In one week, I experienced my first earthquake, and a hurricane. I am currently 36 weeks pregnant, 35 weeks when these things both came along....and boy am I ready to be done with pregnancy. I am currently actively seeking new and different ways to generate income while at home, trying to get back into the groove of the new school year, and get ready for baby...Mother Nature had to make sure I did not forget her presence! Well, howdy do!
I am currently looking into becoming a Virtual Assistant. This idea was suggested to me by a friend in one of my Mom groups. I hope to be able to pass along some further information soon. If anyone out here already has some good information that they would like to share, please feel free to comment.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Working From Home...
Lately I have been on a mission, a mission to find a legitimate way to earn money from home. There is so much out there, but so much of it is absolute crap. How is someone to find a legitimate source for work at home work, that does NOT involve calling people and harrassing them at home. I can't stand that done to me, so I certainly don't want to sign up to do it to others.
I found a couple sources on Facebook, Adventures of Working At Home has been a great resource!!! Another one I found on Facebook that seems to have a great wealth of information is Genuine Work At Home Advice.
These ladies seem to really have a great wealth of resources for those of us trying to crack into the working at home scene.
I signed up to write articles for a text site, and also for a legitimate mystery shopping company. I am just starting with both, so I will have to update with how they work out. They seem pretty decent, as they both require tax forms for employment, and neither ask for money. They have a process by which you actually get "hired," and each have an evaluation process by which they will let you know how you are doing as a worker. So hopefully, I will soon be reporting great things.
Do any of you work at home? What are your businesses? How did you find yourself in the field you are currently in? Are you happy? Do you have any advice for the parents out there that want to be able to earn extra income while staying at home with the kiddos? Please feel free to share your information and experiences here!!
I found a couple sources on Facebook, Adventures of Working At Home has been a great resource!!! Another one I found on Facebook that seems to have a great wealth of information is Genuine Work At Home Advice.
These ladies seem to really have a great wealth of resources for those of us trying to crack into the working at home scene.
I signed up to write articles for a text site, and also for a legitimate mystery shopping company. I am just starting with both, so I will have to update with how they work out. They seem pretty decent, as they both require tax forms for employment, and neither ask for money. They have a process by which you actually get "hired," and each have an evaluation process by which they will let you know how you are doing as a worker. So hopefully, I will soon be reporting great things.
Do any of you work at home? What are your businesses? How did you find yourself in the field you are currently in? Are you happy? Do you have any advice for the parents out there that want to be able to earn extra income while staying at home with the kiddos? Please feel free to share your information and experiences here!!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
How Does This Happen???
Upon watching GMA this morning, I was listening to the story about the teen in Florida who has been arrested for plotting to bomb a high school on the first day of classes. This boy had apparently been expelled from school towards the end of the last school year, and had not registered for classes this year.
Where are his parents? Pictures of him drinking, smoking marijuana, and posting very troubling quotes on Facebook were shown. This kid is 17, many would think of him as an adult, but he is still a child. I am 34, and by no means was I a GROWN UP at 17. I was mature for my age, yes, but knowing what I know now....I was a kid. Where are the adults responsible for teaching and guiding this troubled child? Somewhere, somehow, something went wrong for him, horribly wrong....and who is going to be held responsible for THAT?!?! He was planning on killing 32 people, including 2 principals....he had his agenda figured out. He knew some time ago what he was going to do, and to whom. When in his life, did his brain flip that switch to thinking that THIS is the way to deal with people in the world that you don't agree with, or that come down on you for something. This child was failed somewhere along the way....
Thank God someone came forward and gave the police an anonymous tip....they should be able to sleep a little better tonight...too bad they couldn't make a difference earlier, maybe they tried, who knows. What a sad life this kid has.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/17/reports-tampa-police-probe-alleged-mass-murder-plot-at-school/?hpt=us_c2
Where are his parents? Pictures of him drinking, smoking marijuana, and posting very troubling quotes on Facebook were shown. This kid is 17, many would think of him as an adult, but he is still a child. I am 34, and by no means was I a GROWN UP at 17. I was mature for my age, yes, but knowing what I know now....I was a kid. Where are the adults responsible for teaching and guiding this troubled child? Somewhere, somehow, something went wrong for him, horribly wrong....and who is going to be held responsible for THAT?!?! He was planning on killing 32 people, including 2 principals....he had his agenda figured out. He knew some time ago what he was going to do, and to whom. When in his life, did his brain flip that switch to thinking that THIS is the way to deal with people in the world that you don't agree with, or that come down on you for something. This child was failed somewhere along the way....
Thank God someone came forward and gave the police an anonymous tip....they should be able to sleep a little better tonight...too bad they couldn't make a difference earlier, maybe they tried, who knows. What a sad life this kid has.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/17/reports-tampa-police-probe-alleged-mass-murder-plot-at-school/?hpt=us_c2
Monday, August 15, 2011
National Beef Recall...
Apparently this mostly affects those in the South/Southeast regions.....
http://www.igobogo.com/Portal/featured-articles/national-beef-recall-affects-publix-winn-dixie-walmart-sams-club-more/
http://www.igobogo.com/Portal/featured-articles/national-beef-recall-affects-publix-winn-dixie-walmart-sams-club-more/
34 Weeks Pregnant and Counting...
Today I hit the 34 week mark in this pregnancy. I feel okay, typical pregnancy stuff, tired, peeing all night, some contractions here and there, and it takes me 5 minutes to actually get up once I sit down. I am all baby....seriously. If someone looks at me straight on, or from behind, it might be hard to tell I am even pregnant, but from the side, it looks like she is pushing her way out through my belly button.
