This is one of the times that I start to seriously consider home schooling. My oldest lovely son brought home a cold from nursery school that has plagued us the entire month of May. Now I've got it and it's a doozy. Stuffy sinus, dizziness and a hacking cough - you know those kinds of coughs that make your chest tubes hurt. It's terrible.
I'm not the type of person to take a lot of medication, but let me tell you, honey, I was swigging that cough syrup. I could not sleep Monday night and ended up watching some special about the Star Wars legacy on the History Channel that was pretty interesting. Maybe I'll be able to catch it later when my head and chest are not swimming with mucous!!
At least the weather is nice. There is nothing worse than having a bad summer cold with that gross, sticky rainy humid days hanging over your head.
Hope you all had a great Memorial day weekend - it was really nice here in good ol' NJ!
Tuesday, May 29
Saturday, May 26
Oy-vey - Frustration unlimited
Well, this is just a vent post, so feel free to skip over it. Since I'm at home with the little ones, I decided to do a little self-improvement: get a master's degree, start my own business - that way I had something else to occupy my time rather than the little ones. Well, started this business and have a website and all, but am supremely dissatisfied with the site as of now. It is soooooo plain! Certainly, I like purple but not the extent that it is used in the site. Plus, I am not happy with my webhost at all - too difficult (to me) to make changes and too much of a cookie cutter look.
Ok, now, onto the real problem - do I design my own website (which could take weeks) or just cough up the bucks for a new template. I've found lots of templates that i like for about 49 bucks. Maybe that's the route to go....oh, wait a second - I don't have that much cash to slap down AND buy supplies. The trials of a tiny business owner. Need to get some old baby clothes up on Ebay to make some cash.
More later.
Ok, now, onto the real problem - do I design my own website (which could take weeks) or just cough up the bucks for a new template. I've found lots of templates that i like for about 49 bucks. Maybe that's the route to go....oh, wait a second - I don't have that much cash to slap down AND buy supplies. The trials of a tiny business owner. Need to get some old baby clothes up on Ebay to make some cash.
More later.
Wednesday, May 23
Writing a Business Plan
Yes, like many stay at home mommies I do have a business. Yes, it is legit, registered with the state and everything. And, I have insurance. No fly by night operation here!! What's the problem then? NO BUSINESS PLAN.
Sure, it was okay the first few times out, but when I found myself ordering supplies for stuff that I never concocted, then it was time to sit back and not re-evaluate (because I never evaluated in the first place) but to evaluate where I'm going with this whole thing. Which is, right now nowhere.
So, I am sort of starting at square one with a lot of experience. In order to grow, I have to know where I'm coming from and where I want to go. Planning has always been a downfall of mine - yes, as a teacher I had to write lesson plans for two weeks (or more) and I hated the time that went into planning. Truthfully, though, it was rewarding in the end when I could simply open my lesson plan book and everything was right there for me.
Now back to my business. What do I do? I make and sell body and skin care products. My daughter has eczema and instead of loading her up with commerical products, some of which actually contained lye, I decided to do a litte internet research and find out what is "from nature" that would work for her. Right now I've got a formula that lessens her itching and breakouts (no, I have not found a cure for eczema- I just found something that works for her) which is great and want to pass out samples. But my inventory is a mess. I don't know what I have, I don't know what I need, I mean, really, now, is this any way for a Yale graduate to run a business?? I've got great ideas (no, I really, really do) but my follow through lacks punch.
So now, I challenge myself to write a comprehensive business plan in two weeks. Easier said than done with little ones at home, but hey, that makes the challenge even better, and I do love a challenge.
Ugh! When I have an update, I'll post it, I promise, y'all!!
Sure, it was okay the first few times out, but when I found myself ordering supplies for stuff that I never concocted, then it was time to sit back and not re-evaluate (because I never evaluated in the first place) but to evaluate where I'm going with this whole thing. Which is, right now nowhere.
So, I am sort of starting at square one with a lot of experience. In order to grow, I have to know where I'm coming from and where I want to go. Planning has always been a downfall of mine - yes, as a teacher I had to write lesson plans for two weeks (or more) and I hated the time that went into planning. Truthfully, though, it was rewarding in the end when I could simply open my lesson plan book and everything was right there for me.
Now back to my business. What do I do? I make and sell body and skin care products. My daughter has eczema and instead of loading her up with commerical products, some of which actually contained lye, I decided to do a litte internet research and find out what is "from nature" that would work for her. Right now I've got a formula that lessens her itching and breakouts (no, I have not found a cure for eczema- I just found something that works for her) which is great and want to pass out samples. But my inventory is a mess. I don't know what I have, I don't know what I need, I mean, really, now, is this any way for a Yale graduate to run a business?? I've got great ideas (no, I really, really do) but my follow through lacks punch.
