But tell me, when did this
become this?
DAMN!!
And by that I mean D-AAAAAAAA-MN!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Yeah...I'm Going To Hell...
...for having impure thoughts about Harry Potter.
But tell me, when did this
But tell me, when did this
Monday, January 29, 2007
Don't Be A Boob
Loved, loved, loved this article.
A guy's guide to breast-feeding: Don't be a boob
To look or not to look? How men should act around a nursing mom
A guy's guide to breast-feeding: Don't be a boob
To look or not to look? How men should act around a nursing mom
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Supply and Demand
After reading the posts at both Bombadee’s and I Blame the Patriarchy I decided to do some Googling to see what other “onesie’s” I could find out there. The selections below took mere minutes to accumulate and finally I had to stop looking.
I’ll let the picture below speak for itself, and just to avoid any conversation on gender discrimination or appropriateness please note you could purchase all of the selections below in either white, blue or pink.
Wow.
“For Sale By Owner”
“Boob Man”
“Playground Pimp”
“Lock Up Your Daughters”
“Boob-a-holic The First Step is Admitting It”
“Mommy Drinks Because I Cry”
“Breastfed Baby Stick Around for the Show”
“Pinch My Cheeks I’ll Kick Your @$$”
“I Get To Suck Tits All Day”
“Pullout Baby”
“My Name is Oops”
“It’s This Big”
I’ll let the picture below speak for itself, and just to avoid any conversation on gender discrimination or appropriateness please note you could purchase all of the selections below in either white, blue or pink.
Wow.
“For Sale By Owner”
“Boob Man”
“Playground Pimp”
“Lock Up Your Daughters”
“Boob-a-holic The First Step is Admitting It”
“Mommy Drinks Because I Cry”
“Breastfed Baby Stick Around for the Show”
“Pinch My Cheeks I’ll Kick Your @$$”
“I Get To Suck Tits All Day”
“Pullout Baby”
“My Name is Oops”
“It’s This Big”
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Calogero Vizzini, Al Capone, Luky Luciano & TaterTot
An article I read recently titled Baby makes 3: How kids rattle friendships had the section copied below, which I found hilarious:
Beware the 'mommy mafia'
Happily childfree by choice, Lisa Giassa, a 35-year-old public relations executive who lives in Bergen County, N.J., saw many of her friends get sucked into what she calls “the mommy mafia. All they do is talk — more like complain — about their kids, their husbands, dramas with teachers and other mommy mafia members,” says Giassa.
She has few friends left who have children and cherishes the ones she calls “me-first moms.” Me-first moms, she said, nurture friendships, while members of the mommy mafia are more likely to go months without calling. “It's as if they became incapable of doing anything that didn't fit their ideal of what a mommy should be and do. It just became too much effort and I began to ask what am I getting from these friendships? What am I giving? Then I realized we just grew apart. So it was time to find new friends.”
A dictionary of the Italian language describes mafia as: "A complex of small clandestine associations governed by a code of silence and being in control of some business activities and of party patronage in the administration of the Region of Sicily".
If our families or children are considered our “business” there are few days any of us would boast we felt in control, while my pal Jenny is Italian I don’t believe she’s Sicilian so that’s not applicable, and the phrase “code of silence” is laughable as we’re not silent about anything. Usually you can’t get us to shut-up.
I’m not sure if I would be considered a “Me-First-Mom” or a member of the “Mommy Mafia”. I would guess a bit of both. The majority of my friends and all of my closest friends are also mothers so it’s hard for me to gauge how we may come across to the childless. I will admit when I have gone out with a group of Mom’s in the past I know I have grown inpatient with story after story after story about what their kid may or may not have done since I saw them last. I can't imagine how much it may suck to someone without kids listening to an hour-long story about how my three-year old navigated potty training. While I like to brag up my kids as much as the next gal, it can get tiresome after a while even mother to mother. I have wondered if some women I know are able to define themselves outside of being a mother (there’s my judgemental side again).
If we are part of an underground Mommy Mafia, then I want to assign the following titles to my "family":
Bombadee as Capo Crimine - The head of the family, usually reigning as a dictator, sometimes called the "don", or "godfather”. Level headed and cool under pressue, but knows when it’s necessary to order a hit. Offering information on an as-needed basis, she trusts few and keeps her enemies under a watchful eye.
Mrs. BlahZeeBlah as Consigliere - Consigliere is an advisor to the family. They are often low profile gangsters that can be trusted. They are used as a mediator of disputes or representatives or aids in meetings with other Families. They often keep the Family looking as legitimate as possible. They usually do not have crew of their own, but still wield great power in the Family.
TaterTot as Capo di Tutti Capi – “Boss of all Bosses” of course. After all, this is my blog and according to Bombadee I get to be the coolest person on my blog.
So what are you; a “Me-First-Mom” or member of the “Mommy Mafia”?
Beware the 'mommy mafia'
Happily childfree by choice, Lisa Giassa, a 35-year-old public relations executive who lives in Bergen County, N.J., saw many of her friends get sucked into what she calls “the mommy mafia. All they do is talk — more like complain — about their kids, their husbands, dramas with teachers and other mommy mafia members,” says Giassa.
She has few friends left who have children and cherishes the ones she calls “me-first moms.” Me-first moms, she said, nurture friendships, while members of the mommy mafia are more likely to go months without calling. “It's as if they became incapable of doing anything that didn't fit their ideal of what a mommy should be and do. It just became too much effort and I began to ask what am I getting from these friendships? What am I giving? Then I realized we just grew apart. So it was time to find new friends.”
A dictionary of the Italian language describes mafia as: "A complex of small clandestine associations governed by a code of silence and being in control of some business activities and of party patronage in the administration of the Region of Sicily".
If our families or children are considered our “business” there are few days any of us would boast we felt in control, while my pal Jenny is Italian I don’t believe she’s Sicilian so that’s not applicable, and the phrase “code of silence” is laughable as we’re not silent about anything. Usually you can’t get us to shut-up.
