Tell the FDA: Label My Food!
Posted on | October 5, 2011 | No Comments
Are you concerned about genetically engineered (GE) foods? Do you believe we have the right to know what’s in our food?
Currently there are no laws requiring labeling of genetically modified foods.
Puberty in Second Grade?
Posted on | October 4, 2011 | No Comments
I’m on the BPA rant, again.
Academy of Pediatrics found that one in ten girls start to develop breasts at the age of seven, with even higher rates in some communities. One of the reasons for this frightening increase in early puberty? Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals like BPA in everyday items.
CLICK HERE to sign the petition to Tell Manufacturers to Stop Marketing BPA to Kids. I personally want them to stop using BPA all together!!
I Have Your Back
Posted on | September 28, 2011 | 2 Comments
Life is wonderful… and harrowing all in the same breath. When something hurts one of my children, I physically feel the sting. I question what is the best way to handle it. Will they learn and grow from the positives as well as the negatives? I want what every parent wants…
Then I begin to whirl… I worry about the children out there, that might not have that someone. That someone who has their back. I try to rationalize. Everyone has a heart and a brain. Everyone has the same guiding principle. We are all the same.
Yesterday, while stalking my new best friend, Vikki, from Up Popped Fox, I saw this story, “Flying While Muslim… or Gay.” Please read it. Thx.
Death and Social Media
Posted on | September 12, 2011 | 18 Comments
I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to write a condolence on someone’s Facebook wall. It seems so impersonal. Shouldn’t death be treated with honor and privacy?
Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. in my view have changed the world for the better. Yes there are a few hoaxes, for example, ‘Gay Girl In Damascus,’ but what Facebook and Twitter give to us is the ability to share common, everyday, immediate information. Real-life. Yes, I tend to use Twitter to vent, but it has many other more favorable capabilities.
When my 95-year-old grandfather, Gramps, passed away this past March, I change my Facebook profile photo. It was the above photo of Kevin and I dancing with him and Grandma on our surprise wedding day. It’s my favorite photo of the two of them. I loved him (and Grandma) so much, and seeing a pack of Juicy Fruit gum will always bring a smile to my face.
Our community suffered a great loss this past week. The 20-year-old son of a very well liked, well-known family died. He left behind his parents, a younger brother, two younger sisters, and a very large extended family.
His father is Rebecca’s favorite teacher of all time, and the older of the two sisters is on Grace’s volleyball team. Both Rebecca and Grace have always talked about how wonderful and kind she, the sister, is. They both really like her.
The mentions on Facebook came slow at first. I’m sure everyone was in shock, and I know that everyone wanted to do whatever was possible to help the family during those first moments.
I’ll admit that two nights later, I searched for the deceased’s Facebook page. There was an endless outpour from friends. He touched so many lives. I felt like a stalker, but it gave me a sense of reassurance seeing first-hand how beautifully he was being honored.
A few days prior to the death, a friend’s mother passed away. She was too young, but it wasn’t a surprise because she was battling cancer. The messages on her wall were beautiful as well. They were packed with memories and photos from loved ones.
Facebook seemed too impersonal to be included with death, but I’m beginning to see how it has become an acceptable form of support for the loved ones. Even meaningful.
Last year when my friend Ken passed away unexpectedly, I found reading the wall posts left for him were very moving. Friends of his that I never knew had such wonderful memories of him. It was a beautiful way to honor his life. His daughters wrote the most moving messages. I went to his site months later and found many messages from his two daughters telling him how much he was missed.
Just two months ago when a good friend’s husband died unexpectedly, I wanted her to know I was there for her. I knew her family was with her, and I knew family and friends from out of town where with her. I always try to not be a bother or in the way, and I’ll admit I never want to say anything wrong. Because of this, I find it easier not to say anything. I know, I get scared and I’m a chicken. The best way for me to tell her how sorry I was for her loss was to direct message her. She replied immediately.
Kevin and I attended her husband’s memorial service, which I have to say was one of the most beautiful, nonconformist, and moving services. Later, I apologized to her for not greeting her face-to-face after the service. She was so busy talking to friends and family, and I knew I’d be there for her later. She told me that she was glad I didn’t because it became overwhelming for her. I hope she knows I’m still here for her, even at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. Whenever she needs to talk.
Yesterday, we attended the 20-year-old’s memorial service. It was beyond moving. The love and strength from his family cannot be measured. He sounded like an amazing kid, and I am so sorry I never had the opportunity to meet him. I am so fortunate that I have had the opportunity to get to know his family. They are amazing, and I will pray that they will have the strength to find peace.
