the spirit of peace, love and unity?
Apparently what we celebrate as the "first Thanksgiving" was a Harvest Celebration. The 'pilgrims' were partaking in a ritual celebration that ALL people from all cultures have celebrated from the dawn of time - A good harvest. The native Americans were not invited. They showed up, because they heard gun shots, thinking they 'pilgrims' were about to attack. When they saw that there was a celebration, they went to get deer and turkey to bring back in good neighborly fashion.
The 'pilgrims' were not inherently bad people (and they weren't really pilgrims at all - more like missionary settlers) .. They did not think like us. They viewed the Native Americans as 'less than human' ... animals, savages and instruments of the devil. They did not understand, nor did they try to understand them, and they were frightened of them. Kill or be killed was the name of the game.
Okay... so this 1621 meal was not the first thanksgiving.... so what was? It was in 1623 when a two month drought ended after their fervent prayers that the first recorded religious thanksgiving day occurred. This day focused more on worship than on feasting.
Well, that's not so bad... why do the modern Native Americans consider Thanksgiving to be a day of mourning? In 1637, English soldiers massacred some 700 Pequot men, women and children at Mystic Fort, burning many of them alive in their homes and shooting those who fled. The colony of Connecticut and Massachusetts Bay Colony observed a day of thanksgiving commemorating the massacre. By 1675, there were some 50,000 colonists in the place they had named “New England.” That year, Metacom, a son of Massasoit, one of the first whose generosity had saved the lives of the starving settlers, led a rebellion against them. By the end of the conflict known as “King Philip’s War,” most of the Indian peoples of the Northeast region had been either completely wiped out, sold into slavery, or had fled for safety into Canada. Shortly after Metacom’s death, Plimoth Colony declared a day of thanksgiving for the English victory over the Indians.
Oh... yeah, well that is kinda bad ....
How did we get a national holiday out of that?
The reason that we have so many myths associated with Thanksgiving is that it is an invented tradition. It doesn't originate in any one event. It is based on the New England puritan Thanksgiving, which is a religious Thanksgiving, and the traditional harvest celebrations of England and New England and maybe other ideas like commemorating the pilgrims. All of these have been gathered together and transformed into something different from the original parts.
Our contemporary mix of myth and history about the "First" Thanksgiving at Plymouth developed in the 1890s and early 1900s. Our country was desperately trying to pull together its many diverse peoples into a common national identity. To many writers and educators at the end of the last century and the beginning of this one, this also meant having a common national history. This was the era of the "melting pot" theory of social progress, and public education was a major tool for social unity. It was with this in mind that the federal government declared the last Thursday in November as the legal holiday of Thanksgiving in 1898.
Yeah okay.... but what about all this fourth Thursday nonsense?
During the American Revolution a yearly day of national thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress. In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom, and by the middle of the 19th century many other states had done the same. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November, which he may have correlated it with the November 21, 1621, anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod. Since then, each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941).
Right.... so now what? What do we tell the kiddos?
I like what this guy had to say: Thanksgiving became associated with giving thanks to God for the harvests of the land. Thanksgiving has always been a time of people coming together, so thanks has also been offered for that gift of fellowship between us all. Every last Thursday in November we now partake in one of the OLDEST and most UNIVERSAL of human celebrations, and THERE ARE MANY THANKSGIVING STORIES TO TELL. As for Thanksgiving week at Plymouth Plantation in 1621, the friendship was guarded and not always sincere, and the peace was very soon abused. But for three days in New England's history, peace and friendship were there.
Sounds good! I can live with that.... now can we leave well enough alone?
What? What's wrong with the turkeys? Wait, don't tell me... I don't want to know!!!
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/legal/thanksgiving_nelte.html
http://www.oyate.org/resources/longthanks.html
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving
http://www.kstrom.net/isk/books/adult/ad539.html
Well, when you put it like that..... ummm I don't know?
Is it because as Americans we have a deep need to believe that the soil we live on and the country on which it is based was founded on integrity and cooperation? This belief would help contradict any feelings of guilt that could haunt us when we look at our role in more recent history in dealing with other indigenous peoples in other countries. If we dare to give up the “myth” we may have to take responsibility for our actions both concerning indigenous peoples of this land as well as those brought to this land in violation of everything that makes us human. The realization of these truths untold might crumble the foundation of what many believe is a true democracy.
Wow! I guess so... I never really thought about it. And my guess is, most of everyone else I know hasn't really thought about it. Why on Earth would we even think to link Thanksgiving with all that emotion, history and conflict? I mean, COME ON.... we came over, were friendly for awhile then we were not so friendly.... and now we eat turkey and watch football.... Jeeze... what's the big deal?
Unfortunately - it is a big deal, what if 400 years from now September 11th was turned into a celebratory national holiday of how Americans and Radical Islamics came together on that day in the spirit of peace, love and unity?
Apparently what we celebrate as the "first Thanksgiving" was a Harvest Celebration. The 'pilgrims' were partaking in a ritual celebration that ALL people from all cultures have celebrated from the dawn of time - A good harvest. The native Americans were not invited. They showed up, because they heard gun shots, thinking they 'pilgrims' were about to attack. When they saw that there was a celebration, they went to get deer and turkey to bring back in good neighborly fashion.
The 'pilgrims' were not inherently bad people (and they weren't really pilgrims at all - more like missionary settlers) .. They did not think like us. They viewed the Native Americans as 'less than human' ... animals, savages and instruments of the devil. They did not understand, nor did they try to understand them, and they were frightened of them. Kill or be killed was the name of the game.
Okay... so this 1621 meal was not the first thanksgiving.... so what was? It was in 1623 when a two month drought ended after their fervent prayers that the first recorded religious thanksgiving day occurred. This day focused more on worship than on feasting.