This pregnancy has had me more hormonal than my last two, but I am 7 years older than I was the last time I was pregnant. I am also in a different life, different stresses, different concerns.
I am looking forward to meeting my newest baby girl, as are all the members of her family. I am the type of Mom that insists on getting out of the house, and getting active with the baby early on. Given she is due at the end of September, our time might be limited with the impending Fall/Winter weather....but I will do my best. Three kids, a puppy, my hubby, a house that is not self-cleaning (when oh when will someone invent THAT?!?!), this is my life....and I wouldn't have it any other way.
This pregnancy has had me more hormonal than my last two, but I am 7 years older than I was the last time I was pregnant. I am also in a different life, different stresses, different concerns.
I am looking forward to meeting my newest baby girl, as are all the members of her family. I am the type of Mom that insists on getting out of the house, and getting active with the baby early on. Given she is due at the end of September, our time might be limited with the impending Fall/Winter weather....but I will do my best. Three kids, a puppy, my hubby, a house that is not self-cleaning (when oh when will someone invent THAT?!?!), this is my life....and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Everything in Moderation...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/13/your-money/childrens-activities-no-guarantee-of-later-success.html
The above article by the NY Times is just another illustration of how we need to focus on moderation. Whether we are dealing with food, tv, sports, whatever. There is a time and a place for everything, and we need to work harder as parents at keeping our children balanced. In the long run, it is a valuable life lesson for them. We do not want to breed another generation of work-a-holic, stress riddled individuals. We need to teach our kids hwo to strike a balance in life, and in turn, teaching them helps to reinforce the lesson for ourselves as well.
The above article by the NY Times is just another illustration of how we need to focus on moderation. Whether we are dealing with food, tv, sports, whatever. There is a time and a place for everything, and we need to work harder as parents at keeping our children balanced. In the long run, it is a valuable life lesson for them. We do not want to breed another generation of work-a-holic, stress riddled individuals. We need to teach our kids hwo to strike a balance in life, and in turn, teaching them helps to reinforce the lesson for ourselves as well.
A Mother’s Nightmare: Bacteria Resistant To Antibiotics | Healthy Child Healthy World
A Mother’s Nightmare: Bacteria Resistant To Antibiotics Healthy Child Healthy World
This article just got me. As a Mom, the health and well being of my children is so incredibly important to me. This is why I try and turn to organics and locally grown produce and meats as often as possible. As a SAHM the cost of both is a concern to me, but really, the benefit outweighs the monetary cost. I think if we all adjust our eating habits so that we are once again eating to live, not living to eat...well, it's the best relationship to have with food.
Whether you have children or not, read this, it is eye opening, to say the least.
This article just got me. As a Mom, the health and well being of my children is so incredibly important to me. This is why I try and turn to organics and locally grown produce and meats as often as possible. As a SAHM the cost of both is a concern to me, but really, the benefit outweighs the monetary cost. I think if we all adjust our eating habits so that we are once again eating to live, not living to eat...well, it's the best relationship to have with food.
Whether you have children or not, read this, it is eye opening, to say the least.
It's me again Margaret....
So I guess I took a little impromptu hiatus...sorry folks. Being pregnant, planning a church ceremony, having two great little girls, and the family pup home with me all Summer, while pregnant, had me a little tied up...sometimes literally. But I am back to my regularly scheduled blogging, and hope to keep up with things, eventhough I am currently 34 weeks pregnant. It's hard for me to be too active, so why not blog, right??
My girls are spending the next two weeks with their Dad, which means, it's just me, the hubs, and the pup, and of course, the resident in my womb...lol. Some people say to me, "Well, at least you get a break." You know what, I don't look at it that way. I have two amazing girls, and a great hubby, so I really don't ever feel like I need them to go away. That being said, I miss them like crazy, and often find it very emotionally trying when they are not here.
I think that comes from how I define myself. I know we are not supposed to lose ourselves in the titles we hold, but I truly define myself as a Mom, not in totality, I do have other hats obviously...but I am Mom. It is ingrained in my being, there is nothing I can do about that, nor would I. But it does make it harder to say goodbye to them for extended periods. So, what do I do to cope?!?! Well, I usually try to save projects that I know they have no interest in, or at least would be more of a hindrance than a help with, for when they are gone. At least that way, I feel productive, and fill my time pretty well when they are not here. Soon enough, the new little baby will be here and I will be searching for time to get certain things done...but for now, that is what I do.
It's hard starting over, we are all certainly better off, God knows that, but it has been more challenging than even I imagined. The girls have handled life's circumstances so well...I admire their strength...and I am proud that they are my daugthters.
My girls are spending the next two weeks with their Dad, which means, it's just me, the hubs, and the pup, and of course, the resident in my womb...lol. Some people say to me, "Well, at least you get a break." You know what, I don't look at it that way. I have two amazing girls, and a great hubby, so I really don't ever feel like I need them to go away. That being said, I miss them like crazy, and often find it very emotionally trying when they are not here.
I think that comes from how I define myself. I know we are not supposed to lose ourselves in the titles we hold, but I truly define myself as a Mom, not in totality, I do have other hats obviously...but I am Mom. It is ingrained in my being, there is nothing I can do about that, nor would I. But it does make it harder to say goodbye to them for extended periods. So, what do I do to cope?!?! Well, I usually try to save projects that I know they have no interest in, or at least would be more of a hindrance than a help with, for when they are gone. At least that way, I feel productive, and fill my time pretty well when they are not here. Soon enough, the new little baby will be here and I will be searching for time to get certain things done...but for now, that is what I do.