So now, I challenge myself to write a comprehensive business plan in two weeks. Easier said than done with little ones at home, but hey, that makes the challenge even better, and I do love a challenge.
Ugh! When I have an update, I'll post it, I promise, y'all!!
Monday, May 21
Well, it’s about time
When you are black, most of the time it IS all about race. Except when it comes to making the best of the education you are getting and seeking more when you need to. I had the distinct pleasure of being a teacher for over 10 years in the classroom. One day, I asked my students what was keeping them from getting an education. Some said that they didn’t have a place to study or that there was no one to help them at home. These were all issues that could be remedied. However, one student told the class and me that the white man was keeping him from getting an education.
I was truly shocked. I then asked the student and the class about this mysterious white man. Was he at your house, turning on the television and video games while you were trying to do your homework? Was he standing at the front door of the school, blocking the door? When I broke it down to them like that the class laughed and, hopefully, saw the silliness in that remark. Of course, they were not really aware that there are factors that, later on in life, will indeed conspire to keep them from getting a good education, but I thought that might be a bit too advanced for fourth graders.
What this reminds me of, and now I come to my real point, is the Little Rock five. As a child of parents who lived through the civil rights movement, I was treated to a viewing of Eyes on the Prize when it aired on channel 13 and my parents’ VHS set. These students wanted a white man keeping them from entering the school? How about the National Guard of Arkansas?? Complete with guns? I so remember the video of those brave, brave children who walked the gauntlet of screaming, ugly white folks, hitting them on the heads with bricks and spitting on them. One of the girls, I think it was Elizabeth Eckford, who was memorable to me because of her shades, white shirt and gingham/checkered skirt said that the white people had spit so much that she had to WRING OUT HER SKIRT to get all the spit out. How foul!
All this, as usual, to say that the Little Rock Nine have finally been honored on a coin issued by the US Mint. See article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/19/AR2007051901031.html?sub=new.
We have so much to thank those who were so brave so that we can be where we are today.
I was truly shocked. I then asked the student and the class about this mysterious white man. Was he at your house, turning on the television and video games while you were trying to do your homework? Was he standing at the front door of the school, blocking the door? When I broke it down to them like that the class laughed and, hopefully, saw the silliness in that remark. Of course, they were not really aware that there are factors that, later on in life, will indeed conspire to keep them from getting a good education, but I thought that might be a bit too advanced for fourth graders.
What this reminds me of, and now I come to my real point, is the Little Rock five. As a child of parents who lived through the civil rights movement, I was treated to a viewing of Eyes on the Prize when it aired on channel 13 and my parents’ VHS set. These students wanted a white man keeping them from entering the school? How about the National Guard of Arkansas?? Complete with guns? I so remember the video of those brave, brave children who walked the gauntlet of screaming, ugly white folks, hitting them on the heads with bricks and spitting on them. One of the girls, I think it was Elizabeth Eckford, who was memorable to me because of her shades, white shirt and gingham/checkered skirt said that the white people had spit so much that she had to WRING OUT HER SKIRT to get all the spit out. How foul!
All this, as usual, to say that the Little Rock Nine have finally been honored on a coin issued by the US Mint. See article here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/19/AR2007051901031.html?sub=new.
We have so much to thank those who were so brave so that we can be where we are today.
Sunday, May 20
My Snobbish Children
I used to talk about people on foood stamps - how all they used to buy their children was fruit drinks and hotdogs. Now, as a mom of three children under four, I realize how expensive it is to buy good food for your children. Juice alone (100% juice, not juice drink or juice cocktail) cost anywhere from 2 -3.49 per 1/2 gallon - more expensive than gasoline! Now if you've only got a few hundred for the MONTH and trying to feed three little ones, forget it. You're picking up the cheapest stuff possible to make that food stamp last. It's such a shame because the poor nutrition these children are receiving is directly correlated with their performance and their basic ability to perform in school - who the heck can think straight on a belly full of fruit punch soda and a honey bun, where child in the next seat has had oatmeal, bacon/eggs toast and orange juice for breakfast. How sad that No Child Left Behind doesn't cover breakfast foods also.
That being said, the family attended a storytelling session sponsored by my local Mocha Moms. The refreshments included a choice between fruit punch w/ .02 percent juice (but oh, so sugary sweet and good, admit it!!!) and apple juice. I tried to pour some of the fruit punch for my children - since they only have 100% juice at home, i figured they would appreciate the surgary goodness. Heck , no. "Mommy,I want apple juice. I don't want red juice". I had to shake my head and my nearly empty wallet (well, my husbands nearly empty wallet). They won't eat canned spaghetti- Now they're Don Coreleone, right? "We want hot pasta, mommy. Can you boil some water?" Oh, how about McDonald's? "No, mommy, can you cook us a burger?". For lunch- How about a baloney sandwich (my secret vice, along with the sugary goodness of the red juice) " No mommy, can I have natural peanut butter and jelly?"