Well, that's not so bad... why do the modern Native Americans consider Thanksgiving to be a day of mourning? In 1637, English soldiers massacred some 700 Pequot men, women and children at Mystic Fort, burning many of them alive in their homes and shooting those who fled. The colony of Connecticut and Massachusetts Bay Colony observed a day of thanksgiving commemorating the massacre. By 1675, there were some 50,000 colonists in the place they had named “New England.” That year, Metacom, a son of Massasoit, one of the first whose generosity had saved the lives of the starving settlers, led a rebellion against them. By the end of the conflict known as “King Philip’s War,” most of the Indian peoples of the Northeast region had been either completely wiped out, sold into slavery, or had fled for safety into Canada. Shortly after Metacom’s death, Plimoth Colony declared a day of thanksgiving for the English victory over the Indians.
Oh... yeah, well that is kinda bad ....
How did we get a national holiday out of that?
The reason that we have so many myths associated with Thanksgiving is that it is an invented tradition. It doesn't originate in any one event. It is based on the New England puritan Thanksgiving, which is a religious Thanksgiving, and the traditional harvest celebrations of England and New England and maybe other ideas like commemorating the pilgrims. All of these have been gathered together and transformed into something different from the original parts.
Our contemporary mix of myth and history about the "First" Thanksgiving at Plymouth developed in the 1890s and early 1900s. Our country was desperately trying to pull together its many diverse peoples into a common national identity. To many writers and educators at the end of the last century and the beginning of this one, this also meant having a common national history. This was the era of the "melting pot" theory of social progress, and public education was a major tool for social unity. It was with this in mind that the federal government declared the last Thursday in November as the legal holiday of Thanksgiving in 1898.
Yeah okay.... but what about all this fourth Thursday nonsense?
During the American Revolution a yearly day of national thanksgiving was suggested by the Continental Congress. In 1817 New York State adopted Thanksgiving Day as an annual custom, and by the middle of the 19th century many other states had done the same. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a day of thanksgiving as the last Thursday in November, which he may have correlated it with the November 21, 1621, anchoring of the Mayflower at Cape Cod. Since then, each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt set the date for Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939 (approved by Congress in 1941).
Right.... so now what? What do we tell the kiddos?
I like what this guy had to say: Thanksgiving became associated with giving thanks to God for the harvests of the land. Thanksgiving has always been a time of people coming together, so thanks has also been offered for that gift of fellowship between us all. Every last Thursday in November we now partake in one of the OLDEST and most UNIVERSAL of human celebrations, and THERE ARE MANY THANKSGIVING STORIES TO TELL. As for Thanksgiving week at Plymouth Plantation in 1621, the friendship was guarded and not always sincere, and the peace was very soon abused. But for three days in New England's history, peace and friendship were there.
Sounds good! I can live with that.... now can we leave well enough alone?
What? What's wrong with the turkeys? Wait, don't tell me... I don't want to know!!!
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/legal/thanksgiving_nelte.html
http://www.oyate.org/resources/longthanks.html
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving
http://www.kstrom.net/isk/books/adult/ad539.html
11.23.2007
taking advantage...
How many people does it take to get a good family Christmas card picture? FOUR! One for the camera, one for the dressing of the children, one for the puppet holding and one for the set up. Nana with the sting ray puppet behind Uncle Matt who had the camera on the tripod that Mom set up while Mason got a stool for Braden to stand on and dressed the kids.
Obviously I didn't post the actual shot we are going to use.... but this great action shot of what the whole fiasco looks like behind the scenes.
Let the official countdown to Christmas begin!
11.22.2007
a nerdy holiday
Yep ! I am a NERD with a capital N! We video conferenced with my parents today and I set us all up in the shot and then grabbed my camera.... nothing says nerd like "picture of a video" shot.
Hey Lisa , does this count for your" I was there" contest?
Right now we are enjoying family and food and SNOW (really! it's snowing!) Later I will post all the serious stuff about T day!
11.17.2007
how did I get here?
"but it's my life....my life ya know, not some man's life that I am going to help him out with... but mine!"
It's a line from an old 70s movie. But as I heard it the other night I had my Oprah "A-HA" moment. It was the perfect wording for what I had been feeling recently. How did I become the 'supporting' character in my own play? How did I get to this exact point in my life? All the choices I made were my own, no one forced me to marry and have kids... and I certainly wasn't raised thinking that I had to do so to be happy. But somehow I ended up like so many of us. Just existing, almost trapped in a situation that feels so beyond our control, and yet there is no one to blame but ourselves.
And really, it's not so much the being married part that has limited my options. Because if Mason wasn't in the military then it wouldn't have been so clear cut as to who's career to support and follow.
It's the children. My life forever changed when I became a mother. And the change is deeper than sleepless nights, no time to ones self and a different body. I feel as though I gave up my options for what I wanted out of life. No longer can I indulge the fantasy of owning a bed and breakfast in Jamaica, or up and joining the peace corps or go to China and teach English.
I had the chance to do all of these things when I was younger... but I was fearful and unsure of myself. I didn't know who I was or what I wanted.... and now that I do feel confident in my abilities and have a smarter head on my shoulders I am no longer at the wheel. It's not my choice to make.
I don't speak for every woman I know... but I can only assume that there are others out there who feel the way I do. When they stop and look at their life... the endless driving to and from.... the laundry cooking and cleaning ...... the days that flow from one to another without any discernable difference... Was this really what we wanted out of life?
And I look at our husbands. They have worked hard to get where they are in their jobs, they have supported us through labor and late nights. They have had their world changed with marriage and children. The house is noisy, they get less attention from us, they have more chores. But whatever their hobbies were before the kids came, they still have them. Whatever dreams of career and goals they had are still there.
