Connections

Tonight, I decided to make home-made hot chocolate. I had two mug-fulls, so now I'm wired.


I was cleaning up my "FAVORITES" file and thought I'd share some of the websites with you.

My beautiful friend, Lisa and her husband Dallas have started two fantastic blogs.
Even if you don't read anything that Lisa writes, you have to visit in order to check out every one of her photos. They are fantastic. She is so gifted!
Dallas is an awesome cook...his passion is anything food-related. He offers some delicious recipes (and Lisa has pictures on his site too!).

http://www.modsquadfam.blogspot.com/
http://www.diariesofamodman.com/

My cousin Geri has decided to follow her passion and head off to tattoo school (yes, there is such a thing). She is blogging about her experience at http://www.pandorasink.com/

Last year, my friend Anita and I went to an estate sale where we met Pam. The three of us acted like we had known each other for years. Pam filled us in on her life and followed through with one of her goals of starting Chesapeake Conservation Nurseries. You can get more info about the organization at http://www.bayplants.org/.

My cousin, Meghan, self-published a book called Perimeter Red! How awesome! For anyone out there who has dreamed of publishing a book, check out http://www.lulu.com/. Oh, and while you're there, I think you can buy Meghan's book:)

For years, I've wanted to own a farm...and one day I will. Check out http://www.farmland.org/. You can request a free No Farms, No Food bumper sticker! Go organic! Eat local!

Recently, I read a book by Dr. Howard Zinn. He is an historian and social activist. He is, in a word, awesome! I thought I knew about American history, but he presents facts that no one was willing to teach you in high school...or even college. You will have a new understanding about the role of our government, war, labor movements, your rights under the Constitution, and social justice. http://www.howardzinn.org/.

For those of you who aren't aware, I chose to start attending Quaker (The Religious Society of Friends or just Friends) meetings a couple of years ago. You can read about Quakers and the work they do at http://www.quaker.org/, http://www.afsc.org/, and http://www.quakerinfo.org/. No matter what religion you currently practice, Friends welcome anyone to their meetings. I attend an unprogrammed meeting, which means there isn't a preacher/priest/rabbi...we minister to each other.
And yeah! to the Obama's who chose to send their children to a Quaker value-based school!

I know there are so many diseases, issues, and causes out there that it's difficult to keep up. However, there is one disease that I learned quite a bit about over the last few years and that it is often times overshadowed by cancer and heart disease, and that is Parkinson's disease. To learn more about the disease and how you can help, visit the National Parkinson Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org/.

Forget ebay! If you want to buy a great gift for someone - including your wonderful self - check out http://www.etsy.com/.

When I lived in the DC area many, many moons ago, I volunteered at the Vegetarian Resource Group. They have vegan/vegetarian recipes, as well as facts about vegetarianism that can be found on their website, http://www.vrg.org/.

I've been a card-carrying PETA member since 1994. While some might disagree with their tactics, there is no denying that they have brought the suffering and mistreatment of animals to the attention of the world. http://www.peta.org/.

I'm a believer in finding your four-legged friends at local animal shelters. When you are looking for a particular breed, you can search online for rescue groups that cater to that specific breed. If you live in Colorado and are looking for a new family member, check out http://www.coloradogreyhoundadoption.org/. I fell in love with these dogs about 15 years ago and can't wait to have the space to care for one...or more.

All parents out there should have a PTA card in your wallet! It's easy to join your local PTA and - aside from the joy of making a difference - you get discounts! If you think that all the PTA does is fund raise, please check out their site for more information. The primary goal of the PTA is to advocate - through legislation - for children. What a great cause! http://www.pta.org/.

Sweet Tooth

The other evening, after our nightly ritual of bath, books, and brushing, my daughter informs me that she believes a tooth fairy visit is soon to come. She said that while brushing her teeth, she noticed that her bottom front tooth was loose.

She was excited. I was sad. My litle girl is going to start losing her baby teeth. Next, she'll be telling me it's time for a bra. I can't take it.

A few days later we were having dinner and going through the usual back-and-forth of trying to get her to eat something green from her dinner plate. It takes her the early part of the evening to come close to finishing whatever she's having for supper. Usually, she needs to be bribed to eat something from the food pyramid. Put a piece of chocolate cake in front of her though, and you'd think she hasn't had a meal in days. She scarfs it down, then licks the plate.

Anyway, with a loook of total sincerity she says, " I think the loose tooth might be my sweet tooth. When it falls out, I bet my vegetable tooth will come in."

Priceless.

Dates...

I know that some time ago I promised a blog about dates. I apologize for the delay. Aside from being overwhelmed with the election, PTA, and parties at the kids' schools, decorating and
un-decorating for the holidays, and so on, I really don't know what to say about dates (not the kind you eat...those, I love), because I haven't been on one in ages!