Yes, my crunchy, nutrition oriented children resist my attempts at tempting them with
That being said, the family attended a storytelling session sponsored by my local Mocha Moms. The refreshments included a choice between fruit punch w/ .02 percent juice (but oh, so sugary sweet and good, admit it!!!) and apple juice. I tried to pour some of the fruit punch for my children - since they only have 100% juice at home, i figured they would appreciate the surgary goodness. Heck , no. "Mommy,I want apple juice. I don't want red juice". I had to shake my head and my nearly empty wallet (well, my husbands nearly empty wallet). They won't eat canned spaghetti- Now they're Don Coreleone, right? "We want hot pasta, mommy. Can you boil some water?" Oh, how about McDonald's? "No, mommy, can you cook us a burger?". For lunch- How about a baloney sandwich (my secret vice, along with the sugary goodness of the red juice) " No mommy, can I have natural peanut butter and jelly?"
Yes, my crunchy, nutrition oriented children resist my attempts at tempting them with
Saturday, May 19
The Slowskys
Seems like the makers of commercials are getting better and better. I love the Slowsky, hate the cavemen. I liked the first few caveman (geico) commercials, but getting a sitcom? Who the heck is going to watch it?
Anyway, digression aside, here are some clips from my Slowky commercials. I especially like the "you come push it.....push it real good"..
And this one, how rude is Mr. Slowsky???
Anyway, digression aside, here are some clips from my Slowky commercials. I especially like the "you come push it.....push it real good"..
And this one, how rude is Mr. Slowsky???
Friday, May 18
Teacher Abuse has no Color
Well, I must have been under a rock to miss this little gem. The link is here: http://www.abcnews4.com/news/stories/0806/356376.html, but a brief summary this: a white teacher sued the school district in which she worked because the students (black) cursed at her, calling her white c__, white MF, etc. etc. and apparently the school did nothing about it. How interesting that she sued. Why wasn’t this make more prevalent in the news? I’ll tell you why – because the teacher was white and the students were black.
As a former teacher, let me tell you, I’ve seen cases in which students were rude, verbally insulting and threatening, scratched teachers cars (for no reason), and pushed teachers in the hallway – not in an overt hands on the shoulders push, but a rude shouldering aside.
This case is important to teachers as it shows exactly how much bad behavior is tolerated from students because of either their race or their socio-economic circumstances. It’s as if the bar is lowered: you are allowed to act in a totally inhumane way towards another human being because you’re poor or black or both. Shame on these administrators to allow such hostile environment to proliferate in their school. Shame on these other teachers, black and white, for not banding together and demanding some sort of relief from this behavior. Why should teachers, who are there for the benefit of these children, be subjected to such abuse? Animals at zoos are treated better than this.
Why are we as a society are so worried about what a raggedy headed white DJ is saying about a women’s basketball team ( a one shot deal) when urban teachers are abused on a daily basis and (some) administrators turn their heads – fearful of having too many violence/vandalism reports for that month?
Why too, is this teacher mocked and made fun of (in some black circles) because she is white? Does that make her any less prone to suffering at the hands of these rude, nasty students. According to her, there were other teachers (black and white) suffering the same daily abuse – she just happened to be the one to bring a lawsuit.
Either way this speaks volumes about the state of urban education today. Because these students were black and poor, their nasty and abusive behavior was tolerated because it was “part of their culture”. Well, most certainly I am black, and foul language does not pour freely from my mouth on a regular basis. Therefore to denote the regular use of profanity as a part of black culture insults me.
As a former teacher, let me tell you, I’ve seen cases in which students were rude, verbally insulting and threatening, scratched teachers cars (for no reason), and pushed teachers in the hallway – not in an overt hands on the shoulders push, but a rude shouldering aside.
This case is important to teachers as it shows exactly how much bad behavior is tolerated from students because of either their race or their socio-economic circumstances. It’s as if the bar is lowered: you are allowed to act in a totally inhumane way towards another human being because you’re poor or black or both. Shame on these administrators to allow such hostile environment to proliferate in their school. Shame on these other teachers, black and white, for not banding together and demanding some sort of relief from this behavior. Why should teachers, who are there for the benefit of these children, be subjected to such abuse? Animals at zoos are treated better than this.
Why are we as a society are so worried about what a raggedy headed white DJ is saying about a women’s basketball team ( a one shot deal) when urban teachers are abused on a daily basis and (some) administrators turn their heads – fearful of having too many violence/vandalism reports for that month?