My life was forever changed and turned upside down.... Mason's... not so much.
Now, I'm not saying that Mason's life wasn't affected at all. He is a hands on dad (as much as he job allows) and my best friend. I won't belittle the effect that children and marriage have had on his life. I'm just saying that it is different.
I still don't know what I want to do. I didn't know what I wanted to do when I graduated college either. It was my own laziness and comfortable situation (being married to Mason) that allowed me the self indulgence of not having to choose. Quietly and by own choice I slipped into this conventional role... I fell asleep and 7 years later I have woken up disoriented and lost.
It could be that the military's to blame. I could make a good argument for it I am sure. But I think that's part of my problem. Looking to another source to assign blame. I know a good many wives and mothers who are military spouses who keep their dreams and goals in sight...
So what's wrong with me? Now that I have woken up what will I choose to do about it?
I have no idea... but I promise that once I figure it out, I will let you know!
It's a line from an old 70s movie. But as I heard it the other night I had my Oprah "A-HA" moment. It was the perfect wording for what I had been feeling recently. How did I become the 'supporting' character in my own play? How did I get to this exact point in my life? All the choices I made were my own, no one forced me to marry and have kids... and I certainly wasn't raised thinking that I had to do so to be happy. But somehow I ended up like so many of us. Just existing, almost trapped in a situation that feels so beyond our control, and yet there is no one to blame but ourselves.
And really, it's not so much the being married part that has limited my options. Because if Mason wasn't in the military then it wouldn't have been so clear cut as to who's career to support and follow.
It's the children. My life forever changed when I became a mother. And the change is deeper than sleepless nights, no time to ones self and a different body. I feel as though I gave up my options for what I wanted out of life. No longer can I indulge the fantasy of owning a bed and breakfast in Jamaica, or up and joining the peace corps or go to China and teach English.
I had the chance to do all of these things when I was younger... but I was fearful and unsure of myself. I didn't know who I was or what I wanted.... and now that I do feel confident in my abilities and have a smarter head on my shoulders I am no longer at the wheel. It's not my choice to make.
I don't speak for every woman I know... but I can only assume that there are others out there who feel the way I do. When they stop and look at their life... the endless driving to and from.... the laundry cooking and cleaning ...... the days that flow from one to another without any discernable difference... Was this really what we wanted out of life?
And I look at our husbands. They have worked hard to get where they are in their jobs, they have supported us through labor and late nights. They have had their world changed with marriage and children. The house is noisy, they get less attention from us, they have more chores. But whatever their hobbies were before the kids came, they still have them. Whatever dreams of career and goals they had are still there.
My life was forever changed and turned upside down.... Mason's... not so much.
Now, I'm not saying that Mason's life wasn't affected at all. He is a hands on dad (as much as he job allows) and my best friend. I won't belittle the effect that children and marriage have had on his life. I'm just saying that it is different.
I still don't know what I want to do. I didn't know what I wanted to do when I graduated college either. It was my own laziness and comfortable situation (being married to Mason) that allowed me the self indulgence of not having to choose. Quietly and by own choice I slipped into this conventional role... I fell asleep and 7 years later I have woken up disoriented and lost.
It could be that the military's to blame. I could make a good argument for it I am sure. But I think that's part of my problem. Looking to another source to assign blame. I know a good many wives and mothers who are military spouses who keep their dreams and goals in sight...
So what's wrong with me? Now that I have woken up what will I choose to do about it?
I have no idea... but I promise that once I figure it out, I will let you know!
I feel your pain
Mason had the boys today while I went out to run some errands and have some 'girl time' with my friend Tracey.
When I got back this afternoon Mason had a grumpy look about him.
"are you upset with me?" I asked
"No" he replied "its just the boys..."
he continued " I couldn't work on the computer when Tristan was awake, because he kept trying to fiddle with the key board, printer and cables. And then when he was asleep I couldn't work because Braden kept coming up to me and asking for this or that. Hey dad canya and hey dad what about..... I got absolutely NOTHING accomplished today! It's like I can't keep a thought straight in my head!"
:-)
When I got back this afternoon Mason had a grumpy look about him.
"are you upset with me?" I asked
"No" he replied "its just the boys..."
he continued " I couldn't work on the computer when Tristan was awake, because he kept trying to fiddle with the key board, printer and cables. And then when he was asleep I couldn't work because Braden kept coming up to me and asking for this or that. Hey dad canya and hey dad what about..... I got absolutely NOTHING accomplished today! It's like I can't keep a thought straight in my head!"
:-)
my agenda....
I have an agenda. I didn't realize that I did for a long time, but spending a year and a half in therapy teaches you a lot about yourself. So I now understand that I have an agenda. I really have to work hard at NOT pushing my ideas and beliefs on other people (Dee & La Rae quit laughing). I have learned that people like to share THEIR ideas too... I have to remember that not every conversation has to be an intense educational exchange of ideas.
I have been working hard at modifying my behavior. I want to be a good listener, a loving and compassionate person and a supportive friend.
I've been working hard.... but sometimes I slip. Yesterday I slipped.
While at the Grace Museum I ran into an acquaintance that I had not seen in a while. She and I have mutual friends and she was apart of MOPS last year.
We started chatting about babies and kiddos, specifically about their sleeping. She started to tell me about her 21 month old son... that he climbed out of his crib and now that he is in a big boy bed he won't nap or sleep. She recounted her frustration and her inconsistent methods of dealing with the problem. She admitted that she and her husband disagreed how to handle the situation.
And so on and so forth.
But what I heard was a woman who was unsure of herself and that she was relying on others to make the decisions for her BUT she really didn't feel comfortable with those decisions.