I’m not sure if I would be considered a “Me-First-Mom” or a member of the “Mommy Mafia”. I would guess a bit of both. The majority of my friends and all of my closest friends are also mothers so it’s hard for me to gauge how we may come across to the childless. I will admit when I have gone out with a group of Mom’s in the past I know I have grown inpatient with story after story after story about what their kid may or may not have done since I saw them last. I can't imagine how much it may suck to someone without kids listening to an hour-long story about how my three-year old navigated potty training. While I like to brag up my kids as much as the next gal, it can get tiresome after a while even mother to mother. I have wondered if some women I know are able to define themselves outside of being a mother (there’s my judgemental side again).
If we are part of an underground Mommy Mafia, then I want to assign the following titles to my "family":
Bombadee as Capo Crimine - The head of the family, usually reigning as a dictator, sometimes called the "don", or "godfather”. Level headed and cool under pressue, but knows when it’s necessary to order a hit. Offering information on an as-needed basis, she trusts few and keeps her enemies under a watchful eye.
Mrs. BlahZeeBlah as Consigliere - Consigliere is an advisor to the family. They are often low profile gangsters that can be trusted. They are used as a mediator of disputes or representatives or aids in meetings with other Families. They often keep the Family looking as legitimate as possible. They usually do not have crew of their own, but still wield great power in the Family.
TaterTot as Capo di Tutti Capi – “Boss of all Bosses” of course. After all, this is my blog and according to Bombadee I get to be the coolest person on my blog.
So what are you; a “Me-First-Mom” or member of the “Mommy Mafia”?
Friday, January 12, 2007
Baseball, Apple Pie and Judging Mothers...
Judgement: the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind
I read a couple of interesting articles recently on Mommy’s in America and recently enjoyed Weeza’s post on her constant questioning/self-judgement of her own parenting abilities. One article focused on how judgemental mothers in America are of eachother:
What's the real measure of a ‘good mom’? Judging mothers has turned into a popular American pastime, many say
It hit a little closer to home for me than I would have liked. Looking at my own circle of friends, many of us parent our children differently and I have been known to make comments (mostly postitive, but some negative) on choices I see others make. Not that what they do is right or wrong, but more along the lines of saying I wouldn’t make the same choices. With the exception of verbal/physical abuse I would never tell a friend how they choose to raise their children is wrong. I give advice when asked for, but try to always throw in a disclaimer stating “this is what I would do, but you need to figure out what is best for you”. I will admit though I do make a judgement of someone based on how I see them raise/interact with their kids. I have always taught my kids that it is wrong to gauge someone’s value or make judgement based on something a person cannot change, i.e. skin color, handicap, sexual orientation, etc. Isn’t how we raise our children a choice? Is is wrong for me to make a judgement here? Are my friends not allowed to form an opinion of me based on my choices as a parent?
Tomorrow: Beware of the “Mommy Mafia”
I read a couple of interesting articles recently on Mommy’s in America and recently enjoyed Weeza’s post on her constant questioning/self-judgement of her own parenting abilities. One article focused on how judgemental mothers in America are of eachother:
What's the real measure of a ‘good mom’? Judging mothers has turned into a popular American pastime, many say
It hit a little closer to home for me than I would have liked. Looking at my own circle of friends, many of us parent our children differently and I have been known to make comments (mostly postitive, but some negative) on choices I see others make. Not that what they do is right or wrong, but more along the lines of saying I wouldn’t make the same choices. With the exception of verbal/physical abuse I would never tell a friend how they choose to raise their children is wrong. I give advice when asked for, but try to always throw in a disclaimer stating “this is what I would do, but you need to figure out what is best for you”. I will admit though I do make a judgement of someone based on how I see them raise/interact with their kids. I have always taught my kids that it is wrong to gauge someone’s value or make judgement based on something a person cannot change, i.e. skin color, handicap, sexual orientation, etc. Isn’t how we raise our children a choice? Is is wrong for me to make a judgement here? Are my friends not allowed to form an opinion of me based on my choices as a parent?
Tomorrow: Beware of the “Mommy Mafia”
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
What's the Point?
Blogs, blogs, blogs.
Why do we post?
Who are we posting for?
How often should one post?
Do we check our site meters to see who is reading and how often?
Is that the point?
Are people honest?
Do we omit what we really want to say because we know who may be reading it?
Is not including something important going on in your life a lie by omission or just a choice?
Is a blog supposed to be an online diary of my thoughts and point of view or a family album full of kid pictures and announcements of growing pains?
Are pictures of my Vegas vacations and drunken adventures with my girlfriends as funny to everyone else as they are to me?
I’ve read some really balls out arguments surrounding such topics as politics, abortion, and breastfeeding; is any subject open for discussion?
Are friendships strong enough to handle disagreement or do we hold back for fear of alienating those closest to us?
Could a total stranger change my lifelong belief on a subject with a two paragraph comment?
Do I really think I could change someone else’s with mine?
One of my favorite blogs, Messy Beautiful, is closing down. She is looking for some anonymity and I have to admit the idea is appealing. I don’t post things here I would like to for fear of hurting a friend’s feelings or being dooced. When I started this blog, I was careful about who from my “real life” I gave the address to so I could write freely without worry. I now realize that concept is out the window, as I purposefully withhold things knowing who reads. These day’s I feel I can’t even post what my social plans are for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. The restraints I have put on myself have led me to post less and less often.
We all hold things back from our blogs, including only bits and pieces carefully re-read for hidden meanings and spell-checked before hitting the “Publish” button. Well, I should say most of us spell-check (~wink to you know who~).
One blog I read makes no mention of the fact their spouse is in politics or an argument I know they may have had three weeks ago. I post about how wonderful my husband is but exclude the fact that he pisses me off sometimes and we argue. Is the picture I’m presenting on by blog what IS or what I want it to BE?
Another blog I used to read is authored by the most self-centered person I thought I have ever met. She would gleefully announce every single woe in her life and share incredibly personal details about her physical and mental health, but when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant and then later miscarried it was only referred to cryptically on her website. She was flooded with fellow blogger declarations to “be there” for her even though they had never even met and they had no idea what she was even going through. What the hell does that mean? Why was this subject not honestly posted for comment like everything else; nothing seemed off limits before. It truly made me consider the notion that the entire thing was concocted to hold onto a man who wanted nothing to do with her. I don’t think that is what really happened, but the thought did creep into my brain just because she didn’t blog about it. Are some things too personal to post and we should respect that? I found myself judging her not only on what she did post, but on what she didn’t. That isn’t very fair of me, is it?
