This week has been difficult. Noah was diagnosed with a massive ear infection and it has been five nights of sleeping in a chair because the pressure is to great for him to lay down. I wouldn't call our family environmentalist but we seem to be recycling the same cold over and over again. We are going for our third swoop and I am finally inspired to actually clean to get rid of this damn bug!!!
So yesterday was day 5 of no sleep. I never showered, was sticky from trying to get a 6 month old to take medicine, I had baby drool AND vomit on me (coughing just brings up whatever is in Noah's stomach), and I was wearing the same clothes from the day before. The only luxury I took was clean underwear. Nick got up (he works nights now) and when he looked at me he said I looked really cute! Okay, maybe we are both sleep deprived and glassy eyed, but my heart did do a little pitter patter. When a man thinks you look cute when you feel like the hairball a cat choked up, he is a keeper.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tip o' the week for you
This is what happens when you have a sick baby all week-your brain goes numb!! Noah was diagnosed with a massive ear infection today. We will all recover for brighter tommorrow's but right now we are sleep deprived!
So cheap aactivity of the week is a no-brainer: go to the park!
It amazes me when I tell people this, I usually get one of two responses-either they already go and the kids are tired of it or they never thought of it in the first place.
So to add to that tip-go to a new park! Especially if you live in a metro area, or you are traveling and looking for a spot to stretch some legs, most cities have multiple parks. We have 4 parks in a 10 minute radius of our house, that we alternate between. And then with in a half hour radius we have about 10 more. And parks are a lot like toys-since we don't go to the same one everytime, it seems like there is something new to do (just like your regular toys suck but your friends toys that you don't see as much totally rule!)
To really make this a truly economical activity, bring some toys. Frisbees, balls, chalk if the park is okay with it, and bubbles are just a few activities that work well in the park. Again, these can be done at home as well, but in a new setting, sometimes it is that much more fun.
Speaking from experience, a new park is a big hit with kids and definitely in our budget-everytime, and an added bonus is that it encourages nap time. Touchdown for mom!!!
So cheap aactivity of the week is a no-brainer: go to the park!
It amazes me when I tell people this, I usually get one of two responses-either they already go and the kids are tired of it or they never thought of it in the first place.
So to add to that tip-go to a new park! Especially if you live in a metro area, or you are traveling and looking for a spot to stretch some legs, most cities have multiple parks. We have 4 parks in a 10 minute radius of our house, that we alternate between. And then with in a half hour radius we have about 10 more. And parks are a lot like toys-since we don't go to the same one everytime, it seems like there is something new to do (just like your regular toys suck but your friends toys that you don't see as much totally rule!)
To really make this a truly economical activity, bring some toys. Frisbees, balls, chalk if the park is okay with it, and bubbles are just a few activities that work well in the park. Again, these can be done at home as well, but in a new setting, sometimes it is that much more fun.
Speaking from experience, a new park is a big hit with kids and definitely in our budget-everytime, and an added bonus is that it encourages nap time. Touchdown for mom!!!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Everybody's Talking
You would have to be an idiot living under a rock in the Antarctic not to know the economy is a hot topic right now. My opinion is mixed on how things are. On the one hand, things are bad. Prices are up, wages are stagnant-if you even have a wage. Just yesterday I read about more banks failing and the word "depression" is starting to be thrown around. However, flip the coin over and there is actually good news. Some business'es are thriving, and I think it is pre-mature to say it is 1929 all over again. Just off the top of my head I can tell you that it is a different world than 90 years ago.