And before I could stop myself I opened my big mouth. "This is what I would do....." "You really should......" " I don't think......." "I never......" blah blah blah and on and on....
In my head I justified my words and actions. She should learn that she has power and choices. That she doesn't need to do something that she is not comfortable with..... etc etc etc
But what she really needed was a friend to listen... and I failed her. When I got home it hit me, and I felt (and still feel) horrible.
This is my testimony and my apology to you all and her. A reminder of how flawed I am, and how much farther I have to go......
I have been working hard at modifying my behavior. I want to be a good listener, a loving and compassionate person and a supportive friend.
I've been working hard.... but sometimes I slip. Yesterday I slipped.
While at the Grace Museum I ran into an acquaintance that I had not seen in a while. She and I have mutual friends and she was apart of MOPS last year.
We started chatting about babies and kiddos, specifically about their sleeping. She started to tell me about her 21 month old son... that he climbed out of his crib and now that he is in a big boy bed he won't nap or sleep. She recounted her frustration and her inconsistent methods of dealing with the problem. She admitted that she and her husband disagreed how to handle the situation.
And so on and so forth.
But what I heard was a woman who was unsure of herself and that she was relying on others to make the decisions for her BUT she really didn't feel comfortable with those decisions.
And before I could stop myself I opened my big mouth. "This is what I would do....." "You really should......" " I don't think......." "I never......" blah blah blah and on and on....
In my head I justified my words and actions. She should learn that she has power and choices. That she doesn't need to do something that she is not comfortable with..... etc etc etc
But what she really needed was a friend to listen... and I failed her. When I got home it hit me, and I felt (and still feel) horrible.
This is my testimony and my apology to you all and her. A reminder of how flawed I am, and how much farther I have to go......
I don't think that you do!
Tuesday saw us at the doctors office so we could have a look at Braden's ear since he had been complaining that it hurt. Our appointment time was for 10:30. I arrived about 5 minutes before that. When we sat down in the waiting room I noticed a LARGE group of people still waiting. After awhile I asked the group what time their appointment was. (I was trying to determine how long I really had to wait).
One lady said "10:30"
another stated "10:50"
"we're 10:50 too" a grandma from across the room said
"I am 10:30 too" I responded. I was just happy there wasn't anyone there with a 9:45 appointment time .....
So we waited and waited. And 20 minutes later first lady was called back. Right on I thought... we're next. Then the nurse came out and called out the grandma's name.....
?WHAT? - they had a 10:50? So I got up and went to the reception window.
"Hi, excuse me.... Braden Stewart had a 10:30 with Dr. S and that lady had a 10:50 appointment was called before us."
"Oh, that's because she was here before you." answered the receptionist.
"Yeah, but she had a LATER appointment time... I was here before my scheduled time, and yet she went first."
"Ma'am that is because she was here first."
"Well, what's the point of having assigned appointment times? Why don't I just show up whenever the heck I feel like it? I mean if you are just going to send people in based on when they show up!"
"Braden is next to be called" she responded flatly, and I sat back down to wait... the whole time thinking of that Seinfeld bit (posted below).
One lady said "10:30"
another stated "10:50"
"we're 10:50 too" a grandma from across the room said
"I am 10:30 too" I responded. I was just happy there wasn't anyone there with a 9:45 appointment time .....
So we waited and waited. And 20 minutes later first lady was called back. Right on I thought... we're next. Then the nurse came out and called out the grandma's name.....
?WHAT? - they had a 10:50? So I got up and went to the reception window.
"Hi, excuse me.... Braden Stewart had a 10:30 with Dr. S and that lady had a 10:50 appointment was called before us."
"Oh, that's because she was here before you." answered the receptionist.
"Yeah, but she had a LATER appointment time... I was here before my scheduled time, and yet she went first."
"Ma'am that is because she was here first."
"Well, what's the point of having assigned appointment times? Why don't I just show up whenever the heck I feel like it? I mean if you are just going to send people in based on when they show up!"
"Braden is next to be called" she responded flatly, and I sat back down to wait... the whole time thinking of that Seinfeld bit (posted below).
11.16.2007
11.12.2007
punch slug love
We are infested with bugs here in Abilene... crickets, spiders, ants and mosquitoes. But there is one bug that seems be be much more prevalent, and as time goes on their population multiplies.
I am talking about those darn V-Dub bugs! Abilene is crawling with them. Yellow, orange, blue, cream, black, sliver, white and green. Hard tops, drop tops and that dang Geek Squad bug. There isn't a car trip that goes by where we don't see at least 1 (usually 2 or 3) bugs.
Braden learned the 'slug bug' game last year from his friend Matthew, and since then he has developed a mild obsession with them. Like me, he likes the classic (or as we call them old fashion) bugs best. And we can usually spot one of those once or twice a month. But there are so many of the regular bugs now, that the game has sort of lost its appeal ... for me that is... Braden, not so much... it has just intensified his interest.
A long time ago (before kids) Mason ask me what car I wanted to drive. My answer? A beetle of course! But sadly for the way my life rolls today the car is too small. So right now I live vicariously through Lisa and her new car!
As for the 'game'... I am trying to turn Braden on to my other favorite looking car the Honda Element... I love the boxie squareness of them....
So far I have noticed that they are much harder to find around here... but maybe when we start looking we will find that they are just as ubiquitous as the bug -and it was just the fact that we were not paying attention!
I am talking about those darn V-Dub bugs! Abilene is crawling with them. Yellow, orange, blue, cream, black, sliver, white and green. Hard tops, drop tops and that dang Geek Squad bug. There isn't a car trip that goes by where we don't see at least 1 (usually 2 or 3) bugs.