I was recently referred back to this same persons blog to read a post about the day a friend of hers “saved her life”, but she left out the part about how she blasted this person in the weeks to follow as she and her pseudo-friends said nasty things about her on the Internet and they aren’t speaking anymore. I was dying to comment that if her treatment of Jenny is what a friend gets for saving your life, then I would advise everyone in the future not to. What was the point of her post? To thank Jenny or bait us into commenting so her friends could rally again? Neither, I guess since neither occurred. Maybe, just maybe, the post wasn’t about Jenny or I. Maybe the world doesn’t revolve around me. New concept. Who’s the self-centered person now?
Maybe we miss the point of posts all together. Bombadee posted yesterday how Ella is having a hard time with the concept of being “big” and I wrote a four paragraph comment giving her advice and announcing how I handled the same hurdles. Was she asking for advice? No. But before I knew it I was typing up my two cents and checking back for her reply. Maybe my opinion on her toddlers transition from diapers to underwear wasn’t the intention of her post. Maybe the world doesn’t revolve around me. New concept. I’m seeing a pattern here.
When I would go out socially with a friend whose blog I used to read, she often declared at a table full of people that I was in her “stalker stats” and I would be so embarrassed. She would constantly check who was on her site, how long there were there, what they clicked on; it made me so self-conscious that I found myself thinking about it when I would read her blog and it took all of the enjoyment out of it for me. Then if someone was put on the disavowed list in her life, she would gleefully announce how she could “block the bitch” from her site. It seemed to be a power trip to her. It that what blogs are all about? The numbers on your site meter?
So what is the point? Is it all about me, me me? Are most bloggers incredibly narcissistic people or just me?
(Noticed how I had the word “me” in that sentence? Yep, it’s all about me.)
Why do we post?
Who are we posting for?
How often should one post?
Do we check our site meters to see who is reading and how often?
Is that the point?
Are people honest?
Do we omit what we really want to say because we know who may be reading it?
Is not including something important going on in your life a lie by omission or just a choice?
Is a blog supposed to be an online diary of my thoughts and point of view or a family album full of kid pictures and announcements of growing pains?
Are pictures of my Vegas vacations and drunken adventures with my girlfriends as funny to everyone else as they are to me?
I’ve read some really balls out arguments surrounding such topics as politics, abortion, and breastfeeding; is any subject open for discussion?
Are friendships strong enough to handle disagreement or do we hold back for fear of alienating those closest to us?
Could a total stranger change my lifelong belief on a subject with a two paragraph comment?
Do I really think I could change someone else’s with mine?
One of my favorite blogs, Messy Beautiful, is closing down. She is looking for some anonymity and I have to admit the idea is appealing. I don’t post things here I would like to for fear of hurting a friend’s feelings or being dooced. When I started this blog, I was careful about who from my “real life” I gave the address to so I could write freely without worry. I now realize that concept is out the window, as I purposefully withhold things knowing who reads. These day’s I feel I can’t even post what my social plans are for fear of hurting someone’s feelings. The restraints I have put on myself have led me to post less and less often.
We all hold things back from our blogs, including only bits and pieces carefully re-read for hidden meanings and spell-checked before hitting the “Publish” button. Well, I should say most of us spell-check (~wink to you know who~).
One blog I read makes no mention of the fact their spouse is in politics or an argument I know they may have had three weeks ago. I post about how wonderful my husband is but exclude the fact that he pisses me off sometimes and we argue. Is the picture I’m presenting on by blog what IS or what I want it to BE?
Another blog I used to read is authored by the most self-centered person I thought I have ever met. She would gleefully announce every single woe in her life and share incredibly personal details about her physical and mental health, but when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant and then later miscarried it was only referred to cryptically on her website. She was flooded with fellow blogger declarations to “be there” for her even though they had never even met and they had no idea what she was even going through. What the hell does that mean? Why was this subject not honestly posted for comment like everything else; nothing seemed off limits before. It truly made me consider the notion that the entire thing was concocted to hold onto a man who wanted nothing to do with her. I don’t think that is what really happened, but the thought did creep into my brain just because she didn’t blog about it. Are some things too personal to post and we should respect that? I found myself judging her not only on what she did post, but on what she didn’t. That isn’t very fair of me, is it?
I was recently referred back to this same persons blog to read a post about the day a friend of hers “saved her life”, but she left out the part about how she blasted this person in the weeks to follow as she and her pseudo-friends said nasty things about her on the Internet and they aren’t speaking anymore. I was dying to comment that if her treatment of Jenny is what a friend gets for saving your life, then I would advise everyone in the future not to. What was the point of her post? To thank Jenny or bait us into commenting so her friends could rally again? Neither, I guess since neither occurred. Maybe, just maybe, the post wasn’t about Jenny or I. Maybe the world doesn’t revolve around me. New concept. Who’s the self-centered person now?
Maybe we miss the point of posts all together. Bombadee posted yesterday how Ella is having a hard time with the concept of being “big” and I wrote a four paragraph comment giving her advice and announcing how I handled the same hurdles. Was she asking for advice? No. But before I knew it I was typing up my two cents and checking back for her reply. Maybe my opinion on her toddlers transition from diapers to underwear wasn’t the intention of her post. Maybe the world doesn’t revolve around me. New concept. I’m seeing a pattern here.
When I would go out socially with a friend whose blog I used to read, she often declared at a table full of people that I was in her “stalker stats” and I would be so embarrassed. She would constantly check who was on her site, how long there were there, what they clicked on; it made me so self-conscious that I found myself thinking about it when I would read her blog and it took all of the enjoyment out of it for me. Then if someone was put on the disavowed list in her life, she would gleefully announce how she could “block the bitch” from her site. It seemed to be a power trip to her. It that what blogs are all about? The numbers on your site meter?
So what is the point? Is it all about me, me me? Are most bloggers incredibly narcissistic people or just me?