However, regardless of what you think, it never hurts to save money, so to do my bit, I am offering an "economy tip of the week". Ok, this isn't actually my idea in full. A couple blogs I read have "cooking tips of the week". Not much I can tell you about a microwave. But when it comes to doing things on the cheap, I am all over it. Some of my ideas may seem obvious, but when I mention them to people I get looks of awe. Apparently I am the only one traveling in my circle. Some of my ideas are only cheap compared to the alternative (example-the beach two hours from house my house versus Spain). And some of my ideas are cheap, if you have the money to start with (example-renting movies. Great idea if you already have a VCR/DVD player). However, all my ideas have one thing in common-they are better than what I read in magazines. One article that caught my eye was how to do Disney World cheap. I got excited till I realized every family they interviewed lived in Florida. Coming from a national magazine, I thought that was a mean teaser. I have also seen articles on doing cruises cheap. Um, I still have to fly to wherever the ship leaves since I never see cruises out of the Oregon Coast.
So first idea I have is: the local library. Almost everyone I know goes to the library in tough times to check out books. Not a bad idea but especially in this area, that is waaayy UNDER-UTILIZING this resource. Our local libraries (Portland-Metro area, Oregon) have dozens of FREE activities, for kids AND adults. There are story times in different languages, reading groups, basic computer classes for all ages, plus lots of guest speakers. And if an activity does have a charge it is pretty inexpensive compared to other forms of entertainment. I know people who have shelled out over $100 PER ticket to see singers. An author coming next month is $12. One library near us does a pajama party every Tuesday night for kids under 6. And at the end of this month the Oregon Zoo will bringing out it's traveling animal exhibit for kids. The possibilities are endless, and cheap, cheap, cheap.
Now, those of you who are "in the know", realize that many bookstore also have this kind of entertainment free. Story times, arts-n-craft session, and touring authors are just some of the things I have seen advertised. For an addict such as myself, a bookstore is a dangerous place. Granted it is great cheap entertainment, but I usually blow my budget anyway buying books. I think the library is a safer place for me to be, but those of you with more resistance should do just fine in a bookstore.
However, regardless of what you think, it never hurts to save money, so to do my bit, I am offering an "economy tip of the week". Ok, this isn't actually my idea in full. A couple blogs I read have "cooking tips of the week". Not much I can tell you about a microwave. But when it comes to doing things on the cheap, I am all over it. Some of my ideas may seem obvious, but when I mention them to people I get looks of awe. Apparently I am the only one traveling in my circle. Some of my ideas are only cheap compared to the alternative (example-the beach two hours from house my house versus Spain). And some of my ideas are cheap, if you have the money to start with (example-renting movies. Great idea if you already have a VCR/DVD player). However, all my ideas have one thing in common-they are better than what I read in magazines. One article that caught my eye was how to do Disney World cheap. I got excited till I realized every family they interviewed lived in Florida. Coming from a national magazine, I thought that was a mean teaser. I have also seen articles on doing cruises cheap. Um, I still have to fly to wherever the ship leaves since I never see cruises out of the Oregon Coast.
So first idea I have is: the local library. Almost everyone I know goes to the library in tough times to check out books. Not a bad idea but especially in this area, that is waaayy UNDER-UTILIZING this resource. Our local libraries (Portland-Metro area, Oregon) have dozens of FREE activities, for kids AND adults. There are story times in different languages, reading groups, basic computer classes for all ages, plus lots of guest speakers. And if an activity does have a charge it is pretty inexpensive compared to other forms of entertainment. I know people who have shelled out over $100 PER ticket to see singers. An author coming next month is $12. One library near us does a pajama party every Tuesday night for kids under 6. And at the end of this month the Oregon Zoo will bringing out it's traveling animal exhibit for kids. The possibilities are endless, and cheap, cheap, cheap.
Now, those of you who are "in the know", realize that many bookstore also have this kind of entertainment free. Story times, arts-n-craft session, and touring authors are just some of the things I have seen advertised. For an addict such as myself, a bookstore is a dangerous place. Granted it is great cheap entertainment, but I usually blow my budget anyway buying books. I think the library is a safer place for me to be, but those of you with more resistance should do just fine in a bookstore.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Makes a Mother Proud
Lat Sunday we had a birthday party to go to. Since the birthday boy was turning 4, it was a theme'd party-Super Hero's.