Why too, is this teacher mocked and made fun of (in some black circles) because she is white? Does that make her any less prone to suffering at the hands of these rude, nasty students. According to her, there were other teachers (black and white) suffering the same daily abuse – she just happened to be the one to bring a lawsuit.
Either way this speaks volumes about the state of urban education today. Because these students were black and poor, their nasty and abusive behavior was tolerated because it was “part of their culture”. Well, most certainly I am black, and foul language does not pour freely from my mouth on a regular basis. Therefore to denote the regular use of profanity as a part of black culture insults me.
Thursday, May 17
How Clean is Your House?
Ah, BBC America is my new best friend. As you know from my previous post, I am addicted to cleaning shows. Certainly, I am not the best house keeper in the world, and three children added to the mix, well, let's just say that I'm a bit hopeless in that department, but I'm getting a little better, bit by bit.
Either way, this new show - "How Clean is Your House" is the most entertaining show. Certiainly, I do love Niecy Nash of Clean House and like to settle in to watch Perfect Housewives (another BBC show). Not only do I gets lots of tips, but I do see folks' houses that are worse that mine. I myself am shocked - how can some of these people live like this? How can they come home every day to look at all this? But they do!
How Clean is your House has two hosts, aggie and Kim ( I think), one is a shorter thin lady with glasses and the other is a tall stout woman who always wears heels. The shorter lady takes the swabs of the filth - in one episode soem woman had CANDIDA around the house and the woman said it may have been from.......yes, her dirty knickers. How gross!!! The most entertaining is not the filth some people live in, but the chat of the hostess themselves like these gems : "This room is a hovel", "She's a dirty devil", "Ohhhhhh, lots of time for reading, but no time for cleaning", and my absolute fave: " These people are absolutely crackers (crazy)".
Take a look for yourself this is an episode from the "worst flat ever" . Please do not watch this if you have a weak stomach - sometimes I can't even eat during these episodes.
Either way, I luv watching these because yes, someone else out there is worse off than me!!
What is about cleaning that people detest? how do people let their houses get that way? Don't they smell their houses degenerating around them? Ah, who knows!
So I ask - how clean is YOUR house! :)
Either way, this new show - "How Clean is Your House" is the most entertaining show. Certiainly, I do love Niecy Nash of Clean House and like to settle in to watch Perfect Housewives (another BBC show). Not only do I gets lots of tips, but I do see folks' houses that are worse that mine. I myself am shocked - how can some of these people live like this? How can they come home every day to look at all this? But they do!
How Clean is your House has two hosts, aggie and Kim ( I think), one is a shorter thin lady with glasses and the other is a tall stout woman who always wears heels. The shorter lady takes the swabs of the filth - in one episode soem woman had CANDIDA around the house and the woman said it may have been from.......yes, her dirty knickers. How gross!!! The most entertaining is not the filth some people live in, but the chat of the hostess themselves like these gems : "This room is a hovel", "She's a dirty devil", "Ohhhhhh, lots of time for reading, but no time for cleaning", and my absolute fave: " These people are absolutely crackers (crazy)".
Take a look for yourself this is an episode from the "worst flat ever" . Please do not watch this if you have a weak stomach - sometimes I can't even eat during these episodes.
Either way, I luv watching these because yes, someone else out there is worse off than me!!
What is about cleaning that people detest? how do people let their houses get that way? Don't they smell their houses degenerating around them? Ah, who knows!
So I ask - how clean is YOUR house! :)
Monday, May 14
I was inspired
By catching about 2 seconds of the Martha Stewart show. She was showing her "plane purse" and stuff that she carried with her while traveling. Well, everything was so well organized and in those cool baggies that when I opened the family room closet to see if my daughter's other sneaker was in there, I decided to clean it. Oh, what a fool am I! As I am writing this, I have found at least 10 coats hanging in the closet as well as a box full of office supplies. Now, I loooooove office supplies so it was like a bonus, but where the heck am I going to put all this stuff???
So, out come the space bags. I wish I had the nerve to post pics of my diaster area family room, but since this is not Clean House (oh how I wish I could be on that show) I am not going to embarrass myself in from of the Internet world!!
The good news is, I discovered a recycling plant that takes paperback books. Now for some, that may not be a big deal, but for me, queen of paperback books, it is a godsend. I can't wait to pack up some of my less favorite books and cart them over to be recycled. I simply hate throwing stuff out but.....since it is being recycled I feel a LOT better.
So, out come the space bags. I wish I had the nerve to post pics of my diaster area family room, but since this is not Clean House (oh how I wish I could be on that show) I am not going to embarrass myself in from of the Internet world!!
The good news is, I discovered a recycling plant that takes paperback books. Now for some, that may not be a big deal, but for me, queen of paperback books, it is a godsend. I can't wait to pack up some of my less favorite books and cart them over to be recycled. I simply hate throwing stuff out but.....since it is being recycled I feel a LOT better.