(Noticed how I had the word “me” in that sentence? Yep, it’s all about me.)
Friday, December 22, 2006
Trial Separation
Schweaty Man, my "work husband", and I are separating after almost two years together. Where he has gone, I have followed. I will miss him very much and plan to stay single, until we somehow find our way back to eachother.
In a week, I will be moving to my fifth desk in five months.
When I whined to my mom about it, she simply emailed back: "Frequent constant change is a sign of disorganization/no direction and also keeps people off balance which increases the intimidation factor."
Damn she's smart.
In a week, I will be moving to my fifth desk in five months.
When I whined to my mom about it, she simply emailed back: "Frequent constant change is a sign of disorganization/no direction and also keeps people off balance which increases the intimidation factor."
Damn she's smart.
I Have Been Tagged!
Thanks to Bombadee for the tag.
Five things you didn't know about me:
1. I’m really uncomfortable sitting with my back to a room of people
2. I shot a bird with a .22 rifle when I was seven and was so heartbroken I’ve never shot another living creature since.
3. I still have dreams of being on stage and performing.
4. I can’t legally own a firearm in the state of Illinois (don’t ask, that’s all you’re getting on this one).
5. It’s very hard for me to come up with five things people don’t already know about me. I’m a pretty open book and if you don’t already know it, I don’t want you to.
Five things you didn't know about me:
1. I’m really uncomfortable sitting with my back to a room of people
2. I shot a bird with a .22 rifle when I was seven and was so heartbroken I’ve never shot another living creature since.
3. I still have dreams of being on stage and performing.
4. I can’t legally own a firearm in the state of Illinois (don’t ask, that’s all you’re getting on this one).
5. It’s very hard for me to come up with five things people don’t already know about me. I’m a pretty open book and if you don’t already know it, I don’t want you to.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
TaterTot Family Holiday Letter: 2006
Many apologies for not sending holiday greetings and family updates for what I believe to be two years in a row. Cards, letters, pictures, stamps; they all have had a way of falling to the bottom of my overwhelming to-do list. I promised myself not to let that happen again, to take some time to reflect on 2006 and wish those we see every day and those we don’t see nearly often enough a wonderful holiday season and amazing 2007. The past year has been full of exciting changes in the TaterTot home.
Abigail Louise. This has been an incredible year with my eldest, who will be turning twelve this spring. Abi is active as ever in sports playing soccer, softball and basketball. While she is still easily located on the field for being the smallest player, she has the largest amount of drive, enthusiasm and sheer love of the game out there. Both her softball and basketball teams earned championships this year. School is still a place she very much enjoys, which is apparent in her outstanding marks. She has finally found a history buff buddy in our good friend Dan and enjoys talking his ear off about her knowledge of the Civil War and all things intellectual. Abi is looking forward to performing with the sixth grade band and choir for the holiday concert in just a few days. Actually, I’m not sure who’s anticipating the concert more; the entire family has endured her relentless carol singing and flute playing around the house for weeks. Chatting on the phone with friends, Friday night football games and careful consideration of what to wear each morning has made it abundantly clear that she is growing up. Abigail is a great source of joy as her dad and I have watch her transition into the strong, independent, bright and beautiful soul we see before us today.
Emily Anne. What can I say about my Mimi? She makes me laugh, out loud, every day of my life. In just a couple of short months Emily will be entering the realm of double-digits, as she looks forward to leaving the age of nine in the dust. She, like her sister, is very active. Soccer, softball and basketball keep mom and dad busy driving back and forth to practices and spending our Saturday’s nestled in chairs on the sidelines cheering on her team. Emily was honored to be a member of the championship teams in both soccer and baseball this year. Girls Scouts is an important part of her life as my hands can attest from sewing on her many earned patches. This summer she attended Girl Scout Camp, her first weeklong trip away from home. As we were getting her settled in the platform tent, she pointed to the rafters and asked her dad if that was a dead bat hanging from the ceiling. As soon as she said it, I thought to myself “How could a bat be hanging if it were dead?” Dad poked it and suddenly there were screaming girls running in all directions. We’ll be telling that story for years to come. Emily enjoyed some experimenting with her hair color this summer as well, sporting both hot pink and purple for a short period of time. Always looking to do everything her older sister can do, she learned to drive Grandma’s four-wheeler by herself, get a bull’s eye with her bow and arrow and shoot a can off a log with her dad’s rifle this year. Emily is a bright sun in the sky for all those privileged to know her. I look forward to years and years of pee-my-pants laughter with her.
Isaac David. Still my SugarLips. I am often teased if I don’t stop calling him this, poor Isaac will be cursed to wear a football jersey with SugarLips emblazoned on the back. He hasn’t given me that “Mom…not in front of the other kids” look yet, so my nickname lives on. September 11, 2006 marked Isaac’s third year and my continued frustration at his insistence to wear diapers. The girls easily potty trained by their second birthdays and here I had a three-year-old boy who thought underwear was “scary”. This all changed a few weeks ago when Jeff started a new job and Isaac’s would be going to the sitter’s house all day (more on the new job in a moment). Sitter Sally suggested this was the opportune time to go cold turkey. We told Isaac on a Sunday that starting tomorrow he would be going to Sally’s first thing in the morning, have preschool time, play with his friends, have some lunch, take and nap and then dad would pick him up…and by the way…no more diapers. Sally is a genius, it worked and I can’t thank her enough. Isaac is beginning to navigate the waters of independence, wanting more and more say in the world around him. I will admit it can be frustrating at times but it is also the most awesome site to see day after day. While Isaac has been blessed with the virtues of patience, caring, gentleness, curiosity and happiness we have been blessed with the overwhelming love he brings to our lives everyday.