So, more than answers, I have questions about dating;


*What ideas do you have for fun and interesting dates with your partner?

*Do the types of dates you go on while in a committed relationship, let's say marriage, differ from the types of dates you have when dating someone new? I guess another way to pose this question is, are your dates as a single person more wild and adventurous than your dates as a married (with children or not) person?

*If you are dating someone for the first time, do you think you should click right away or do you feel you need more than one date to know if it is worth your time to continue to date this person?

*Is it ok for married couples to talk about their kids while on a date?

Here are some of my random thoughts...

Always be nice to your date, even if things aren't going well. Why? Well, aside from being the right thing to do, you never know who your date knows. Maybe your date doesn't see any future with you because your interests just don't jive. However, he/she has a friend who, like you, enjoys tofu at every meal, Zydeco music, and reruns of I Love Lucy. If you are super-duper nice,
I'm betting that your date would be willing to play match maker.

Don't go to a movie for you first - or even the second or third -date. Movies are great, don't get me wrong, but they aren't conducive to getting to know someone. Plus, isn't there something fun that you could do that would cost a week's worth of pay?

Be yourself!

Don't force it! If it's not working, it's ok. Don't get sad, depressed, or desperate! Harping on or getting wrapped up in a siutation that isn't going anywhere just keeps you from finding the right situation. As I used to like to say, "Next!"

You can take your self on a date! When I was single, I used to go out by myself (GASP!) and it was great. I'd take myself to restuarants, to fancy-shmancy bars, on day trips, to the book store for a new book and coffee (yes, I consider that a date) and to museums. Going out by yourself goes a long way in helping you build confidence. Plus, while I don't know that too many dates came out of my solitary excursions, I did meet a variety of characters!

IRKED!

I can't believe this...my first politically-themed post and it's not a feel-good, fuzzy one. Bummer. I like to try to stay somewhat neutral and open to other points of view, but since this is my blog, I get to vent. You can stop right here and I won't be upset. If you want a lighter-toned read, check back tomorrow when the topic will be kissing and cool dates (not the kind you eat, the kind you go on with another person). However, if you don't have an open mind and you keep reading, you might be upset.
First, what are we thinking passing this (you pick a name...bailout, rescue, investment) plan?
I've heard both sides. And while I'm ususlly a very high-strung, dramatic, over-reacting type of person when it comes to these sorts of things, I can't seem to buy into the sky is falling mentality surrounding this situation.
Don't get me wrong...I realize the economy is a mess and that something has to be done. But, don't you think there is a better way to handle this?
Does it make sense to ask Americans who have been losing their homes to banks to turn around and bail out the banks? Is it so wrong to actually get a firmer handle on credit and lending? Isn't that one of the reasons how we got here in the first place - excessive lending to people who should have not been able to borrow? Heck, I can't believe we got a loan to buy our home! We are being asked to bail out PRIVATE businesses. Is there something in the US Constitution about this? The market should be allowed to correct itself. If the problem that we are facing took a long time to come to fruition, shouldn't we take a little more time to research the best LONG TERM resolution?
Someone on a mom's group wrote a piece (thank you for taking the time to do that and getting involved) that I had to debate. Many of the things she wrote were taken directly from CNN clips. I watch alot of CNN. On occasion, I, too, catch myself quoting Wolf and that hottie, Anderson Cooper. However, I think this situation is too important to only look to one source. I have been reading what ECONOMISTS have to say, as well as what folks involved in banks and banking committees are noting about this plan. It stinks! Also, while I don't support many of his stances on other issues, when it comes to the economy, Ron Paul is usually spot on. I have complete trust in his take on what needs to happen with this market. If you want some other points of view, check out James Ramsey, Noriel Roubini, Duncan Black, the CEO of BB&T Bank (yes, a banker thinks this is pitiful!), and whoever else you can find that is not always on mainstream tv.
One of the other claims made was that the markets are frozen and unless we pass the bill they won't "unfreeze." Please. If you held crappy assets that were worth almost nothing and the Secretary of the Treasury said to you...hey, there's a bailout coming, hang tight...do you think you'd let those assets go at the lower price? I hope you realized the answer is nope. The market is frozen in anticipation of the bill!
Another point made was that if we didn't do anything now, our children were going to pay for it. Wrong. Our children will be paying for an over-a-trillion-dollar-debt if this passes. Yes, the economy is worsening, but it will get worse in the long run if this bill is passed.
Also, I find it difficult to put my trust into people (PAULSON and friends) who are so connected to Wall Street. We've been hearing from this administration that everything is peachy keen - even as unemployment numbers, foreclosures, and home sales reports showed otherwise. And on another (bank) note, why did Paulson bail out AIG and not Lehman brothers? I'll enlighten you...because AIG owed Goldman Sachs $20 million dollars. Had they not been bailed out, Goldman Sachs ( Paulson's former employer) would have been out that money. The CEO of Goldman was actually present when Paulson decided to bail out AIG. Financial nepotism!!! It's sickening.
Please, even if you don't agree with my analysis, do yourself a favor and research other ideas. Step out of your comfort zone and read and listen to - with an open mind - what others are saying. I'm a Democrat, but I find myself more comforted by what Senator Shelby, a long time Republican who sits (or used to sit) on the banking committee, is saying then I do the person I'm planning on voting for in the presidential elections.