It's hard starting over, we are all certainly better off, God knows that, but it has been more challenging than even I imagined. The girls have handled life's circumstances so well...I admire their strength...and I am proud that they are my daugthters.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Heading To Puerto Rico....HAPPY EASTER!!!
The hubby and I are heading to Puerto Rico for the week....be back soon!!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The Pill, Or Not The Pill, What IS The Question?!?!
I read an article on birth control pills and how some types have a higher risk of blood clots than others. Being that I am currently pregnant, obviously I myself am not on the pill....but I have been in the past. I hate it. It usually caused weight gain, nausea, and a host of other issues. Thought I would share this article for my friends that are on the pill, may be worth checking your risk levels....
The studies found that drospirenone has two to three times more risk of blood clots compared with birth control pills containing an older form of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. Dr Susan Jick, lead authors said that these findings “provide further evidence that levonorgestrel pills appear to be a safer choice” pertaining to blood clots.
Drug makers dispute the findings, saying the studies are flawed.
The research, led in the U.S. by Jick from the Boston University School of Medicine, used information from United States medical claims data and a United Kingdom research database.
In the U.S., the study reported that in one year, there are 30.8 blood clots per 100,000 women using the birth control containing drospirenone. That rate was lower with 12.5 blood clots for the older birth control pills using levonorgestrel.
"What’s important is that the risk is quite low," Jick said. "30 in 100,000 women is not very many blood clots. It is not that common, but it does happen more in drospirenone than levonorgestrel."
In the U.K., the yearly rates for blood clots were 23 clots per 100,000 women using the drospirenone pill and 9.1 for levonorgestrel.
"There is a risk no matter which oral contraceptive you choose to take," Jick said. "The risk appears higher in drospirenone, than levonorgesterel. Users should just be aware when they’re making a choice that there is a higher risk than the other."
Bayer, the maker of Yaz, challenged the study's methodology and the databases used, saying that they “provide less reliable conclusions than are available from existing scientific evidence.”
“Given the already large and robust scientific body of evidence, in Bayer's opinion, these studies do not change the overall assessment about the safety of Bayer's oral contraceptives.” The company said that the blood clot risk of using contraceptives that contain drospirenone is the same as those in the older birth control pills.
According to Bloomberg News, 6,850 lawsuits were pending in the U.S. as of February 1 over alleged injuries and deaths as a result of the use of Yasmin, Yaz, or generic versions of the drugs.
Physicians cautioned against making knee-jerk reactions to the findings:
– Dr. Jill Rabin, chief of ambulatory care, obstetrics and gynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York told WebMD, “These are strong studies, but they will not change the way I practice except that this information will be part of my conversation with patients,”
– André Lalonde, vice-president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, cautioned against jumping to conclusions. In the Globe and Mail, he said: “Each time a new product comes out, we see this – it’s the new pill effect. Risks and complications are always greatest in new patients, much higher than those who have used the same product for a long time."
Women who are using a newer version of birth control that contains the hormone drospirenone have a higher risk of serious blood clot, according to two studies published in the online version of the British Medical Journal.
Drospirenone is found in birth control pills such as Ocella, Yasmin and Yaz.The studies found that drospirenone has two to three times more risk of blood clots compared with birth control pills containing an older form of a progestin hormone called levonorgestrel. Dr Susan Jick, lead authors said that these findings “provide further evidence that levonorgestrel pills appear to be a safer choice” pertaining to blood clots.
Drug makers dispute the findings, saying the studies are flawed.
The research, led in the U.S. by Jick from the Boston University School of Medicine, used information from United States medical claims data and a United Kingdom research database.
In the U.S., the study reported that in one year, there are 30.8 blood clots per 100,000 women using the birth control containing drospirenone. That rate was lower with 12.5 blood clots for the older birth control pills using levonorgestrel.
"What’s important is that the risk is quite low," Jick said. "30 in 100,000 women is not very many blood clots. It is not that common, but it does happen more in drospirenone than levonorgestrel."
In the U.K., the yearly rates for blood clots were 23 clots per 100,000 women using the drospirenone pill and 9.1 for levonorgestrel.
"There is a risk no matter which oral contraceptive you choose to take," Jick said. "The risk appears higher in drospirenone, than levonorgesterel. Users should just be aware when they’re making a choice that there is a higher risk than the other."
Bayer, the maker of Yaz, challenged the study's methodology and the databases used, saying that they “provide less reliable conclusions than are available from existing scientific evidence.”
“Given the already large and robust scientific body of evidence, in Bayer's opinion, these studies do not change the overall assessment about the safety of Bayer's oral contraceptives.” The company said that the blood clot risk of using contraceptives that contain drospirenone is the same as those in the older birth control pills.
According to Bloomberg News, 6,850 lawsuits were pending in the U.S. as of February 1 over alleged injuries and deaths as a result of the use of Yasmin, Yaz, or generic versions of the drugs.
Physicians cautioned against making knee-jerk reactions to the findings:
– Dr. Jill Rabin, chief of ambulatory care, obstetrics and gynecology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York told WebMD, “These are strong studies, but they will not change the way I practice except that this information will be part of my conversation with patients,”
– André Lalonde, vice-president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, cautioned against jumping to conclusions. In the Globe and Mail, he said: “Each time a new product comes out, we see this – it’s the new pill effect. Risks and complications are always greatest in new patients, much higher than those who have used the same product for a long time."
Yummy! Baked Teriyaki Chicken
I get the recipe of the day from allrecipes.com, and today is Baked Teriyaki Chicken. It looks delicious!!
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Ready In:
Baked Teriyaki Chicken
Prep Time:
30 Min
Cook Time:
1 Hr
Ready In:
1 Hr 30 Min
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 skinless chicken thighs
Directions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch, cold water, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and ground black pepper. Let simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
- Place chicken pieces in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Brush chicken with the sauce. Turn pieces over, and brush again.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn pieces over, and bake for another 30 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Brush with sauce every 10 minutes during cooking.