Jeff and Jennie. Jeff finally, after almost twelve years, managed to find a first shift job a few weeks ago welding for a company in The City. The kids and I feel spoiled to have dad home for dinner every night of the week. Jeff feels spoiled to be able to go trick or treating with the family and help with homework or attend a week night ball game. I was worried at first, fearing a war over the remote control or arguments about how I’ve always ran my evenings alone with kids but it has been smooth as glass. I celebrated my tenth year at Memorial Hospital and was promoted to an IMS Call Center Analyst after finally earning my A+ Certification for computers. Jeff and I were invited to join our pals the Mathews in Las Vegas this summer to celebrate their 10th anniversary in the City of Lights. It’s funny how you get so wrapped up with soccer games and homework you forget how wonderful it is to put on a fancy dress and high heels to spend an evening out on the town with your fella. We hope to make it an annual weekend for mom and dad to get away and enjoy each other. Stephanie graduated from Benedictine University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and is working on her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at St. Ambrose University in Iowa. She and Brian are still going strong and I anticipate their relationship growing in the years to come. Sara is nestled snuggly in Arizona. Her house is built and she is working as a flight nurse and riding her horses and new Harley Davidson motorcycle in the warmer climate. She is still missed, but with us in thought everyday.
To all of our friends and family, thank you so very much for a wonderful year. I cherish the time I spend with each and every one of you and look forward to many more adventures in 2007.
Have an awesome holiday season and tremendous New Year!
Jeff, Jennie, Abigail, Emily and Isaac
Abigail Louise. This has been an incredible year with my eldest, who will be turning twelve this spring. Abi is active as ever in sports playing soccer, softball and basketball. While she is still easily located on the field for being the smallest player, she has the largest amount of drive, enthusiasm and sheer love of the game out there. Both her softball and basketball teams earned championships this year. School is still a place she very much enjoys, which is apparent in her outstanding marks. She has finally found a history buff buddy in our good friend Dan and enjoys talking his ear off about her knowledge of the Civil War and all things intellectual. Abi is looking forward to performing with the sixth grade band and choir for the holiday concert in just a few days. Actually, I’m not sure who’s anticipating the concert more; the entire family has endured her relentless carol singing and flute playing around the house for weeks. Chatting on the phone with friends, Friday night football games and careful consideration of what to wear each morning has made it abundantly clear that she is growing up. Abigail is a great source of joy as her dad and I have watch her transition into the strong, independent, bright and beautiful soul we see before us today.
Emily Anne. What can I say about my Mimi? She makes me laugh, out loud, every day of my life. In just a couple of short months Emily will be entering the realm of double-digits, as she looks forward to leaving the age of nine in the dust. She, like her sister, is very active. Soccer, softball and basketball keep mom and dad busy driving back and forth to practices and spending our Saturday’s nestled in chairs on the sidelines cheering on her team. Emily was honored to be a member of the championship teams in both soccer and baseball this year. Girls Scouts is an important part of her life as my hands can attest from sewing on her many earned patches. This summer she attended Girl Scout Camp, her first weeklong trip away from home. As we were getting her settled in the platform tent, she pointed to the rafters and asked her dad if that was a dead bat hanging from the ceiling. As soon as she said it, I thought to myself “How could a bat be hanging if it were dead?” Dad poked it and suddenly there were screaming girls running in all directions. We’ll be telling that story for years to come. Emily enjoyed some experimenting with her hair color this summer as well, sporting both hot pink and purple for a short period of time. Always looking to do everything her older sister can do, she learned to drive Grandma’s four-wheeler by herself, get a bull’s eye with her bow and arrow and shoot a can off a log with her dad’s rifle this year. Emily is a bright sun in the sky for all those privileged to know her. I look forward to years and years of pee-my-pants laughter with her.
Isaac David. Still my SugarLips. I am often teased if I don’t stop calling him this, poor Isaac will be cursed to wear a football jersey with SugarLips emblazoned on the back. He hasn’t given me that “Mom…not in front of the other kids” look yet, so my nickname lives on. September 11, 2006 marked Isaac’s third year and my continued frustration at his insistence to wear diapers. The girls easily potty trained by their second birthdays and here I had a three-year-old boy who thought underwear was “scary”. This all changed a few weeks ago when Jeff started a new job and Isaac’s would be going to the sitter’s house all day (more on the new job in a moment). Sitter Sally suggested this was the opportune time to go cold turkey. We told Isaac on a Sunday that starting tomorrow he would be going to Sally’s first thing in the morning, have preschool time, play with his friends, have some lunch, take and nap and then dad would pick him up…and by the way…no more diapers. Sally is a genius, it worked and I can’t thank her enough. Isaac is beginning to navigate the waters of independence, wanting more and more say in the world around him. I will admit it can be frustrating at times but it is also the most awesome site to see day after day. While Isaac has been blessed with the virtues of patience, caring, gentleness, curiosity and happiness we have been blessed with the overwhelming love he brings to our lives everyday.
Jeff and Jennie. Jeff finally, after almost twelve years, managed to find a first shift job a few weeks ago welding for a company in The City. The kids and I feel spoiled to have dad home for dinner every night of the week. Jeff feels spoiled to be able to go trick or treating with the family and help with homework or attend a week night ball game. I was worried at first, fearing a war over the remote control or arguments about how I’ve always ran my evenings alone with kids but it has been smooth as glass. I celebrated my tenth year at Memorial Hospital and was promoted to an IMS Call Center Analyst after finally earning my A+ Certification for computers. Jeff and I were invited to join our pals the Mathews in Las Vegas this summer to celebrate their 10th anniversary in the City of Lights. It’s funny how you get so wrapped up with soccer games and homework you forget how wonderful it is to put on a fancy dress and high heels to spend an evening out on the town with your fella. We hope to make it an annual weekend for mom and dad to get away and enjoy each other. Stephanie graduated from Benedictine University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and is working on her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at St. Ambrose University in Iowa. She and Brian are still going strong and I anticipate their relationship growing in the years to come. Sara is nestled snuggly in Arizona. Her house is built and she is working as a flight nurse and riding her horses and new Harley Davidson motorcycle in the warmer climate. She is still missed, but with us in thought everyday.To all of our friends and family, thank you so very much for a wonderful year. I cherish the time I spend with each and every one of you and look forward to many more adventures in 2007.
Have an awesome holiday season and tremendous New Year!
Jeff, Jennie, Abigail, Emily and Isaac
“We dream a world without violence
a world of justice and faith.
Everyone gives the hand to his neighbours
Symbol of peace, of fraternity
We ask that life be kind
and watch us from above
We hope each soul will find
another soul to love”
-The Prayer
-The Prayer
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
What's On Your Plate?