Sunday, May 13
Mother's Day
What did you get for Mother's Day? First of all, my husband did me the greatest favor. I was able to lounge about all weekend and not have to change not one diaper. I also got the best gifts: two flats of impatiens, two bags of garden soil (the good stuff), 50 landscaping bricks and the time to stack bricks and plant flowers. I can't wait to get the raised beds in which to plant the tomatoes.
On the indoor front, I also received the newest Michael Buble CD and a new book by Dan Brown.
Well, that gives you readers a bit of a insight into what I like to do - much more interesting than listing the mundane details on my profile.
Either way, hope all you moms had a great day.
On the indoor front, I also received the newest Michael Buble CD and a new book by Dan Brown.
Well, that gives you readers a bit of a insight into what I like to do - much more interesting than listing the mundane details on my profile.
Either way, hope all you moms had a great day.
Saturday, May 12
Black Moms Push Their Kids’ Educational Aspirations More Than White Moms
Haven't had a chance to read it thoroughly,. but will write more later!
Ok, here it is:
Here is the link to the article: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/momssurvey511
Well, I finally had a chance to read the story and I am ambivalent about the results. Now, as a married mother of three, I do expect my children to complete some sort of higher education, but I do not feel that graduate or professional school is a must. Although I do have my master’s degree (recently completed), I would be perfectly happy if my children chose a non-traditional path such as contracting (building) or writing. Everyone does not have to be a doctor or a lawyer, and to be honest those two career paths are certainly not as glamorous as they may seem on television or in the movies. For one thing, the malpractice insurance that you have to carry as a doctor is insane!! All lawyers don’t dress in great clothes and drive fancy cars – some of them are like that lawyer in that move Dark Water, who has an office in his car and goes to movies alone.
Now that I have digress enough, back to the article. I found it interesting that first of all, more white women than black women answered the survey. Even in 2007, it is obvious that more whites, no matter what the income level, have more internet access than blacks. True, the gap is small ( I don’t have the exact stats), but there is still a gap. Further, many of the black mothers who answered this survey were either never married or divorced – only 36 percent of the black women, out of @293 who answered the survey were actually married, compared to 65 percent of the white women. So it would stand to reason that in this sample, black moms are the driving force behind getting their children an education because they are the only parent in the home.
I expect my children to go to college. I don’t work, but I do have a graduate degree. I truly believe that education open doors to everyone regardless of race. I also believe that racism is alive and quite well in 2007. Therefore, I want my children to get the education they need to be successful in this world, whether they need to form their own companies or practices or what have you. This is expected and will be emphasized by both my husband and myself as my children get older.
Ok, here it is:
Here is the link to the article: http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/momssurvey511
Well, I finally had a chance to read the story and I am ambivalent about the results. Now, as a married mother of three, I do expect my children to complete some sort of higher education, but I do not feel that graduate or professional school is a must. Although I do have my master’s degree (recently completed), I would be perfectly happy if my children chose a non-traditional path such as contracting (building) or writing. Everyone does not have to be a doctor or a lawyer, and to be honest those two career paths are certainly not as glamorous as they may seem on television or in the movies. For one thing, the malpractice insurance that you have to carry as a doctor is insane!! All lawyers don’t dress in great clothes and drive fancy cars – some of them are like that lawyer in that move Dark Water, who has an office in his car and goes to movies alone.
Now that I have digress enough, back to the article. I found it interesting that first of all, more white women than black women answered the survey. Even in 2007, it is obvious that more whites, no matter what the income level, have more internet access than blacks. True, the gap is small ( I don’t have the exact stats), but there is still a gap. Further, many of the black mothers who answered this survey were either never married or divorced – only 36 percent of the black women, out of @293 who answered the survey were actually married, compared to 65 percent of the white women. So it would stand to reason that in this sample, black moms are the driving force behind getting their children an education because they are the only parent in the home.
I expect my children to go to college. I don’t work, but I do have a graduate degree. I truly believe that education open doors to everyone regardless of race. I also believe that racism is alive and quite well in 2007. Therefore, I want my children to get the education they need to be successful in this world, whether they need to form their own companies or practices or what have you. This is expected and will be emphasized by both my husband and myself as my children get older.
Friday, May 11
Ok,I've had it with this cleaning business
I've had it with cleaning. It is impossible to try to keep up with three children under four who constantly pick up stuff, walk it just far enough out of place, then drop it on the floor, behind the couch or kick it under the refrigerator. I've had it, I tell you. I have baskets, bins and various others implements of organization, however, my children don't seem to want to use them.
Ok, so you say, well, clean at night - you ARE the Black Domestic Goddess, right? Well, let me enlighten you, oh dear reader, goddessed are regal beings - I am not a witch or a fairy godmother...unfortunately, goddesses are not endowed with magic wands to wave away the constant clutter of tiny human beings. ARGH!