It's A Balancing Act...
Being a Mom, whether stay at home, work at home, work out of the home, etc. is a balancing act. Finding a balance between being cooking, cleaning, parenting, and on and on is not an easy task. It goes beyond time management, because you always have to be able to expect the unexpected. Being pregnant right now also adds to the difficulty of balancing this act. I am thankful to have a husband that works his hardest to be supportive, help me whenever he can, and takes care of our family financially....taking one ball out of my juggling act. I was a single Mom for a couple years. It was so hard, but it was doable. I worked at a private preschool and had my kids there with me in some way, whether it was before and after care or their preschool year. To me it was more important to be there with them physically, then to try and make more money working longer hours somewhere else. I didn't make a lot of money, but I had more opportunity to be with my children than any other single, working Mom I know.
Having run the gamut, stay at home Mom, working Mom, and single working Mom, I will say, love being a stay at home Mom the most. Not because I feel it is the easiest, because honestly, it isn't. There is a whole emotional, psychological fear that can come with staying at home. You have to work through the idea that if, God forbid, something happens to your hubby, you may be in a really tough spot, and you are totally reliant on your spouse, financially. It is an adjustment....and of course, there is also the stigma from society that stay at home Moms are all sitting around like the various casts of The Real Housewives of WHEREVER. My days are pretty full, some more than others, some totally over-flowing. I do my best to keep the balance between being Mom, Wife, Homemaker, and just plain ME! One thing I learned the first time around being a stay at home Mom was NOT to lose ME in the process.
Don't ever lose who I AM while finding my way through this life....that goes for everybody!
Having run the gamut, stay at home Mom, working Mom, and single working Mom, I will say, love being a stay at home Mom the most. Not because I feel it is the easiest, because honestly, it isn't. There is a whole emotional, psychological fear that can come with staying at home. You have to work through the idea that if, God forbid, something happens to your hubby, you may be in a really tough spot, and you are totally reliant on your spouse, financially. It is an adjustment....and of course, there is also the stigma from society that stay at home Moms are all sitting around like the various casts of The Real Housewives of WHEREVER. My days are pretty full, some more than others, some totally over-flowing. I do my best to keep the balance between being Mom, Wife, Homemaker, and just plain ME! One thing I learned the first time around being a stay at home Mom was NOT to lose ME in the process.
Don't ever lose who I AM while finding my way through this life....that goes for everybody!
Moving Past A Troubled Childhood....
I found this article through CNN, and found it really interesting. I had a troubled childhood, went through years of therapy. Reading this article made me smile, as many of the tips resonated with me.
(Oprah.com) -- Author Tracy McMillan knows a thing or two about getting over a bad childhood. Her father was a drug-dealing pimp and convicted felon who spent most of his daughter's life behind bars. Her prostitute mother gave her away.
Here's what she wants you to know about getting over your past.
1. Get a new story
There are two ways for me to look at my childhood story. In one, I'm a person who is so unloved and unwanted, my own mother gave me away.
In the other, I was born, took a look around at my prostitute mother and criminal father, and said to myself, "I can totally do better than this. Get your stuff, we're leaving." In one I'm a victim, in the other, I'm in power.
Guess which viewpoint got me the career I have today?
Oprah.com: The man who got away (thank goodness!)
2. Realize blame = same
Blame is awesome. It feels good, right? It feels righteous. It feels powerful. It feels like someone's going to pay for what they did to you.
The only problem is -- as long as you're blaming -- nothing can ever change. Why? Because in order for your life to change, you have to want things to be different.
And if it feels good to blame, you have to admit that you like it. And if you like it, you have to admit that you don't really want it to change. Which is why blame just gets you more of the same.
3. Pretend you work at a retail store
Sometimes, I look at my bad childhood like it's an unruly customer and I'm working customer service the day after Christmas. It'll be acting up, moaning and complaining about how hard everything is, and how unfair it all is.
I just have to say to it, "Yes, I see you, ma'am. I know you have a problem. But right now I'm busy, so please have a seat. I''ll be with you just as soon as I can."
Then I do something productive that will actually change my situation, like go to work.
Oprah.com: 18 habits from childhood that affect your relationships now
4. Accept the fact that some don't really want you to succeed
This sounds harsh, and it is. But it's true.
Some of your family and friends "support" you by cosigning all your b.s. about how hard you have it, because if you succeed, two things will happen:
1) You will leave. And 2) They will be left behind.
This doesn't mean you have to get rid of your friends and family, you just have to remember that they love you so much, they're perfectly happy for you to stay exactly where you are right now.
5. Decide to KSA (Kick some ass)
When my 13-year-old said he hated science class, I told him that getting a 95 on the test was the equivalent of getting in the face of his least favorite teacher and saying, "Have some!"
In other words, kicking ass on the test is just like playing a video game. Needless to say, he's getting As now. Channeling your anger will get you a long, long way in life.
Oprah.com: 10 life lessons you should unlearn
6. Hoard your money
The number one way to end your bad childhood is to save money. I have a very simple rule about money: If I never spend everything I make, I will always have money. And money is power.
All those commercials you see are a big, rich company's attempt to get you to give them your power. Don't do it! Think of every dollar you save as one step away from the people and places that have kept you down.
7. Get a paper route
In fifth grade, I wanted a 10-speed bike like all the other kids had. So I started delivering papers when I was 11. In Minnesota. In the winter.
Compared to that, every job I've had since has been easy. While there may not be papers to deliver in the snow, the point is to do the thing you don't want to do.