Starting tomorrow, December 14th:
Thursday Evening: Tot out with girls from work for dinner and to watch boys take off clothes.
Friday Evening: Jeff’s Holiday Party for Work
Saturday Morning: Two basketball games
Saturday Afternoon: Shopping with Sister Stephie
Saturday Evening: Tot’s Holiday Party for Work
Sunday: Finish all shopping and wrap all presents. Hopefully have a cosmo.
Work Monday through Friday, evenings peppered with one Girl Scout meeting and four basketball practices.
Friday Evening: Out for an evening of dinner and dancing with my bestest buddies (can’t wait for this one)
Saturday All Day: Tot’s Extended Family Christmas Party
Sunday (Christmas Eve): Jeff’s Mother’s house
Monday (Christmas): Parents and Sister to our house for brunch, stay at home all day in pajamas on couch watching kid’s play with new loot. Hopefully have a cosmo.
Work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; three evening basketball practices
Friday: Off work, shopping with Sister Sara home from Arizona (Yeah!)
Saturday Morning: Three basketball games (Emi has a double header)
Saturday Afternoon & Evening: Christmas with Tot’s Parental Units
Sunday Evening (New Year’s Eve): Friends to the House of Tot for a New Year’s Eve Party, family style. Hopefully have a cosmo.
Thursday Evening: Tot out with girls from work for dinner and to watch boys take off clothes.
Friday Evening: Jeff’s Holiday Party for Work
Saturday Morning: Two basketball games
Saturday Afternoon: Shopping with Sister Stephie
Saturday Evening: Tot’s Holiday Party for Work
Sunday: Finish all shopping and wrap all presents. Hopefully have a cosmo.
Work Monday through Friday, evenings peppered with one Girl Scout meeting and four basketball practices.
Friday Evening: Out for an evening of dinner and dancing with my bestest buddies (can’t wait for this one)
Saturday All Day: Tot’s Extended Family Christmas Party
Sunday (Christmas Eve): Jeff’s Mother’s house
Monday (Christmas): Parents and Sister to our house for brunch, stay at home all day in pajamas on couch watching kid’s play with new loot. Hopefully have a cosmo.
Work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; three evening basketball practices
Friday: Off work, shopping with Sister Sara home from Arizona (Yeah!)
Saturday Morning: Three basketball games (Emi has a double header)
Saturday Afternoon & Evening: Christmas with Tot’s Parental Units
Sunday Evening (New Year’s Eve): Friends to the House of Tot for a New Year’s Eve Party, family style. Hopefully have a cosmo.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Opportunity Lost
I was informed eleven months ago, my current position at work was being eliminated. To maintain employment in the newly formed replacement position I would be required to obtain my A+ Certification by December 29, 2006. This certification is a series of two tests; one focused on hardware the other on operating systems. I passed the first test in August and struggled with the decision whether or not to take the second test by my deadline. See, I always intended to take the second test and become certified, however was unsure whether or not the changes in my department were resulting in a place I wanted to continue my employment. If I passed the by 12/29/06, I would forfeit the severance package offered when my current position ceased to exist. After much thought and consideration over the Thanksgiving holiday I decided to buck up, take the test and be a positive influence and help make the department a place I wanted to be rather than just expect it to happen on its own. I chose December 11th as my test day to give myself a window to retake it if needed (several of my coworkers had indicated the second test was very difficult and more than one had to take it twice to obtain a passing score).
Then on Wednesday, November 29th I received an email address to all of the employees in my area stating the following:
“We have agreed to shift a position from the Call Center to PC Support. Anyone who is qualified for the PC/network tech Level I (A+ certified) can apply. The posting begins today and closes at end of day Monday. You can notify me via email if you are interested in interviewing for the job.”
If I were going to be considered for this job, I had to somehow get my certification in four days. My first thought was no friggin’ way, it’s impossible. Plus, I wasn’t even considered qualified to keep the job I had; what made me think I would be qualified to move up? It has been the opinion of some in my department that I don’t deserve the job I have now. This has always been a dark cloud over my head that I have allowed to remain there and affect my self-confidence. No matter what I learned or new skills I obtained I have maintained the belief that I am no more than a dumb person in a room full of smart people. The only reason I have the job I do is because I’m a nice and likable person who knows the right people in the right places. I lack what many others in my area seem to have in abundance (some of them too much). Confidence.
After stewing the whole situation for a day and much encouragement from my mom, I decided that everyone else who would be applying for this job had just acquired their certification in the past six months. Was I really going to let this opportunity pass because I missed being qualified by seven days? Hell no. I studied my ass off for the next four days. I mean, with the exception of going to Bombadee’s roller derby on Sunday afternoon I lived, ate, slept and breathed operating systems for four days. Long story short (too late, I know), I easily passed and put my name in the hat of candidates. If they were looking for someone with drive, I’ve shown I’ve got it.
Then I had the interview and my chances crumbled. Historically I interview really, really well. I’m comfortable answering questions in front of a group, I teach customer service and issue resolution for the health system I work at so know all of the “right things to say” and am generally pretty quick on my toes when it comes to articulating well thought out answers to interview type questions. I may not know the answer to some of the specific technical questions, but don’t mind saying so and expressing my desire to learn. The PC techs interviewing all of us are pretty familiar with our skill levels and know we will require a significant amount of training to get up to par. If they wanted someone superbly technical and who could hit the ground running they wouldn’t have chosen to move someone up from the Call Center.
This interview was a complete and total disaster from the first question; “Why do you want to move into this position?” The first thing that came to my mind was “I shouldn’t move into this position because I don’t deserve it.” Of course I didn’t say that, but that thought would not leave my head and I believe I rolled my eyes and mumbled a few “ums” before finally spewing on about how my current area sucks so I figured “why not…it should be better then where I’m at now.” The whole time I was there, I could not shake this feeling. Even when I knew how to reply to some of their technical questions my response came out more like a question than an answer, like I wasn’t really sure but was guessing. I left the room embarrassed and feeling like a complete failure.
What should I have said? What do I wish I had the confidence to say?