Yes, I know it will end.....when the last one is out of the house. Meanwhile, I'll indulge my wildest fantasies by watching Clean House and Perfect Housewives. I'll watch, dab my eye with tissue and dream that that just might be me.....oh, one day!
All right, gotta go clean now.
Ok, so you say, well, clean at night - you ARE the Black Domestic Goddess, right? Well, let me enlighten you, oh dear reader, goddessed are regal beings - I am not a witch or a fairy godmother...unfortunately, goddesses are not endowed with magic wands to wave away the constant clutter of tiny human beings. ARGH!
Yes, I know it will end.....when the last one is out of the house. Meanwhile, I'll indulge my wildest fantasies by watching Clean House and Perfect Housewives. I'll watch, dab my eye with tissue and dream that that just might be me.....oh, one day!
All right, gotta go clean now.
Wednesday, May 9
Whoa, I'd better catch up~
I just took a look around on blogger as well as myspace (you know how clicking links can take you far, far away from where you began!) and realized how far behind I am in actually working towards making a true web presence. Plus, there are soooo many black resources out there that need to be advetised. So I'll start here:
Check out http://beingfamilymagazine.blogspot.com, www.blackmomsclub.com, and www.blackliving.com. There are much more, of course, but too much for my little fingers to type right now, especially since my little ones are begging to go outside.
sigh..... Seriously, check out those sites!
Check out http://beingfamilymagazine.blogspot.com, www.blackmomsclub.com, and www.blackliving.com. There are much more, of course, but too much for my little fingers to type right now, especially since my little ones are begging to go outside.
sigh..... Seriously, check out those sites!
JV and Elvis
I used to listen to 92.3 free fm before I got Sirius and was able to listen to Howard Stern. In addtion, Sirius allowed me to listen to a channel chock full to my all-time favorite vocalist, Frank Sinatra. But I digress. I turned on my terrestial radio on Monday around 9:05 am to find out that JV and Elvis were indefinitely suspended due to some crank phone call they made to a Chinese food restaurant.
I did not hear the phone call, but I've heard the type of humor that JV and Elvis do. It is puerile and adolescent, but they're good for mindless entertainment and sometimes they make me laugh. ( I don't have a sirius radio dock in the kitchen, so when I clean up, I have to listen to regular radio.) I also know that they had poor ratings and were on the verge of being booted out anyway. Soooooo, I don't think that this suspension was a direct result of their poor taste in humor, but just like a Imus, an excuse to get them out the door because of thier poor ratings.
I only ask, how far is this going to go? Will jokes now be exclusive to the race or ethnicity? Will I, Dave Chapelle, Eddie Griffin and other black comedians only be allowed to make black jokes? Will Ralphie May only be allowed to make jokes about fat, white men? Will Ant (the host of Celebrity Fit Club) only be allowed to make gay jokes?
Humor is humor. Some find it funny, some don't. That's why it's humor! People really need to lighten up.
I'll have to come back to this post.....bear with me!
I did not hear the phone call, but I've heard the type of humor that JV and Elvis do. It is puerile and adolescent, but they're good for mindless entertainment and sometimes they make me laugh. ( I don't have a sirius radio dock in the kitchen, so when I clean up, I have to listen to regular radio.) I also know that they had poor ratings and were on the verge of being booted out anyway. Soooooo, I don't think that this suspension was a direct result of their poor taste in humor, but just like a Imus, an excuse to get them out the door because of thier poor ratings.
I only ask, how far is this going to go? Will jokes now be exclusive to the race or ethnicity? Will I, Dave Chapelle, Eddie Griffin and other black comedians only be allowed to make black jokes? Will Ralphie May only be allowed to make jokes about fat, white men? Will Ant (the host of Celebrity Fit Club) only be allowed to make gay jokes?
Humor is humor. Some find it funny, some don't. That's why it's humor! People really need to lighten up.
I'll have to come back to this post.....bear with me!
Sunday, May 6
My Inspirational Piece
Here is one of the "inspirational" pieces that I wrote for my group.
I love Real Simple magazine, truly, I do, but I do not subscribe because I often don’t have the time to actually sit down and read it. My husband was kind enough to bring home the May issue last Friday and I simply could not resist its petal pink cover – I sat right down and began reading. What a great escape. With Real Simple, I can do anything – organize my shelves, make great recipes and get super bargains at the drugstore…things I simply cannot seem to accomplish in my real life.