Braden learned the 'slug bug' game last year from his friend Matthew, and since then he has developed a mild obsession with them. Like me, he likes the classic (or as we call them old fashion) bugs best. And we can usually spot one of those once or twice a month. But there are so many of the regular bugs now, that the game has sort of lost its appeal ... for me that is... Braden, not so much... it has just intensified his interest.
A long time ago (before kids) Mason ask me what car I wanted to drive. My answer? A beetle of course! But sadly for the way my life rolls today the car is too small. So right now I live vicariously through Lisa and her new car!
As for the 'game'... I am trying to turn Braden on to my other favorite looking car the Honda Element... I love the boxie squareness of them....
So far I have noticed that they are much harder to find around here... but maybe when we start looking we will find that they are just as ubiquitous as the bug -and it was just the fact that we were not paying attention!
11.11.2007
it just 'feels right'
I am SO GLAD Daylight Saving Time is over... Things in the house are markedly different. Tristan is sleeping perfectly, Braden doesn't put up a fight when its time to go to bed and I am much happier being up with the sun.
I have been reading about DLS since I did not know that much about it. I learned that before the advent of the 'railroad', time was a local matter. Either dictated by the sun or a predominant local clock tower. It wasn't until the 1880s that US and Canada had adopted the British system of Standard Time. And it took good many more years for actual real people to start using standard time in everyday living.
I also learned that Time Zone boundaries and DLS have been changed/altered/moved on and off over the past 100 years.
Apparently the idea of how to handle DLS changes every 25 years or so too. After WWI , the law proved so unpopular (mostly because people rose earlier and went to bed earlier than people do today) that it was repealed and Daylight Saving Time became a local option.
And the argument continued. Every time someone would come up with a new law regarding DLS there would be a slew of people for and against it. Indoor theater companies vs outdoor theater companies..... farmers vs merchants.... and so on and so forth. It got so bad that at one point different towns within the same state had different times.
So in 1966 Congress implemented the Uniform Time Act to end the confusion.
- This ends my report on DLS time!
I guess my point is that I am not alone in disliking the current model and apparently it won't stay like this forever. In another 20 years some new hotshot law talkin' guy or gal will get some idea stuck in their craw and think that they have solved the problem for everyone.
And won't that just be great!
P.S. I also learned that it is daylight saving time NO S!
I have been reading about DLS since I did not know that much about it. I learned that before the advent of the 'railroad', time was a local matter. Either dictated by the sun or a predominant local clock tower. It wasn't until the 1880s that US and Canada had adopted the British system of Standard Time. And it took good many more years for actual real people to start using standard time in everyday living.
I also learned that Time Zone boundaries and DLS have been changed/altered/moved on and off over the past 100 years.
Apparently the idea of how to handle DLS changes every 25 years or so too. After WWI , the law proved so unpopular (mostly because people rose earlier and went to bed earlier than people do today) that it was repealed and Daylight Saving Time became a local option.
And the argument continued. Every time someone would come up with a new law regarding DLS there would be a slew of people for and against it. Indoor theater companies vs outdoor theater companies..... farmers vs merchants.... and so on and so forth. It got so bad that at one point different towns within the same state had different times.
So in 1966 Congress implemented the Uniform Time Act to end the confusion.
- This ends my report on DLS time!
I guess my point is that I am not alone in disliking the current model and apparently it won't stay like this forever. In another 20 years some new hotshot law talkin' guy or gal will get some idea stuck in their craw and think that they have solved the problem for everyone.
And won't that just be great!
P.S. I also learned that it is daylight saving time NO S!
11.09.2007
it's offical....
.... I am old.
Don't argue... I'm old. I know because of two things....
1. I can no longer even swing on a child's swing set without feeling like I am on a roller coaster.
and
2. I eat grape-nuts for breakfast.
I started to notice that I didn't feel good after breakfast recently. Even though it's the same cereal I have been eating for years. I would feel all jittery and would get hungry again very soon after eating. Long story short... I deduced that it was the sugar and they lack of substance (ie sugar Honey-nut Cheerios.... lack of substance Rice Crispies...) So I moved to grape-nuts... which has solved my problem... but now I am an old codger who eats Grape-Nuts for breakfast...
so sad :-(
Don't argue... I'm old. I know because of two things....
1. I can no longer even swing on a child's swing set without feeling like I am on a roller coaster.
and
2. I eat grape-nuts for breakfast.
I started to notice that I didn't feel good after breakfast recently. Even though it's the same cereal I have been eating for years. I would feel all jittery and would get hungry again very soon after eating. Long story short... I deduced that it was the sugar and they lack of substance (ie sugar Honey-nut Cheerios.... lack of substance Rice Crispies...) So I moved to grape-nuts... which has solved my problem... but now I am an old codger who eats Grape-Nuts for breakfast...
so sad :-(
11.08.2007
They keep going and going
A few months ago my friend Melissa asked me what batteries I used for the kids toys. "Whatever I happen to grab" I answered. "Do NOT use Duracell" she warned... "they don't last AT ALL!!! You should put that on your blog... Duracell sucks."
Right right yeah yeah sure sure sure....
But, you know what? She was right.... I had some copper tops in Braden's remote controlled car... it lasted less than half as long as it normal did with Energizer....
So there you go, one more consumer tip for the upcoming holiday season....
BTW, do they still make rechargeable batteries? I remember we had some when I was a kid. I can even remember the funny looking recharger machine.... wonder whatever happened to that?
Right right yeah yeah sure sure sure....
But, you know what? She was right.... I had some copper tops in Braden's remote controlled car... it lasted less than half as long as it normal did with Energizer....
So there you go, one more consumer tip for the upcoming holiday season....