I want to move into this position because I have excellent customer service skills, have proven myself to be a fast and motivated learner and given time, experience and training I am confident I will become a valued member of your team.
Maybe I’ll get another chance someday.
Then on Wednesday, November 29th I received an email address to all of the employees in my area stating the following:
“We have agreed to shift a position from the Call Center to PC Support. Anyone who is qualified for the PC/network tech Level I (A+ certified) can apply. The posting begins today and closes at end of day Monday. You can notify me via email if you are interested in interviewing for the job.”
If I were going to be considered for this job, I had to somehow get my certification in four days. My first thought was no friggin’ way, it’s impossible. Plus, I wasn’t even considered qualified to keep the job I had; what made me think I would be qualified to move up? It has been the opinion of some in my department that I don’t deserve the job I have now. This has always been a dark cloud over my head that I have allowed to remain there and affect my self-confidence. No matter what I learned or new skills I obtained I have maintained the belief that I am no more than a dumb person in a room full of smart people. The only reason I have the job I do is because I’m a nice and likable person who knows the right people in the right places. I lack what many others in my area seem to have in abundance (some of them too much). Confidence.
After stewing the whole situation for a day and much encouragement from my mom, I decided that everyone else who would be applying for this job had just acquired their certification in the past six months. Was I really going to let this opportunity pass because I missed being qualified by seven days? Hell no. I studied my ass off for the next four days. I mean, with the exception of going to Bombadee’s roller derby on Sunday afternoon I lived, ate, slept and breathed operating systems for four days. Long story short (too late, I know), I easily passed and put my name in the hat of candidates. If they were looking for someone with drive, I’ve shown I’ve got it.
Then I had the interview and my chances crumbled. Historically I interview really, really well. I’m comfortable answering questions in front of a group, I teach customer service and issue resolution for the health system I work at so know all of the “right things to say” and am generally pretty quick on my toes when it comes to articulating well thought out answers to interview type questions. I may not know the answer to some of the specific technical questions, but don’t mind saying so and expressing my desire to learn. The PC techs interviewing all of us are pretty familiar with our skill levels and know we will require a significant amount of training to get up to par. If they wanted someone superbly technical and who could hit the ground running they wouldn’t have chosen to move someone up from the Call Center.
This interview was a complete and total disaster from the first question; “Why do you want to move into this position?” The first thing that came to my mind was “I shouldn’t move into this position because I don’t deserve it.” Of course I didn’t say that, but that thought would not leave my head and I believe I rolled my eyes and mumbled a few “ums” before finally spewing on about how my current area sucks so I figured “why not…it should be better then where I’m at now.” The whole time I was there, I could not shake this feeling. Even when I knew how to reply to some of their technical questions my response came out more like a question than an answer, like I wasn’t really sure but was guessing. I left the room embarrassed and feeling like a complete failure.
What should I have said? What do I wish I had the confidence to say?
I want to move into this position because I have excellent customer service skills, have proven myself to be a fast and motivated learner and given time, experience and training I am confident I will become a valued member of your team.
Maybe I’ll get another chance someday.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thanksgiving Weekend: 2006
I just really wanted to put a link to Bombadee for the week, as she expressed my sediments exactly.
What have the Tot’s been doing?
Thanksgiving:
Two family celebrations in two separate towns. Mine and Jeff’s family’s celebrate so differently. Jeff’s Mom prepares all of the food, you show up about an hour before the meal to look through the sale papers, eat, Mom and Sister Jenny do the dishes while I clean the meat off the bird (I can clean a bone like no one else!) and then you go home. It’s very nice, but short and to the point. My family gets together for holidays around noon and basically has a constant, never-ending smorgasbord of food that everyone pulls up to like a trough all day. Games, cards, pool, four-wheelin’ in the woods…this goes on until well past dark when the last of the overstuffed relatives are still playing Euchre next to the crackling fire in Uncle Bob’s living room. We managed to hit both.
Friday:
Hair cuts and color for the kids and much needed giggles with the BlahZeeBlah’s followed by a fun filled afternoon and evening at the Bombadee’s. They had two tables going with games, food aplenty, and kids running circles. We played this awesome game called Scruples and I discovered that Mr. BlahZeeBlah is one of the most cunning men I know and Jenny is one of the most honest women I know. My son managed to take a dump in his pants while we were there and then on the way home I had to pull over so I could puke all of the wonderful food I had eaten in the ditch. Michelle’s homemade roasted garlic hummus does not taste as good coming up as it does going down.
Saturday:
Both Jeff and I: puke, puke, puke, diarrhea, puke, diarrhea, diarrhea, diarrhea, diarrhea.
Sunday:
Some relaxation, at last! Jeff cleaned the house and we put the tree up and all of the holiday decorations out. I studied for my second certification test for about four hours then took a break to watch the Bears (or should I say Grossman) lose the football game. Spent the rest of the evening snuggled up on the sofa listening to holiday tunes as the tree sparkled in the corner and the tiny figurines ice skated on my St. Nicolaus Square village atop the entertainment center.
It was a very busy and very wonderful holiday weekend (except for the puking and diarrhea, of course).
What have the Tot’s been doing?
Thanksgiving:
Two family celebrations in two separate towns. Mine and Jeff’s family’s celebrate so differently. Jeff’s Mom prepares all of the food, you show up about an hour before the meal to look through the sale papers, eat, Mom and Sister Jenny do the dishes while I clean the meat off the bird (I can clean a bone like no one else!) and then you go home. It’s very nice, but short and to the point. My family gets together for holidays around noon and basically has a constant, never-ending smorgasbord of food that everyone pulls up to like a trough all day. Games, cards, pool, four-wheelin’ in the woods…this goes on until well past dark when the last of the overstuffed relatives are still playing Euchre next to the crackling fire in Uncle Bob’s living room. We managed to hit both.
Friday:
Hair cuts and color for the kids and much needed giggles with the BlahZeeBlah’s followed by a fun filled afternoon and evening at the Bombadee’s. They had two tables going with games, food aplenty, and kids running circles. We played this awesome game called Scruples and I discovered that Mr. BlahZeeBlah is one of the most cunning men I know and Jenny is one of the most honest women I know. My son managed to take a dump in his pants while we were there and then on the way home I had to pull over so I could puke all of the wonderful food I had eaten in the ditch. Michelle’s homemade roasted garlic hummus does not taste as good coming up as it does going down.