One article in particular caught my eye; it was titled “Do you have a Vision?” This article was certainly an eye-opener for me (no pun intended). The article basically speaks about visualizing what you want, down to the very last detail, so much so that you can practically walk into your vision. For example, the article speaks about a woman, who at age 47, decided to law school and become an environmental lawyer. Now, I must admit, when I read that, I frowned a bit in consternation. Go back to law school? At 47? Why, she wouldn’t even graduate until she was, gasp, 50!! Her husband apparently thought the same way I did. Ah, but here was the thing – in three years, she would still be 50, so she had the choice of being 50 with no law degree, or being 50 with one.
The point is, this woman had the desire to be an environmental lawyer so badly that she visualized her daily routine, the type of people she would work with, what she would wear to work, what her office would look like….every detail down to what lawerly briefcase she would carry everyday. Her desire was so strong to achieve this dream that it was more than making castles in the air – this dream was so strong that she had made it a future reality that could not be denied. How inspiring!
So, what’s your vision? What’s that thing that you’ve always wanted to do? Don’t let yourself down – take the time right now to make your dream a reality. Visualization plus the will to succeed can make your dream a reality.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Yes, it's a bit Oprah-ish!!
I love Real Simple magazine, truly, I do, but I do not subscribe because I often don’t have the time to actually sit down and read it. My husband was kind enough to bring home the May issue last Friday and I simply could not resist its petal pink cover – I sat right down and began reading. What a great escape. With Real Simple, I can do anything – organize my shelves, make great recipes and get super bargains at the drugstore…things I simply cannot seem to accomplish in my real life.
One article in particular caught my eye; it was titled “Do you have a Vision?” This article was certainly an eye-opener for me (no pun intended). The article basically speaks about visualizing what you want, down to the very last detail, so much so that you can practically walk into your vision. For example, the article speaks about a woman, who at age 47, decided to law school and become an environmental lawyer. Now, I must admit, when I read that, I frowned a bit in consternation. Go back to law school? At 47? Why, she wouldn’t even graduate until she was, gasp, 50!! Her husband apparently thought the same way I did. Ah, but here was the thing – in three years, she would still be 50, so she had the choice of being 50 with no law degree, or being 50 with one.
The point is, this woman had the desire to be an environmental lawyer so badly that she visualized her daily routine, the type of people she would work with, what she would wear to work, what her office would look like….every detail down to what lawerly briefcase she would carry everyday. Her desire was so strong to achieve this dream that it was more than making castles in the air – this dream was so strong that she had made it a future reality that could not be denied. How inspiring!
So, what’s your vision? What’s that thing that you’ve always wanted to do? Don’t let yourself down – take the time right now to make your dream a reality. Visualization plus the will to succeed can make your dream a reality.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Yes, it's a bit Oprah-ish!!
First published Piece
Well, I can't believe it but I actually got a piece of mine published in the local paper. It was supposed to be a humorous piece - hopefully this will be the first of many.
Here it is:
I am a stay at home mom of three children under five years old. I also attend graduate school online as well as run my own business. This of course necessitates that I actually spend some time not directly interacting with my children. Usually, by this time, they also need a break from me also. I'm sure even a four year old reaches his fill of Frere Jacques and coloring the letter A. When we have both reached the point of not being able to even look at each other for another second, I turn to the TV friends of my childhood, PBS. Upon turning to channel 13, I was little puzzled. I found Sesame Street with no problem (alas with no Mr. Hooper, nor Kermit the Frog), but there was a whole crop of new kids on the block, some who I'd never heard of: Jakers! The Adventures of Piggly Winks, Caillou and Between the Lions.
As a former teacher who always screened anything my students viewed, I figured I should give my own children the same courtesy. So, I took the time to watch a few of the shows with them. The one that really stood out for me was Caillou, since it is a bout a four year old boy and my son seemed to enjoy it the most. Good old Caillou. I must be missing something, isn't that a weird name for a little boy?
\u003c/span\>Drawing on my high-school French and Wikipedia, \u003cspan\>\n \u003c/span\>I discovered that Caillou meant pebble or bald head, which explains why the kid's bald as an egg.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>The program seemed benign enough, so I felt comfortable letting the children watch unsupervised in order to take 30 whole minutes to myself.\n\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>What a mistake.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Instead of a cute little bald-headed boy, Caillou was a little scoundrel whose prime directive was to lead little children astray through his demonstration of how to talk back, insist on having his own way and become frustrated to quickly.\n\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Luckily, I was able to head this off by cutting off Caillou and letting my son know in no uncertain terms that the show didn't show the parts when Caillou got a spanking for doing some of things he did.\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp style\u003d\"margin:0in 0in 0pt\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Times New Roman\"\> \u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp style\u003d\"margin:0in 0in 0pt\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Times New Roman\"\>We as parents have to be so careful about what our children watch, even the so-called educational programs.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>\nThe behaviors displayed by certain TV characters, especially those with which our children identify are the behaviors that they are apt to imitate, good or bad.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Therefore, we have to be diligent in talking with our children about what they see and most importantly, what they think about what they see.\n\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Yes, it might be easier to cut out the television all together, but I see it as an opportunity to teach my child how to identify appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cbr\> \u003c/div\>",1]
);
//-->
Drawing on my high-school French and Wikipedia, I discovered that Caillou meant pebble or bald head, which explains why the kid's bald as an egg. The program seemed benign enough, so I felt comfortable letting the children watch unsupervised in order to take 30 whole minutes to myself. What a mistake. Instead of a cute little bald-headed boy, Caillou was a little scoundrel whose prime directive was to lead little children astray through his demonstration of how to talk back, insist on having his own way and become frustrated to quickly. Luckily, I was able to head this off by cutting off Caillou and letting my son know in no uncertain terms that the show didn't show the parts when Caillou got a spanking for doing some of things he did.