Yes, I went to Facebook to read the updates after the service. Everyone was moved. Many were moved in the same way. Many were moved in different ways, but everyone wants to help the family in anyway possible. Facebook has unlocked the exchange. Thank you Mr. Zuckerberg and/or the Winklevi Twins – whoever…
The College Search is On
Posted on | August 29, 2011 | 2 Comments
Yesterday, Rebecca and I attended her first college informational meeting. When I went to college a million years ago I never attended an informational meeting. Neither did Kevin. After much discussion last night, I’m sure Rebecca is realizing that both of her parents are ID10ts.
Kevin chose The University of Cincinnati after attending a huge party at a friend’s brother’s dorm. After that, there was no need for him to look at another school. I chose Kent State University for 2 reasons. One being that I was highly advised from my parents to not go out of state due to the higher tuition (that I would be paying-off for the rest of my existence,) and two, as much as I hate to admit this, my high school sweetheart was going to a private college only 30 minutes up the road from Kent.
Yesterday, we were introduced to Case Western Reserve University. The meeting was held in Cincinnati at an Embassy Suites. Both Rebecca and I found it very informational. Many questions that we didn’t even know we had were answered. I in particular loved how they “sold” us on the University. Then they began to list the requirements for admission. Rebecca has already reached and exceeded the measures, and she still has 2 more years of high school. Yes, this is great, but there’s always a price tag. Case Western Reserve University costs the same as the Ivy Leagues. We want the best for her, but she also has 2 younger siblings.
This is just the beginning of her search. Tonight she and I are attending another informational session, but tonight there will be 40 colleges/universities represented. Do you think Grace and Eddie will receive this attention when it’s time for them? Probably not.
Grace loves to tell this story: Mom and Dad do everything for Rebecca. When it comes to me and Eddie, they are tired. When Rebecca was a baby, mom would get up and feed her every time she cried in the middle of the night. When I cried, she’s get up and close my bedroom door. When Eddie came along and cried, she’d stuff towels under the door so she wouldn’t hear him.
Sadly, she’s not far off.
Do you pay school fees?
Posted on | August 24, 2011 | 8 Comments
Yesterday, my children began yet another year of school. They all woke up on their own, and were ready for breakfast without having to scream. Today was a different story, already.
Yesterday was also the day of filling out countless forms and paying school fees. When did this come about? Have we been paying school fees forever?
I am not complaining. I’m just concerned. My children attend a great school. We stay in the community because of the school system. What we lose in closet space they gain in the brain.
We have 3 children. Numbers 1 & 2 are in high school, and #3 is in junior high.
#1 – $535.50 (this includes 4 AP class tests at $88 each)
#2 – $181.00
#3 – $68.00
Now add optional costs, PTO, Athletic Boosters, Art/Theatre Boosters, PSAT review sessions, etc.
And, don’t forget school supplies. I save big on school supplies, but we did just purchase our 3rd TI-84 for #3. Oh, and underwear. My children go thru underwear like they’re toilet paper. Is underwear singular or plural? It or them? #1 will correct me later.
Don’t get me wrong, this is good. We are fortunate to have 3 healthy, somewhat-focused children. My concern is for those who may not be able to pay school fees. Or worse, those that aren’t in a good school system.
What are you paying for your children to attend school? I’d really like to know.
I Never Got My Summer Feet
Posted on | August 22, 2011 | 5 Comments
Tomorrow marks the official end of summer in our home because school starts. I am now the proud mother of a high school junior, high school freshman, and junior high 7th grader. All 3 kids will be exiting the back door to walk half a block to enter their respective schools. I will be donning my pajamas all week. Maybe all year? I’ve been waiting for this day.
This brings me to the realization that I never achieved “summer feet.” Why? You just wait until you reach your mid 40s. I was one to never wear shoes. I come from a family that never wore shoes. One of my favorite stories is that of my great-grandmother sitting outside her back stoop carving the dead skin off her heals with a paring knife. Call my crazy, but I find that to be of high standing.
My feet have taken the abuse of age and weight for far too long. After 44 years they refuse to NOT wear shoes. The sad fact is that I will probably never have summer feet for the rest of my life. The days of walking thru broken glass and thistles, and not worrying are over.
So much for staying in my pajamas for the rest of the year. I should probably get dressed and make an appointment to be fitted for orthopedics. I mean orthotics. Whatever!
All-American Family
Posted on | August 16, 2011 | 8 Comments
Yes, we are an All-American Family. Doesn’t every family spend a Saturday evening at the area dirt-track for Stock Car Racing?
Oh, but wait. Before we went to the track, my youngest shot some sort of big gun of my dads. I can’t remember the name or numbers. I do remember they said it takes “shorts.” Whatever. What has become of my life?
What I learned at BlogHer 2011, San Diego
Posted on | August 10, 2011 | 26 Comments
Last year I came away from BlogHer 2010 with information overload. This year I was not going to make the same mistake. I decided I’d only “half listen.” Just like my kids.