BTW, do they still make rechargeable batteries? I remember we had some when I was a kid. I can even remember the funny looking recharger machine.... wonder whatever happened to that?
Real Gone
Just a quick update about the Halloween Fairy....
I finally decided that I would take a straight forward approach to this candy delima...
So for a few days after Halloween we gorged ourselves on candy. Braden had a piece after almost every meal. After 3 days of that I explained to Braden "that Halloween was almost over and that we only had 1 more day of candy and then it would be all over." So each time he asked for a piece I gave him one and explained that "Halloween" was almost over....
On Monday when we woke up he went running to his pumpkin and the candy was gone... he went to go look in "the big bowl" and that was empty too. He looked at me and said "There's no candy left!" "I know" I replied.... "Halloween is over." " Okay...." "Okay?" "Yep!"
Braden totally accepted my explanation and after he went to bed that night I cleaned up all the Halloween junk, decorations, costumes etc and put them away...
That was it. End of story!
I finally decided that I would take a straight forward approach to this candy delima...
So for a few days after Halloween we gorged ourselves on candy. Braden had a piece after almost every meal. After 3 days of that I explained to Braden "that Halloween was almost over and that we only had 1 more day of candy and then it would be all over." So each time he asked for a piece I gave him one and explained that "Halloween" was almost over....
On Monday when we woke up he went running to his pumpkin and the candy was gone... he went to go look in "the big bowl" and that was empty too. He looked at me and said "There's no candy left!" "I know" I replied.... "Halloween is over." " Okay...." "Okay?" "Yep!"
Braden totally accepted my explanation and after he went to bed that night I cleaned up all the Halloween junk, decorations, costumes etc and put them away...
That was it. End of story!
11.06.2007
Not Beanie Babies - well not exactly....
I am sure you remember Beanie Babies...right? Everyone went nuts collecting them. They were all the same, save their color. It was nuts, people paying upwards to 1,000 bucks per bear... madness!!!
Well, I feel the soft sand under my feet. I can feel my toes start to sink. I am being dragged down into the quicksand that is collecting. And even though I am hyper aware of my slow decent into madness I do nothing to reverse the situation.
Let me explain....
Last summer a movie called 'Cars' hit the big screen, you may have heard of it. At the time it was the latest offering from Disney/Pixar. We had all these big plans to take Braden to it. It was this whole big deal... it was to be his first movie...but alas - every time we tried our plans were thwarted.
But I digress.
We also started potty training that summer. Braden was fairly easy (in my estimation). He caught on quick and during the day picked up the habit of going in the toilet. But nap time was a different story. No matter what I did he had ZERO motivation to stay dry (and clean.... yuck!). (and YES that means with OR withOUT a diaper/pull-up)
Then someone bought him a little die cast replica of one of the characters in the movie Cars. He went nuts and I got an idea. I went onto eBay and found a complete set of ALL the die cast replicas... about 25 in all. The deal was that if he stayed dry during his nap, after he woke up he would get a car.
It worked perfectly. And over the next month or so we developed a wonderful after-nap ritual.
The world turned, and fall came. We were potty trained and focused on other things - which was perfect since "we had done ran out of cars!"
But now a year later we are faced with the same problem. Although he hasn't worn a diaper or pull-up in FOREVER during the day. We were still using them at night, since we were still kinda hit or miss. But then a habit formed. He got lazy.... what is a mom to do.
While on this nonsense was taking place my mind started to wander to Christmas and stocking stuffers. There were a few cars (special movie moments) that were not included in my original purchase. I thought these would be a fun gift for Christmastime. And as I searched eBay for what cars I had missed I discovered that there have been more characters released. Apparently they have made a die cast replica of ALL of the characters in the movie. They are on their 3rd release as of October.
How do I know all this you might ask? Well... that's where the madness comes in.
Under the guise of "having enough for Braden's rewards" I have gone a bit nuts with these cars. I have gone to fan websites and read about the cars that haven't even been released yet. I scan eBay and Wal-mart daily looking for different characters. At Wal-mart they cost 2.97 - but on eBay one piece can cost up to 25.00 bucks!
So I read, and learn and shop. All the while filling up his box of "dry pants rewards". I like looking at them, holding them, lineing them all up.... its pure insanity! I know all their names, I know which ones we need. Which ones are super rare, which ones are comeing out next. I go to Wal-mart EVERYDAY to check for the new shipment. Now, in my defense - the daily Wal-mart trips are just because I refuse to pay $20.00 for tiny piece of metal....
$10 possibly $12 is my limit....
Like I said... madness
11.05.2007
Information is Power
I love reading reviews about products... any products really... but kid stuff mostly. That is why I was so excited when Leah turned me on to Z Recommends. It's a blog where they test out different types of kid stuff and then they review their findings. They were the ones who informed me about WHICH sippys were the best and which were hormone Bisphenol-A Free.
Well, they are at it again. (and as much as Mason hates it when I cut and paste from other peoples blogs... I thought this was worth passing along.)
I used Avent bottles with both of my kiddos. I liked them, they liked them.... everyone was happy. But apparently they are one of the biggest offenders of "bad plastic". Even though we are out of the bottle world now... I know a lot of my friends still are.... so here is a bit from ZRecs and the link to the whole report.
If you are here to check on information about bottles or sippy cups you already have, we can say with some confidence that you should be most concerned if you are using bottles by Avent, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, the First Years, Munchkin, Nuby, Playskool, or Second Nature, or sippy cups or breast pumps by any of these brands. You are also likely, but less certain, to be using products containing Bisphenol-A if you are using bottles by Gerber, Playtex, or Tommee Tippee. We have included BFree in our "Brands to avoid" section for reasons of its own, which you can read at the link.