We as parents have to be so careful about what our children watch, even the so-called educational programs. The behaviors displayed by certain TV characters, especially those with which our children identify are the behaviors that they are apt to imitate, good or bad. Therefore, we have to be diligent in talking with our children about what they see and most importantly, what they think about what they see. Yes, it might be easier to cut out the television all together, but I see it as an opportunity to teach my child how to identify appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.
Well, well. Now I've got to think of a follow up!
Here it is:
I am a stay at home mom of three children under five years old. I also attend graduate school online as well as run my own business. This of course necessitates that I actually spend some time not directly interacting with my children. Usually, by this time, they also need a break from me also. I'm sure even a four year old reaches his fill of Frere Jacques and coloring the letter A. When we have both reached the point of not being able to even look at each other for another second, I turn to the TV friends of my childhood, PBS. Upon turning to channel 13, I was little puzzled. I found Sesame Street with no problem (alas with no Mr. Hooper, nor Kermit the Frog), but there was a whole crop of new kids on the block, some who I'd never heard of: Jakers! The Adventures of Piggly Winks, Caillou and Between the Lions.
As a former teacher who always screened anything my students viewed, I figured I should give my own children the same courtesy. So, I took the time to watch a few of the shows with them. The one that really stood out for me was Caillou, since it is a bout a four year old boy and my son seemed to enjoy it the most. Good old Caillou. I must be missing something, isn't that a weird name for a little boy?
\u003c/span\>Drawing on my high-school French and Wikipedia, \u003cspan\>\n \u003c/span\>I discovered that Caillou meant pebble or bald head, which explains why the kid's bald as an egg.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>The program seemed benign enough, so I felt comfortable letting the children watch unsupervised in order to take 30 whole minutes to myself.\n\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>What a mistake.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Instead of a cute little bald-headed boy, Caillou was a little scoundrel whose prime directive was to lead little children astray through his demonstration of how to talk back, insist on having his own way and become frustrated to quickly.\n\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Luckily, I was able to head this off by cutting off Caillou and letting my son know in no uncertain terms that the show didn't show the parts when Caillou got a spanking for doing some of things he did.\n\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp style\u003d\"margin:0in 0in 0pt\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Times New Roman\"\> \u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cp style\u003d\"margin:0in 0in 0pt\"\>\u003cfont face\u003d\"Times New Roman\"\>We as parents have to be so careful about what our children watch, even the so-called educational programs.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>\nThe behaviors displayed by certain TV characters, especially those with which our children identify are the behaviors that they are apt to imitate, good or bad.\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Therefore, we have to be diligent in talking with our children about what they see and most importantly, what they think about what they see.\n\u003cspan\> \u003c/span\>Yes, it might be easier to cut out the television all together, but I see it as an opportunity to teach my child how to identify appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.\u003c/font\>\u003c/p\>\n\u003cbr\> \u003c/div\>",1]
);
//-->
Drawing on my high-school French and Wikipedia, I discovered that Caillou meant pebble or bald head, which explains why the kid's bald as an egg. The program seemed benign enough, so I felt comfortable letting the children watch unsupervised in order to take 30 whole minutes to myself. What a mistake. Instead of a cute little bald-headed boy, Caillou was a little scoundrel whose prime directive was to lead little children astray through his demonstration of how to talk back, insist on having his own way and become frustrated to quickly. Luckily, I was able to head this off by cutting off Caillou and letting my son know in no uncertain terms that the show didn't show the parts when Caillou got a spanking for doing some of things he did.
We as parents have to be so careful about what our children watch, even the so-called educational programs. The behaviors displayed by certain TV characters, especially those with which our children identify are the behaviors that they are apt to imitate, good or bad. Therefore, we have to be diligent in talking with our children about what they see and most importantly, what they think about what they see. Yes, it might be easier to cut out the television all together, but I see it as an opportunity to teach my child how to identify appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.
Well, well. Now I've got to think of a follow up!
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