Well, my kids were right again; half listening is the answer. I had a great time. Before BlogHer began on Friday, I attended Women Create Media. The taxi driver and I could not find the venue. Someone stole his GPS, and I of course was clueless on where we were going. Did you know the Joan B. Kroc Center of San Diego is located on the campus of the University of San Diego? I didn’t either. Note to all: the iPhone Maps App can only do so much.
The information from Women Create Media was very valuable. Lindsey from Rock and Roll Mama did a fabulous job creating and hosting the first ever WCM Conference. I’ve never considered myself a writer, and after meeting many incredible writers, I never will. I’ll just continue to pretend.
I made some great new friends. One being, Lisa Hartman from Utah of Hers, His and OURS.
Lisa and I shared a taxi back to the hotel. From there she was on her way to meet a blogger from Ohio. A blogger who she had never met face to face. “Oh, who is she?” I asked. “Cafe Smom from Cleveland” replies Lisa.
I know Cafe Smom, aka Heather. I met her in Cincinnati. Her website is acting funky so here is her Cafe Smom Facebook page.
Earlier in the day, I met Sarah from Dot Mine. She lives in Michigan. Her mother grew up in Ohio. Where in Ohio? Four blocks away from our current home. Wait! It doesn’t end there. After talking, we discovered that her next door neighbor grew up in my small hometown of St. Somewhere, Ohio. I heart Kevin Bacon.
Now I must introduce you to two friends I will not, ever NEVER NEVER forget: Vikki of Up Popped a Fox and Deborah of Peaches & Coconuts.
The first morning at breakfast, I plopped my crap down at a table and had the most enjoyable breakfast. Remember, this was a conference of 3,600+ bloggers/affiliates/geeks. The place was packed with people. Wow, did I ever get lucky sitting at that table. Vikki and Deborah are a traveling, comedic wonder. We discussed blogging, children, where we live, the Diva Cup vs. the new disposable Soft Cup—the usual conversation. I am seriously concerned for the wild life. If the plastic 6-pack rings can kill birds on the beach, what will the disposable Soft Cup have in store?
Back to Vikki and Deborah. I have a girl crush on both of them. You must read their blogs; they are brilliant.
Now for an Idiot Mom story. Vikki and Deborah popped by a table I was at during one of the many parties. (Can you believe I left San Diego with 6 of the 10 drink tickets unused? So not me.) Anyway, Vikki and Deborah introduced me to Dana from Mombian. Mombian and I chatted for awhile, and I finally got up the nerve to ask about her name. “So do you have an Ambien addiction?” What does Mombian mean to you? I’m such an idiot. Dana was delightful and probably scared.
The “lesbian bloggers” have their own group of friends, and the thing I love most is that they are very inclusive. Makes me want to try this lesbian thing out, and I’m fairly sure they would welcome my husband. What I’m trying to say, is that there are really great people all over the world, and I met many this past weekend. Oh, and the “fashion bloggers” are not so inclusive.
I also want to introduce you to Colette from Learning To Eat Allergy Free. I first met Colette in Atlanta this past spring. In San Diego, we had the opportunity to talk a bit more. She is in the process of writing her first book. As soon as her book is published and ready to go, I’ll let you all know.
Crap, I’ve got to run. Damn kids. But let me leave you with what I found upon my return home. My husband created a large banner that read: WTFB. What does that mean? I’ve been thinking about writing a book about—so not ready to share that with you yet… Hubs wants me to focus and Write The Freakin’ Book. So, I’m going to Write The Freakin’ Book!
Oh, and the 16-year-old fixed my Google Analytics.
My Google Analytics PlugIn is NOT Working, and I Don’t Care – I know I Should Care, BUT
Posted on | August 4, 2011 | 9 Comments
Check out my view. Yes, I’m in San Diego attending Blogher 11. If I were a kickass blogger I’d have numbers. Guess what? I don’t care. Why should I?
Numbers? I’ll give you some numbers. I have not 1, but 2 balconies. Do you know how hard it is not to throw stuff over?
Hmmm. Numbers? 3 HOURS. It might only be 9:30 PM, but it’s 12:30 AM for me. Yes, I’ll be up at 4:00 AM waiting for Starbucks to open.
I was in the air for 4 hours sitting next to Single Mom Survives. We had a lovely flight chit-chattin’. She and Sex, Lies, and Bacon are hosting a kick @$$ party (#kissoursass) tomorrow night at the Hard Rock. Match.com is their major sponsor and guess what? I’m not invited because I’m married.
I love the concept of Match.com. I wonder were I’d be today if I didn’t marry Hubs during the Pioneer Times (BI – Before Internet). Then again, ugh. The thought of dating. YUCK!
Why do I always want to get away from my family for a few days (you know, for me time), but then when I do I MISS THE CRAP OUT OF THEM?
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