Get a hard/crappy job and do it until the voices in your head stop telling you that you can't take it another minute. Everything after that will be cake, and your bad childhood will be over. I promise.
Oprah.com: Tracy McMillan's secret for getting over a bad breakup
7 tips for moving past a rotten childhood
April 13, 2011 9:56 a.m. EDT
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- In order for your life to change, you have to want things to be different, author says
- Think of every dollar you save as a step away from people and places that have kept you down
- Channeling your anger will get you a long, long way in life, author says
RELATED TOPICS
Here's what she wants you to know about getting over your past.
1. Get a new story
There are two ways for me to look at my childhood story. In one, I'm a person who is so unloved and unwanted, my own mother gave me away.
In the other, I was born, took a look around at my prostitute mother and criminal father, and said to myself, "I can totally do better than this. Get your stuff, we're leaving." In one I'm a victim, in the other, I'm in power.
Guess which viewpoint got me the career I have today?
Oprah.com: The man who got away (thank goodness!)
2. Realize blame = same
Blame is awesome. It feels good, right? It feels righteous. It feels powerful. It feels like someone's going to pay for what they did to you.
The only problem is -- as long as you're blaming -- nothing can ever change. Why? Because in order for your life to change, you have to want things to be different.
And if it feels good to blame, you have to admit that you like it. And if you like it, you have to admit that you don't really want it to change. Which is why blame just gets you more of the same.
3. Pretend you work at a retail store
Sometimes, I look at my bad childhood like it's an unruly customer and I'm working customer service the day after Christmas. It'll be acting up, moaning and complaining about how hard everything is, and how unfair it all is.
I just have to say to it, "Yes, I see you, ma'am. I know you have a problem. But right now I'm busy, so please have a seat. I''ll be with you just as soon as I can."
Then I do something productive that will actually change my situation, like go to work.
Oprah.com: 18 habits from childhood that affect your relationships now
4. Accept the fact that some don't really want you to succeed
This sounds harsh, and it is. But it's true.
Some of your family and friends "support" you by cosigning all your b.s. about how hard you have it, because if you succeed, two things will happen:
1) You will leave. And 2) They will be left behind.
This doesn't mean you have to get rid of your friends and family, you just have to remember that they love you so much, they're perfectly happy for you to stay exactly where you are right now.
5. Decide to KSA (Kick some ass)
When my 13-year-old said he hated science class, I told him that getting a 95 on the test was the equivalent of getting in the face of his least favorite teacher and saying, "Have some!"
In other words, kicking ass on the test is just like playing a video game. Needless to say, he's getting As now. Channeling your anger will get you a long, long way in life.
Oprah.com: 10 life lessons you should unlearn
6. Hoard your money
The number one way to end your bad childhood is to save money. I have a very simple rule about money: If I never spend everything I make, I will always have money. And money is power.
All those commercials you see are a big, rich company's attempt to get you to give them your power. Don't do it! Think of every dollar you save as one step away from the people and places that have kept you down.
7. Get a paper route
In fifth grade, I wanted a 10-speed bike like all the other kids had. So I started delivering papers when I was 11. In Minnesota. In the winter.
Compared to that, every job I've had since has been easy. While there may not be papers to deliver in the snow, the point is to do the thing you don't want to do.
Get a hard/crappy job and do it until the voices in your head stop telling you that you can't take it another minute. Everything after that will be cake, and your bad childhood will be over. I promise.
Oprah.com: Tracy McMillan's secret for getting over a bad breakup
Tracy McMillan is a film and television writer, most recently on AMC's "Mad Men." Her memoir, "I Love You and I'm Leaving You Anyway" is a comic, tragic, unflinchingly real, and ultimately victorious true story of how one woman learned to love herself no matter what.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Don't Dress Your Daughters Like Hookers.....Good Advice...
A couple Mom friends of mine "liked" this article through Facebook the other day, so I pulled it up and took a read. I had to laugh and yet, feel sad at the same time. I see sooo many young, really YOUNG girls out there dressing in very provocative clothing. My oldest daughter is 8, and has no interest in anything sex related at all. And, no I am not just being delusional. I can see the difference in her and other girls her age. What do I attribute the difference to?? Well, part of it I attribute to her diet, no wait, really! I give my girls organic milk and organic whatever else I can whenever I can, but especially MILK, meats, cheeses. I do my very best to avoid pumping the added hormones into their bodies, and THAT is what I believe makes a big difference. Secondly, like this article advises, I don't dress them like tramps. I don't draw attention to their rear ends with putting words like JUICY on their butt, or anything of the sort. I let them pick out their clothes, and I have total veto power. They go to Catholic School so they wear uniforms to school, but outside of that, they wear what they want. Neither of my girls has ever been put into an itty bitty bikini, nor will they while I can stop it. I do not want to objectify my daughters in any way to any body. They have plenty of time in their lives to be sexual beings with someone who loves and respects them first. At 8 and 6 years old, the last thing they need is male attention, unless it is the love, devotion, and parental guidance coming from their Dad or Stepdad.
Please, don't dress your daughters like tramps.
Please, don't dress your daughters like tramps.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Momma Said....
The first 3 years of life are the prime time to build a foundation in your child. This is the critical time in their lives when they need to learn discipline, routine, and have structure. I started time outs with my girls when they were each 1 year old. People would say, "But, she doesn't KNOW what you are doing." I would reply, "Maybe she does, maybe she doesn't, but one of these times she WILL and by then this will be our discipline routine." I did not wait until I was sure they were old enough to understand right from wrong, I began instilling it as early as I possibly could. One year old equalled 1 minute in time out. It was enough to break the cycle of whatever the child was doing. It was enough to start the pattern and routine of using time outs as our discipline. It was enough. My girls can be taken out to dinner at very nice restaurants and know how to behave. I have actually had wait staff compliment my children's behavior, and one even said to me, "It is a testament to the parenting they are receiving, because they are the best behaved, most polite children I have ever had THE PLEASURE of serving."