So Saturday we go looking for a birthday present, confident in the knowledge that we will find some really cool super hero stuff. We get to the store and immediately get bogged down in the Thomas the Train section. Asa is pretty confident that the birthday boy wants Thomas stuff. After a couple go-arounds I say "Asa, I talked with the mommy and she said that we should get super hero's." Asa replied "Well, I talked to the mommy too and she said Thomas!" Right. So much for trying to outwit Asa. So daddy gets the toy while we dream of Thomas toys.
Before bed that night, we talked about the party the next day and how we treat our friends, so Sunday Asa is pretty excited. He knows we are going to play. Being the militant mom I am, I say no to sweatpants. I don't force him into nice pants often, but I thought that at the very least we could put on regular pants. Then we get to the shirt. Hoping against hope, I ask Asa if he wants to wear his super heor t-shirt daddy picked out for him months ago. Nope, dinosaurs, again. I try again, mentioning how cool super hero's are. Nope, dinosaurs. Finally in exasperation I say "Asa, don't you want to wear super hero's? Everyone else at the pary will be wearing super hero's." Asa looks me in the eye and says "Not me mommy."
Okay, I melted. Granted his stubborn streak drives me nuts, but got to love a little boy who can resist peer pressure-even when it comes from mom. It gives me hope for high school. and yes, we wore another dinosaur shirt. And no, even at the party Asa was fine in his dinosaur shirt. He never even asked for one of the extra mask's or cape's.
So Saturday we go looking for a birthday present, confident in the knowledge that we will find some really cool super hero stuff. We get to the store and immediately get bogged down in the Thomas the Train section. Asa is pretty confident that the birthday boy wants Thomas stuff. After a couple go-arounds I say "Asa, I talked with the mommy and she said that we should get super hero's." Asa replied "Well, I talked to the mommy too and she said Thomas!" Right. So much for trying to outwit Asa. So daddy gets the toy while we dream of Thomas toys.
Before bed that night, we talked about the party the next day and how we treat our friends, so Sunday Asa is pretty excited. He knows we are going to play. Being the militant mom I am, I say no to sweatpants. I don't force him into nice pants often, but I thought that at the very least we could put on regular pants. Then we get to the shirt. Hoping against hope, I ask Asa if he wants to wear his super heor t-shirt daddy picked out for him months ago. Nope, dinosaurs, again. I try again, mentioning how cool super hero's are. Nope, dinosaurs. Finally in exasperation I say "Asa, don't you want to wear super hero's? Everyone else at the pary will be wearing super hero's." Asa looks me in the eye and says "Not me mommy."
Okay, I melted. Granted his stubborn streak drives me nuts, but got to love a little boy who can resist peer pressure-even when it comes from mom. It gives me hope for high school. and yes, we wore another dinosaur shirt. And no, even at the party Asa was fine in his dinosaur shirt. He never even asked for one of the extra mask's or cape's.
Monday, March 02, 2009
P is For Perry Mason
It is ironic that just as I list the tv show "Perry Mason" as something that makes me happy, an article on the show is in our local newspaper. Guess what? I am not alone in my "Perry Mason Geek-dom".
When the station Perry run's on hired a new manager 6 months ago, they told him one thing-you can change anything but Perry Mason. It has run at 12:00p noon on that station since 1970, except for one season when it started at 12:30p. Apparently in this area is it VERY popular.
All can say is, thank goodness!! I have been terrified that one day I will turn on the tv and find Perry Mason gone. No one I know but me likes it-or at least no one who admits it. How long can a black and white show from 50 years ago last? Even in re-runs? (Perry Mason ran from 1957-1966; it was in the article). Hopefully for many years to come.
So what is the allure? Why is an out-dated tv show so popular? In this area, 1 in 11 people are watching it on any given day. I can't answer for all of Portland but I know what I think, even as I watch an episode where I remember the murderee, murderer, and reason for the killing.