Next, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. Are there any women out there who are insulted by the use of sexism in this campaign?
Initially, I was so irked to hear women claiming sexism when Sarah Palin's resume was being questioned. Why can't the media - or a voter, God forbid - ask her a question about an issue without it being considered an attack on her because she is a woman? Public figures have their records scrutinized. And honestly, wouldn't you want to know what her stance is on all of the issues before you say you're going to vote for her? I'm not for women voting for a woman based solely on gender.
Now, I can't believe that there is talk surrounding how Biden needs to be careful not to offend or condescend, nor should he wholeheartily defend himself and Obama, during the debates. Why? Because people might think he is being sexist toward Sarah Palin. Biden should be Biden and if people - including Palin - don't like it, then tough. Aside from talking in circles and giving little detail inher answers to questions, all I've heard from Palin are nasty, mean-spirited remarks about others. And this is supposed to be a religious woman? At a rally the other day, with McCain standing right next to her, she had the nerve to make fun of Biden's age and the length of time he's served in the Senate. Biden and McCain are long time respected friends and colleagues. So, I'm not sure what's worse, the hypocrisy, I'd guess you'd say, of the comment or that McCain allowed such a remark.
In any case, have the women of the Republican party lost their minds? Is the progress of the women's movement going to be devalued by this campaign? Shameful. Obama has done such a beatiful job of not allowing race to be an option for him in this election. Total class act.

One last thing....REGISTER TO VOTE !

Boogers

Seriously folks, throw me a line. Let me know what you want to read and discuss. I can guarantee you that I'll have an opinion. And that I want to hear about yours!

Since parenting is noted first in my title, I think I'll ask for help with a recent revelation.

Yesterday, I was driving home with the kiddos in the back seat. It was way too quiet in the car, so I glanced in my rear view mirror to see why there wasn't any fussing going on. To my horror, I saw my adorable daughter staring out the window with her finger shoved up her nose. I gasped. She heard me. So, she pulled her finger out from her nose and stuck it in her mouth. Yuck! This is the same mouth that wants kisses all morning, noon, and night. This is a child who won't eat peas, or sauce on her spaghetti, yet she has no problem sticking a booger in her mouth.

Except for flinching and saying "EEEWWWWWW," I really didn't make that big of a deal out of it. Maybe I should have? She has enough to worry about - taking her library books back on time, if she should ride her scooter or her bike, and whether or not wearing purple socks with her tennis shoes is considered a fashion faux pas (even though they absolutely matched her skirt) - so I didn't want to stress her out.

This incident got me to thinking though about why people pick their noses. Boredom? Habit? Hungry?

This week, instead of playing the same ole' "I Spy" in the car with the kids - I spy something green, I spy something red, I spy something round - we're going to change it up a bit. I'm only going to have them "I spy" nose pickers! We can get a grasp on how many people are actually guilty of such a thing, as well as talk about how disgusting it is. Maybe making it fun will help her realize it's not acceptable? Or maybe it will backfire and she'll think that if everyone else is doing it, then it's ok? I don't know...maybe we should stick to "I spy" something green.

Getting started

Tonight, I'm losing my virginity. This is my first time. I've never blogged before. I'm a little nervous, but so excited!

While I love to play around on CNN forums and I definitely have alot to say on my local, online moms group, I'm new to the blogging scene. I'm not knowlegeable about the lingo (is there
blog-speak?), the etiquette, or even how to access this site once I'm finished with this post. But, I was told I'd love this experience, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

The name of my blog - Parenting (hardest job on the planet), Politics (totally addicted), & Pillow Talk (haven't heard any of this since I started the hardest job on the planet) - might lead you to conclude that these are the only issues I'll be writing about. And you'd be right to think that!

The title covers a broad range of topics - from why my kids insist on saying the word penis in every sentence when we are in public, to dealing with issues in a relationship: from whether or not vaccinations are a good thing, to confronting racism and sexism. I'm looking forward to sharing my stories, thoughts, and opinions about these issues. I encourage you to get involved with my blog - especially when politics are being discussed.

Even though I think highly of my own opinions, I truly do value and respect the opinions of others. That being said...one of the few things I can't tolerate is insulting, condescending, and/or foul language toward one another. Please refrain.

Now that all of that is out of the way...where should we begin?