Are my kids perfect, far from it. They fight like sisters will, they complain when they are tired, or bored, or hot. They have selective hearing at times, and need to be corrected just like any other kid on the planet. But they have a solid basic foundation of expected behavior, and more than anything in the world, they have my heart, soul, and complete devotion. I love them more than words can ever capture, and they know it in their hearts and minds. It is my duty, my obligation, to raise them to the best of my ability. It is my obligation to teach them how to make good choices, how to deal with the ups and downs of life, to reach out my hand when they stumble, to make sure they always know, when they fall, I am there to help them up, and cheer them on....it is my obligation, my duty, and most of all, my undying honor.
Are my kids perfect, far from it. They fight like sisters will, they complain when they are tired, or bored, or hot. They have selective hearing at times, and need to be corrected just like any other kid on the planet. But they have a solid basic foundation of expected behavior, and more than anything in the world, they have my heart, soul, and complete devotion. I love them more than words can ever capture, and they know it in their hearts and minds. It is my duty, my obligation, to raise them to the best of my ability. It is my obligation to teach them how to make good choices, how to deal with the ups and downs of life, to reach out my hand when they stumble, to make sure they always know, when they fall, I am there to help them up, and cheer them on....it is my obligation, my duty, and most of all, my undying honor.
A Good Deed Every Day....
How hard would it be to do a good, self-less deed every day? This is my goal. I want to do a good deed every day. I will not publicize whatever I choose to do, because that defeats the idea of it being selfless...But here and now, I dedicate myself to one self-less act every day.
Unspoiling Your Child...
Is your child prone to temper tantrums? Do they work on you? Have you given in to the screaming just because you could not handle it anymore??? My girls have never really been into temper tantrums. When they each went through the three's (whoever said two years old was bad, never had a three year old) they each made a couple of attempts at tantrums. Honestly, I would tell them when they were ready to stop acting like that and talk to me nicely then they could come find me, and I would walk away. It nipped it in the bud almost immediately for my kids. But I have seen some real doosies walking around in public. You can tell the parents are completely at their wits ends, and just really want to through a tantrum themselves! I read this article, and thought it had some good tips....although the first step to UNspoiling your child is admitting they are spoiled to begin with....and that often times, is the hardest part. Unspoil Your Child
Bustelo In My Cup....
I am a coffeeholic. Being pregnant has certainly put the brakes on that to a great degree, but I still enjoy the amount of coffee I am allowed to have. I have tried many brands, flavors, strengths....and I always come back to one....BUSTELO!!!Monday, April 18, 2011
Diet and ADHD
I know this may be a controversial topic of discussion, but I firmly believe that ADHD can often times be aided greatly by making dietary changes. The things we put into our bodies nowadays are more toxic than ever. When our kids start developing "diseases" that never seemed to exist before we need to ask ourselves, WHY??? I think looking at diet FIRST can be a great tool in helping our kids reach their potential. Give the article a read, and then do your own research, there is way more than just this article to support the idea.
Kids with ADHD can be restless and difficult to handle. Many of them are treated with drugs, but a new study says food may be the key. Published in The Lancet journal, the study suggests that with a very restrictive diet, kids with ADHD could experience a significant reduction in symptoms.
The study's lead author, Dr. Lidy Pelsser of the ADHD Research Centre in the Netherlands, writes in The Lancet that the disorder is triggered in many cases by external factors — and those can be treated through changes to one's environment.
"ADHD, it's just a couple of symptoms — it's not a disease," the Dutch researcher tells All Things Considered weekend host Guy Raz.
The way we think about — and treat — these behaviors is wrong, Pelsser says. "There is a paradigm shift needed. If a child is diagnosed ADHD, we should say, 'OK, we have got those symptoms, now let's start looking for a cause.' "
Pelsser compares ADHD to eczema. "The skin is affected, but a lot of people get eczema because of a latex allergy or because they are eating a pineapple or strawberries."
According to Pelsser, 64 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD are actually experiencing a hypersensitivity to food. Researchers determined that by starting kids on a very elaborate diet, then restricting it over a few weeks' time.
"It's only five weeks," Pelsser says. "If it is the diet, then we start to find out which foods are causing the problems."
Teachers and doctors who worked with children in the study reported marked changes in behavior. "In fact, they were flabbergasted," Pelsser says.
"After the diet, they were just normal children with normal behavior," she says. No longer were they easily distracted or forgetful, and the temper tantrums subsided.
Some teachers said they never thought it would work, Pelsser says. "It was so strange," she says, "that a diet would change the behavior of a child as thoroughly as they saw it. It was a miracle, a teacher said."
But diet is not the solution for all children with ADHD, Pelsser cautions.
"In all children, we should start with diet research," she says. If a child's behavior doesn't change, then drugs may still be necessary. "But now we are giving them all drugs, and I think that's a huge mistake," she says.
Also, Pelsser warns, altering your child's diet without a doctor's supervision is inadvisable.
"We have got good news — that food is the main cause of ADHD," she says. "We've got bad news — that we have to train physicians to monitor this procedure because it cannot be done by a physician who is not trained."
iStockphoto.com According to Dr. Lidy Pelsser's study, 64 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD are actually experiencing a hypersensitivity to food.