Well, they are at it again. (and as much as Mason hates it when I cut and paste from other peoples blogs... I thought this was worth passing along.)
I used Avent bottles with both of my kiddos. I liked them, they liked them.... everyone was happy. But apparently they are one of the biggest offenders of "bad plastic". Even though we are out of the bottle world now... I know a lot of my friends still are.... so here is a bit from ZRecs and the link to the whole report.
If you are here to check on information about bottles or sippy cups you already have, we can say with some confidence that you should be most concerned if you are using bottles by Avent, Dr. Brown's, Evenflo, the First Years, Munchkin, Nuby, Playskool, or Second Nature, or sippy cups or breast pumps by any of these brands. You are also likely, but less certain, to be using products containing Bisphenol-A if you are using bottles by Gerber, Playtex, or Tommee Tippee. We have included BFree in our "Brands to avoid" section for reasons of its own, which you can read at the link.
11.04.2007
wrapping paper (part 2)
Okay, so the first trial run of NO wrapping paper has come and gone.
It went ... marginal (at best).
The first problem arose when I was shopping for fabric. If I had been shopping for wrapping paper or a bag it would have taken 5 seconds, because I knew it wasn't permanent. But the whole purpose of the fabric was to BE permanent... so I started to freak out about how 'cute' the fabric patterns had to be. Finally (after many trips to the store and much hemming and hawing) I picked out some brightly colored stuff with matching ribbon.
Next problem. In order to wrap the gifts properly it was going to require that I cut the fabric. Which panicked me even more. Because not only did I have to commit to my fabric color/style choice.... NOW I have to CUT the fabric... forever altering it for future use.
Moving right along... to the bows. This fell to pieces too. I had an article from a craft magazine that gave step by step directions on how to make bows. What it failed to mention was HOW MUCH ribbon you needed for each piece.... as you can imagine I did not have enough.
So there I am trying all sorts of ways of folding, layers and poofing the fabric, tying and retying... cursing, and more cursing at the ribbon. And at the 11th hour I throw the whole mess together and lay them on the fireplace.
The final result, however... was just what I had hoped for. Braden was the official un-wrapper and paid no attention whatsoever at the difference in my gifts over any of the others laid out. He tore into them with equal vigor, thrusting each towards his brother as he moved on to the next.
I am going to revamp my vision for the upcoming Christmas event... and will keep you all posted on my progress/outcome.
On a side note: my paper Chinese lanterns (hey Tash is this offensive? not sure) that I used in lieu of balloons were a big hit! I did not get any pictures of them, or of the packages. My dad did however get a shot of T with some of my presents behind him. It's good for a laugh (and the boy is pretty cute too!)
It went ... marginal (at best).
The first problem arose when I was shopping for fabric. If I had been shopping for wrapping paper or a bag it would have taken 5 seconds, because I knew it wasn't permanent. But the whole purpose of the fabric was to BE permanent... so I started to freak out about how 'cute' the fabric patterns had to be. Finally (after many trips to the store and much hemming and hawing) I picked out some brightly colored stuff with matching ribbon.
Next problem. In order to wrap the gifts properly it was going to require that I cut the fabric. Which panicked me even more. Because not only did I have to commit to my fabric color/style choice.... NOW I have to CUT the fabric... forever altering it for future use.
Moving right along... to the bows. This fell to pieces too. I had an article from a craft magazine that gave step by step directions on how to make bows. What it failed to mention was HOW MUCH ribbon you needed for each piece.... as you can imagine I did not have enough.
So there I am trying all sorts of ways of folding, layers and poofing the fabric, tying and retying... cursing, and more cursing at the ribbon. And at the 11th hour I throw the whole mess together and lay them on the fireplace.
The final result, however... was just what I had hoped for. Braden was the official un-wrapper and paid no attention whatsoever at the difference in my gifts over any of the others laid out. He tore into them with equal vigor, thrusting each towards his brother as he moved on to the next.
I am going to revamp my vision for the upcoming Christmas event... and will keep you all posted on my progress/outcome.
On a side note: my paper Chinese lanterns (hey Tash is this offensive? not sure) that I used in lieu of balloons were a big hit! I did not get any pictures of them, or of the packages. My dad did however get a shot of T with some of my presents behind him. It's good for a laugh (and the boy is pretty cute too!)
11.03.2007
a few things I have learned
1. you CAN'T turn in this wrapper for a free Tootsie Pop.... you never could either, it is a complete urban myth.
2. instead of just removing the image from the wrapper, the Tootsie Roll company invented a story about how "a long long time ago" a man was visited by an Indian Chief and he help him invent lollipops.
3. Native Americans are not at all happy with the fact that the "little Indian boy" still remains on the wrapper and that the company has invented a offensive story to 'sell'.
11.02.2007
Speaking of Wal Mart
This was the first year that I was grateful to have Christmas and Halloween stuff up and in the stores in August. Before, it would just drive me crazy... I would think " HEY! What the heck is wrong with you people.... Christmas isn't going to arrive any sooner just because you hang a sign up!" And I would spend 2 months avoiding the stores so that I wouldn't get all out of sync with the ACTUAL calendar.
But this year I kissed the costumes hanging on the rack and purchased ornaments in September... and you know what?
NOW IT'S DONE! YEAH! I have all my gifts purchased! My house and tree have all they need to look pretty... and in October I actually had time to decorate for Halloween. We planted flowers, and hung spider webs with light 'em up spiders. We bought pumpkins and gourds! It was glorious...
I get it! I get it! RIGHT ON!!! It all makes sense now! Of course! I see the light!
Alright............So, what are you all doing for Valentines Day! :-)
But this year I kissed the costumes hanging on the rack and purchased ornaments in September... and you know what?