Saturday:
Both Jeff and I: puke, puke, puke, diarrhea, puke, diarrhea, diarrhea, diarrhea, diarrhea.
Sunday:
Some relaxation, at last! Jeff cleaned the house and we put the tree up and all of the holiday decorations out. I studied for my second certification test for about four hours then took a break to watch the Bears (or should I say Grossman) lose the football game. Spent the rest of the evening snuggled up on the sofa listening to holiday tunes as the tree sparkled in the corner and the tiny figurines ice skated on my St. Nicolaus Square village atop the entertainment center.
It was a very busy and very wonderful holiday weekend (except for the puking and diarrhea, of course).
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Success at Last!
I hadn’t posted this phenomenal news from the House of Tot sooner for fear of jinxing something. The fear is now gone, the objective has been met.
Jeff began his new, first shift job on Monday and Sitter Sally suggested it was the opportune time to make another big change as well. No more diapers. I was fearful at first, as SugarLips has shown no interest in the potty what so ever, even crying at times when the suggestion was made to try it out. After much consideration, we agreed; this is the perfect opening to tell him that he will be going to Sally’s house for breakfast and lunch everyday, will be having preschool time each morning, napping at Sally’s in the afternoon…and oh yeah…no more diapers. We’re going cold turkey.
Sunday afternoon I went shopping and bought 14 pair of size 2T-3T underwear in a variety of styles. We had Buzz LightYear, Cars, Spiderman, Superman, Football! I was so excited to get them home and put a pair on those cute little buns. Little did I know I would first have a twenty minute conversation with my 3 year-old on why he thought underwear was “scary”…don’t ask, I still don’t quite understand. After a great deal of discussion and some sneaky jumping on the bed distraction we finally got him into a pair with a huge Superman symbol prominently displayed on his tiny rear. He kept asking for a diaper, but we told him that there were no more diapers so he would have to use the potty and kept our fingers crossed.
Next came the pièce de résistance; The Potty Chart. Sugar and I made a quick trip to the Super Dollar Store and bought our supplies; a big white poster board, markers and sparkly stickers of snowmen, stars and clowns. With each successful “event” a sticker would be earned. My entire plan relied on the notion my son would covet the sparkly stickers.
To spare readers the lurid details I will offer this summary; since Sunday evening we have had no, that’s right NO, pee accidents. This morning he even woke up with a dry pull up (he gets one only for night time sleeping, not naps) and immediately told me in his not quite awake yet, crackly voice that he had to use the potty. Poop is a hurdle we have yet to successfully clear having one accident on Monday evening with no further occurrences as of this morning. I know he has to go though, observing the tell tale signs of constant gas and declarations of “my tummy hurt” this morning. Keep your fingers crossed I come home to celebration tonight and not a grocery bag of rinsed out Spiderman briefs and blue jeans.
Jeff began his new, first shift job on Monday and Sitter Sally suggested it was the opportune time to make another big change as well. No more diapers. I was fearful at first, as SugarLips has shown no interest in the potty what so ever, even crying at times when the suggestion was made to try it out. After much consideration, we agreed; this is the perfect opening to tell him that he will be going to Sally’s house for breakfast and lunch everyday, will be having preschool time each morning, napping at Sally’s in the afternoon…and oh yeah…no more diapers. We’re going cold turkey.
Sunday afternoon I went shopping and bought 14 pair of size 2T-3T underwear in a variety of styles. We had Buzz LightYear, Cars, Spiderman, Superman, Football! I was so excited to get them home and put a pair on those cute little buns. Little did I know I would first have a twenty minute conversation with my 3 year-old on why he thought underwear was “scary”…don’t ask, I still don’t quite understand. After a great deal of discussion and some sneaky jumping on the bed distraction we finally got him into a pair with a huge Superman symbol prominently displayed on his tiny rear. He kept asking for a diaper, but we told him that there were no more diapers so he would have to use the potty and kept our fingers crossed.
Next came the pièce de résistance; The Potty Chart. Sugar and I made a quick trip to the Super Dollar Store and bought our supplies; a big white poster board, markers and sparkly stickers of snowmen, stars and clowns. With each successful “event” a sticker would be earned. My entire plan relied on the notion my son would covet the sparkly stickers.
To spare readers the lurid details I will offer this summary; since Sunday evening we have had no, that’s right NO, pee accidents. This morning he even woke up with a dry pull up (he gets one only for night time sleeping, not naps) and immediately told me in his not quite awake yet, crackly voice that he had to use the potty. Poop is a hurdle we have yet to successfully clear having one accident on Monday evening with no further occurrences as of this morning. I know he has to go though, observing the tell tale signs of constant gas and declarations of “my tummy hurt” this morning. Keep your fingers crossed I come home to celebration tonight and not a grocery bag of rinsed out Spiderman briefs and blue jeans.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Innuendo
Recently overheard at work:
“It’s too hard, I have to suck on it to get it soft”
(referring to a piece of taffy)
“It’s pretty tight when you try to put two through there”
(attempting to pull two carts through a narrow opening)
“Cause for eight bucks I can have some woman massage my head”
(in response to asking Schweaty Man why he bothers to pay for his crew cut rather than buying a set of clippers)
“Let’s see how big this unit is”
(when opening a document for printing)
“It’s too hard, I have to suck on it to get it soft”
(referring to a piece of taffy)
“It’s pretty tight when you try to put two through there”
(attempting to pull two carts through a narrow opening)
“Cause for eight bucks I can have some woman massage my head”
(in response to asking Schweaty Man why he bothers to pay for his crew cut rather than buying a set of clippers)
“Let’s see how big this unit is”
(when opening a document for printing)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Halloween of Tiny Tots
Mimi, The Rainbow Witch (9 years old)
Abi, The Devil (11 years old)
SugarLips, "PiderMan" (3 years old)
Showing off their loot...
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I found this pic over the weekend and thought I would share...
Vintage TaterTot and Bombadee.
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