March 12, 2011
Hyperactivity. Fidgeting. Inattention. Impulsivity. If your child has one or more of these qualities on a regular basis, you may be told that he or she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If so, they'd be among about 10 percent of children in the United States.Kids with ADHD can be restless and difficult to handle. Many of them are treated with drugs, but a new study says food may be the key. Published in The Lancet journal, the study suggests that with a very restrictive diet, kids with ADHD could experience a significant reduction in symptoms.
The study's lead author, Dr. Lidy Pelsser of the ADHD Research Centre in the Netherlands, writes in The Lancet that the disorder is triggered in many cases by external factors — and those can be treated through changes to one's environment.
"ADHD, it's just a couple of symptoms — it's not a disease," the Dutch researcher tells All Things Considered weekend host Guy Raz.
The way we think about — and treat — these behaviors is wrong, Pelsser says. "There is a paradigm shift needed. If a child is diagnosed ADHD, we should say, 'OK, we have got those symptoms, now let's start looking for a cause.' "
Pelsser compares ADHD to eczema. "The skin is affected, but a lot of people get eczema because of a latex allergy or because they are eating a pineapple or strawberries."
According to Pelsser, 64 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD are actually experiencing a hypersensitivity to food. Researchers determined that by starting kids on a very elaborate diet, then restricting it over a few weeks' time.
"It's only five weeks," Pelsser says. "If it is the diet, then we start to find out which foods are causing the problems."
Teachers and doctors who worked with children in the study reported marked changes in behavior. "In fact, they were flabbergasted," Pelsser says.
"After the diet, they were just normal children with normal behavior," she says. No longer were they easily distracted or forgetful, and the temper tantrums subsided.
Some teachers said they never thought it would work, Pelsser says. "It was so strange," she says, "that a diet would change the behavior of a child as thoroughly as they saw it. It was a miracle, a teacher said."
But diet is not the solution for all children with ADHD, Pelsser cautions.
"In all children, we should start with diet research," she says. If a child's behavior doesn't change, then drugs may still be necessary. "But now we are giving them all drugs, and I think that's a huge mistake," she says.
Also, Pelsser warns, altering your child's diet without a doctor's supervision is inadvisable.
"We have got good news — that food is the main cause of ADHD," she says. "We've got bad news — that we have to train physicians to monitor this procedure because it cannot be done by a physician who is not trained."
Happy Tax Day....
Just a reminder that today is Tax Day. We got an extra couple of days since Friday was Emancipation Day. In case you may not know what it is, just click on Emancipation Day to find out.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Drama, It's a Girl Thang.....Or Is It???
As my two daughters get older I have noticed more and more drama coming home from school. This person said this about me, that one said that about me....blah blah blah, the same drama that made the world go round when I was a little girl.
Is this just a girl thing? Boys don't seem to come with as much drama as little girls. Boys get mad, say whatever they are going to say, and then, they move on. Girls seem to hold grudges, and keep tabs on who said what. Is this the precursor to the joke about how women NEVER forget, me thinks it is.
I try my best to guide my girls through the neverending pandora's box that is friendship. I try to help them see the truths, and dispell the falsehoods. It is hard, because sometimes it means helping them to see that they themselves are not right.
I do my best, as we all should. I know I will screw up along the way, but my girls know I love them above all else.
Is this just a girl thing? Boys don't seem to come with as much drama as little girls. Boys get mad, say whatever they are going to say, and then, they move on. Girls seem to hold grudges, and keep tabs on who said what. Is this the precursor to the joke about how women NEVER forget, me thinks it is.
I try my best to guide my girls through the neverending pandora's box that is friendship. I try to help them see the truths, and dispell the falsehoods. It is hard, because sometimes it means helping them to see that they themselves are not right.
I do my best, as we all should. I know I will screw up along the way, but my girls know I love them above all else.
Best Mac and Cheese, EVER.
In our house, we are BIG on cooking everything from scratch. We eat as little processed food as possible. I found this great recipe for Baked Mac-N-Cheese, by Alton Brown from Food Network. Some of my friends have tried it too, and OMG, it is smack yo Momma good...LOL.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon powdered mustard
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper
Topping:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.
A Link To Share...
I was doing some reading and came across this site, all about positive parenting. It has tips, stories, even classes. Just thought I would share.
Positive Parenting!
Positive Parenting!
The Joys Of Pregnancy...
I often feel sorry for my hubby, living with two little girls, a goofy pup, and a pregnant wife. I am 16 weeks along, and the first 12 were horrible. I was sick almost all the time, which was completely different from my first two pregnancies....color me SHOCKED, and green...very green...
Now, I am no longer nauseous, thank goodness, but I have that pregnancy insomnia, and I am also dealing with limbs falling asleep through the night, which wakes me up. I don't have a whole lot of energy, and I know I am not as active as I was before I got pregnant.
I love my hubby, and he is great for being patient and as understanding as he can be, considering this isn't really an experience he can relate to. He does a great job, and I appreciate him very much.
We are heading to Puerto Rico next week, some sun, fun, and best of all, relaxation! I am looking forward to our getaway....
Now, I am no longer nauseous, thank goodness, but I have that pregnancy insomnia, and I am also dealing with limbs falling asleep through the night, which wakes me up. I don't have a whole lot of energy, and I know I am not as active as I was before I got pregnant.
I love my hubby, and he is great for being patient and as understanding as he can be, considering this isn't really an experience he can relate to. He does a great job, and I appreciate him very much.
We are heading to Puerto Rico next week, some sun, fun, and best of all, relaxation! I am looking forward to our getaway....
My New Vacuum....