I don't remember the first time I saw Perry Mason, but I do remember coming home at 5 years old and being grateful I hadn't missed that day's episode. It was on when I was sick, home from vacation, and every reason in-between. I have good memories of being snuggled up on the couch watching these old shows with my family. Even my sister, who never cared for the show as much, turned it on when she was home, sick from work, long after she moved out and lived on her own. It is almost a ritual-if you are home at noon, turn on Perry Mason!
My kids don't know it yet, but they are fourth generation viewers. I get a kick knowing that I am not only doing something with my kids, that I did with my mom, but also something my mom did with her mom.
But the biggest reason for watching Perry Mason is psychological comfort, pure and simple. I don't know what the future holds. I hope everyone I know remains healthy, and we all keep our jobs. I hope we clean up the environment and bad people go to jail. But the world is an uncertain, uncontrolable place, and I don't know what will happen. On Perry Mason, it is not the real world. In this racist (although ahead of it's time-I have seen a black cop on episodes) and chauvinistic, world, where people smoke and married women rarely work, I know the bad guy will get caught and the good guy will go free. Perry Mason will defend truth, justice, and the American way, and so will his staff. We know who the enemy is, and there is no room for fudging on who the good guy is. Most episodes end up in court half thru and the murderer is revealed with about 10 minutes left. There is NEVER a part 2, so I don't have to worry about tuning in the next day to see the end. There is a comfort knowing that while my world can change on a dime, Perry Mason is the same till the end.
Is it silly. Yep. Would I watch it if I didn't like it-no way. Is it cheaper than drugs or alcohol? Absolutley. Long Live Perry Mason.
When the station Perry run's on hired a new manager 6 months ago, they told him one thing-you can change anything but Perry Mason. It has run at 12:00p noon on that station since 1970, except for one season when it started at 12:30p. Apparently in this area is it VERY popular.
All can say is, thank goodness!! I have been terrified that one day I will turn on the tv and find Perry Mason gone. No one I know but me likes it-or at least no one who admits it. How long can a black and white show from 50 years ago last? Even in re-runs? (Perry Mason ran from 1957-1966; it was in the article). Hopefully for many years to come.
So what is the allure? Why is an out-dated tv show so popular? In this area, 1 in 11 people are watching it on any given day. I can't answer for all of Portland but I know what I think, even as I watch an episode where I remember the murderee, murderer, and reason for the killing.
I don't remember the first time I saw Perry Mason, but I do remember coming home at 5 years old and being grateful I hadn't missed that day's episode. It was on when I was sick, home from vacation, and every reason in-between. I have good memories of being snuggled up on the couch watching these old shows with my family. Even my sister, who never cared for the show as much, turned it on when she was home, sick from work, long after she moved out and lived on her own. It is almost a ritual-if you are home at noon, turn on Perry Mason!
My kids don't know it yet, but they are fourth generation viewers. I get a kick knowing that I am not only doing something with my kids, that I did with my mom, but also something my mom did with her mom.
But the biggest reason for watching Perry Mason is psychological comfort, pure and simple. I don't know what the future holds. I hope everyone I know remains healthy, and we all keep our jobs. I hope we clean up the environment and bad people go to jail. But the world is an uncertain, uncontrolable place, and I don't know what will happen. On Perry Mason, it is not the real world. In this racist (although ahead of it's time-I have seen a black cop on episodes) and chauvinistic, world, where people smoke and married women rarely work, I know the bad guy will get caught and the good guy will go free. Perry Mason will defend truth, justice, and the American way, and so will his staff. We know who the enemy is, and there is no room for fudging on who the good guy is. Most episodes end up in court half thru and the murderer is revealed with about 10 minutes left. There is NEVER a part 2, so I don't have to worry about tuning in the next day to see the end. There is a comfort knowing that while my world can change on a dime, Perry Mason is the same till the end.
Is it silly. Yep. Would I watch it if I didn't like it-no way. Is it cheaper than drugs or alcohol? Absolutley. Long Live Perry Mason.
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