NOW IT'S DONE! YEAH! I have all my gifts purchased! My house and tree have all they need to look pretty... and in October I actually had time to decorate for Halloween. We planted flowers, and hung spider webs with light 'em up spiders. We bought pumpkins and gourds! It was glorious...
I get it! I get it! RIGHT ON!!! It all makes sense now! Of course! I see the light!
Alright............So, what are you all doing for Valentines Day! :-)
What the F_________?
As I was walking into Wal-Mart tonight I came right up behind a women who had her hair up in a bun which made the tattoo on the nape of her neck quite noticeable.
it read BITCH
In fancy writing too.... all swirly n' junk.
I thought.... is she warning us all that she is a BITCH? ...... or is she calling ME a bitch!
.... at which point I realized that no matter how ridiculous that tattoo looked, I looked even more stupid standing behind a perfect stranger reading their neck!
it read BITCH
In fancy writing too.... all swirly n' junk.
I thought.... is she warning us all that she is a BITCH? ...... or is she calling ME a bitch!
.... at which point I realized that no matter how ridiculous that tattoo looked, I looked even more stupid standing behind a perfect stranger reading their neck!
It's a John Hughes World
A few weeks ago while I was picking Braden up from school he asked me permission to walk a classmate of his down to the after school care. I said sure.... I totally thought it was cute. Watching him hold Gentry's hand as he walked her down the path to ' Big Moms' classroom. Megan (our neighbor) would wait with me. She had taken to riding with me up to Braden's school in the afternoon to pick him up.
Everyday I would come to pick him up, and every day he would ask permission and I would watch them hand in hand. He would tell me later that Gentry was pretty. Which she is. Beautiful blond hair, big fluffy bows that match her outfits. And everyday Megan would wait patiently as she watched them walk... I don't think she thought it was as cute....
It became the routine. Everyday he would walk her to 'Big Moms'. Until last week.
I showed up and they were both standing there with a few other kids. I asked Braden if he wanted to walk Gentry .... he nodded... and I said, well go ask her.... As he went up to ask her, she turned her back and walked with someone else. Braden's face fell, and my heart broke. I said " I guess she didn't hear you honey... We'll asked tomorrow"
That next day Braden walked right up to Gentry, took her hand and boldly stated " I'll walk you up to Big Moms Gentry..." She looked right at him and said "NO! I don't want you too!" And turned around and walked off.
Braden looked crushed and angry all at once, and it took all my strength to keep composed.... as we both were struggling with the finality of it all.... Megan walked up to Braden, took his hand and said "Braden, lets go to the car..."
In that moment it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had just witnessed my firstborns first heartbreak and simultaneously witnessed EVERY plot to ANY John Hughes movie.... Boy falls for pretty unattainable girl... Said girl entertains boy for a while until she gets board and dumps boy.... and the real true love of the boy who has waited and watched in the wings the whole time comes in at the very end to pick up the pieces!
Oh! The drama!!!
Everyday I would come to pick him up, and every day he would ask permission and I would watch them hand in hand. He would tell me later that Gentry was pretty. Which she is. Beautiful blond hair, big fluffy bows that match her outfits. And everyday Megan would wait patiently as she watched them walk... I don't think she thought it was as cute....
It became the routine. Everyday he would walk her to 'Big Moms'. Until last week.
I showed up and they were both standing there with a few other kids. I asked Braden if he wanted to walk Gentry .... he nodded... and I said, well go ask her.... As he went up to ask her, she turned her back and walked with someone else. Braden's face fell, and my heart broke. I said " I guess she didn't hear you honey... We'll asked tomorrow"
That next day Braden walked right up to Gentry, took her hand and boldly stated " I'll walk you up to Big Moms Gentry..." She looked right at him and said "NO! I don't want you too!" And turned around and walked off.
Braden looked crushed and angry all at once, and it took all my strength to keep composed.... as we both were struggling with the finality of it all.... Megan walked up to Braden, took his hand and said "Braden, lets go to the car..."
In that moment it hit me like a ton of bricks. I had just witnessed my firstborns first heartbreak and simultaneously witnessed EVERY plot to ANY John Hughes movie.... Boy falls for pretty unattainable girl... Said girl entertains boy for a while until she gets board and dumps boy.... and the real true love of the boy who has waited and watched in the wings the whole time comes in at the very end to pick up the pieces!
Oh! The drama!!!
Halloweens Past.....
While standing at my front door the other night I thought a lot about my mother. My mother LOVED Halloween... I mean, I am assuming she loved Halloween based on my memories of her.
She would throw costume parties (with real apple bobbing) and decorate our house to be a 'mini' haunted house. She was a costume designer and seamstress and made all of my costumes from scratch (even that one year I went as a skunk). My parents played music or creepy sound effects for the trick or treaters at the door and they always dressed in costume themselves.
When I was little I lived in a small New England town in the historic homes area. One year I can remember there were 3 haunted houses on our little street. Usually pretty short, but fun nonetheless. People decorated their entryways and then a hallway and back room. There was always candy at the end of the "tour". EVERYONE carved pumpkins. People from all over town came to my street to trick or treat. Even though there were not a lot of kids who lived near me, on Halloween night the street was PACKED with parents and kids running around.
My mother never sent me out with a plain old pillowcase... but my bright orange plastic pumpkin. She would layer me just right so that I wouldn't have to cover up my costume with a coat.
Back then Halloween was an experience. Checking out what each neighbor had done to 'scare' up their house... seeing all our friends in their costumes for the first (and only) time... and having fun with my parents "playing dress-up". Candy was great, but it wasn't numero uno on the agenda. I remember Halloween as almost a stage play.... with actors and audience... sets and sound effects. A wonderfully grand experience!
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