A week or so ago, I found myself in need of a new vacuum. I have a dog, who is currently shedding his entire Winter coat. I have a 3 level townhome, and am pregnant so the stairs are a killer. I needed something great on pet hair, lightweight, and that was not going to be cutting into the grocery budget due to cost.
I did some research and decided to try out the Shark Navigator Lift-Away. I love this vacuum. I vacuumed my entire house in an hour, including the stair cases, bare floors, everything, and did not break a sweat for the first time ever.
It swivels, has a detachable cannister, great tools, and is about 12 pounds. I cannot say enough about this vacuum. I bought it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, using my ever handy 20% off coupon, the normally $169.99 vacuum cost me about $142 after tax.
Blending Families
As I stated in my introduction, my family is a blended family. My husband and I have been married for almost a year, and my daughter are the products of my first marriage, which lasted about 11 years. I was a military/government wife, and funny enough, my hubby also works for "the man."
When I first met my now husband, he was leery of dating a woman with a child, let alone two kids. But, after getting to know, and fall in love with me, and I with him....it came time for him to meet my girls.
I think he fell in love with them even faster than he did with me. My girls are pretty darn well behaved, because I have always had that expectation of them, even through the divorce. I never slacked off out of feeling guilty of their family falling apart. On the contrary, I looked at it like this, it is my OBLIGATION to my kids to keep the same consistency in their lives as much as possible. They had the same rules, same bedtime, same routine.
I feel like too many people nowadays let their kids run the show. They do not instill discipline in them. I have never laid a hand on my kids. I use time outs and then I talk to them, and make them follow-up afterwards with an apology, and reparations for their actions.
If one of my daughters says something mean to the other, they will get warned, talked to, and if they do it again, they go to their room where they are to sit and wait for me....not play with toys, sit there. I talk to them about what they said, or did, and then they are to apologize for what they did, and make sure the other one is okay.
My girls are learning to use their voices to communicate their needs, wants, opinions, ideas, etc. If they have a problem with a friend, I advise them to talk directly to the friend! If something happens, confront the situation head on, not in a negative way, but directly.
It has not been easy to blend our family, every day is a work in progress, but I think we would all agree that it has gone as smoothly as it could have possibly gone considering all the circumstances involved. Now, we just have to adjust to adding a baby to the mix, no big thing, right?!?!
Do you have a blended family? Please feel free to share your experiences!! Ask questions, lend advice to me, or others reading....use your voice!
When I first met my now husband, he was leery of dating a woman with a child, let alone two kids. But, after getting to know, and fall in love with me, and I with him....it came time for him to meet my girls.
I think he fell in love with them even faster than he did with me. My girls are pretty darn well behaved, because I have always had that expectation of them, even through the divorce. I never slacked off out of feeling guilty of their family falling apart. On the contrary, I looked at it like this, it is my OBLIGATION to my kids to keep the same consistency in their lives as much as possible. They had the same rules, same bedtime, same routine.
I feel like too many people nowadays let their kids run the show. They do not instill discipline in them. I have never laid a hand on my kids. I use time outs and then I talk to them, and make them follow-up afterwards with an apology, and reparations for their actions.
If one of my daughters says something mean to the other, they will get warned, talked to, and if they do it again, they go to their room where they are to sit and wait for me....not play with toys, sit there. I talk to them about what they said, or did, and then they are to apologize for what they did, and make sure the other one is okay.
My girls are learning to use their voices to communicate their needs, wants, opinions, ideas, etc. If they have a problem with a friend, I advise them to talk directly to the friend! If something happens, confront the situation head on, not in a negative way, but directly.
It has not been easy to blend our family, every day is a work in progress, but I think we would all agree that it has gone as smoothly as it could have possibly gone considering all the circumstances involved. Now, we just have to adjust to adding a baby to the mix, no big thing, right?!?!
Do you have a blended family? Please feel free to share your experiences!! Ask questions, lend advice to me, or others reading....use your voice!
Vinegar...
Did you know there is a Vinegar Institute?? I had no idea! There are countless uses for vinegar, and I love it!! So here I share with you, a link to The Vinegar Institute
Murphy's Multi-Surface Natural
This cleaner was recommended to me by my cousin. She happened to call me when I was in Target, to tell me about this great smelling, great cleaning, natural product. I happened to find the last bottle left in Target. After risking life and limb climbing to the top shelf, and yes, I know the shelves are not to be used as steps but desperate times call for desperate measures; I got the cleaner and headed home.
Upon opening the bottle I fell in love. No, really, the smell of this cleaner is fresh, and clean. The cleaner is concentrated so it has to be diluted. I got a couple of spray bottles and filled each up with water and cleaner. I cleaned everything I could get to before having to pick up my kids at school. When I got home my hubby was there, and the first thing out of him mouth was, "What is that smell, it smells great in here!" Even the girls said it smelled great in the house. That was it, I was hooked, completely and totally.
It cleans well, it smells fabulous, and doesn't leave a film behind. At $4.00 a bottle, you can't beat that with a stick!
Hello, Good Morning!
Good morning, what a gorgeous day here in Virginia! The storms rolled through last night, and thankfully today, all seems to be doing well. My thoughts and prayers with those not so fortunate with last night's weather. So here I am, a stay at home Mom, with 8 and 6 year old daughters, and a baby on the way. I was divorced, and remarried last May, so I am also a newlywed, who is currently expecting a baby this September, and Mom to Tai, our Puggle puppy. Our life is full of life, love, and laughter. One of my joys in life is sharing my experiences with others, good, bad, ugly, whatever. This blog is about sharing information, opinions, ideas, advice....everything that comes with the art of being Mom. I have plenty to share in the realms of cooking, cleaning, parenting, etc. And I am always looking for new points of views on old topics.
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