tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25166058582537226122024-03-12T20:19:23.788-07:00Chaos Times Six!The life and times of the Moore/Gordon family!Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.comBlogger948125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-63525951957375334682020-11-01T18:48:00.003-08:002020-11-01T18:48:44.777-08:00Best-laid plans...<p>During the shutdown stage of Covid-19, I decided to move my blog to Word Press, and try to make it more....I don't know, professional? But I'm not sure why, really, because I've never had a big plan for my blog. Truly it's just an outlet for my writing, and I have had times when I've been inspired to write daily, and times when I've gone months without writing. And I guess that's the beauty of it, because as an amateur writer, there's no pressure to work on a deadline. I write for me, but I also hope that some of what I write resonates with others. If so, I hope I've made a connection. If not, nothing lost. </p><p>So, I'm not sure why it feels like a chore to write daily. First, I often think I couldn't possibly have anything to say each day. But I talk all day, so I have stories, right? Maybe I just think they're not interesting enough to share. And I don't like setting goals to write each day because I know I'll fail, so why even bother setting myself up for disappointment? Every November, I tell myself I'll join NaNoWriMo, where the goal is to write a novel in a month. And sometimes I get five days in and I get bored with my story, or I just don't feel it anymore so I quit. I've never been a great goal-setter. Last February, right before Covid hit, I made a goal to exercise every day of the month. I managed to exercise 19 of the 29 days in February. (I just had to look to see if this year was a leap year, because it seems like February was 100 years ago). So, not perfect. But not terrible either. </p><p>Any maybe I'm just really, really good at being mediocre. That seems to hold true for my life so far. And that's ok. I mean, not everyone is meant to be on top, right? I remember seeing a mug that said "The World's Okayest Mom" and it resonated with me. I admire those who can set and keep goals, whose efforts produce results, and who are motivated by bullet journaling. I like to THINK those things are part of my make-up, but it's not true. I love journals, paper and pens but like everything else in my life, they lose their luster after a while. </p><p>Still, I think if I don't ever set goals, I'll just melt into a puddle of disappointment so I'm still trying. I woke up today, November 1, thinking I'd participate in the "gratitude a day" posts on Facebook that have been popular over the years. This one I like because we all could use a reminder of what we are grateful for and in our busy lives, it's easy to forget. I'm honestly grateful for the most mundane things so I imagine my posts will include such things as coffee and stickers. But I wake up every morning thinking how much I love my house, so there are big things too. And, of course, the immeasurable things like love and happiness. </p><p>I'd like to write daily. I've actually been pretty good about keeping a coronavirus journal - documenting things from the first day of the first death in WA state. It focuses mainly on Washington but I included "headlines" from all over, with a few of my own thoughts mixed in. I've missed 4-5 days at times, but I always catch up. So far, I have over 100k words, so basically, I have already written a book. Maybe I'll polish it up and publish it someday. Maybe not. Either way, I think it's important to document this time in history, and I know I'll look back on it over the years. It might be the most consistent thing I've done all year. </p><p>I've learned to have a little grace with myself, especially during these weird times, if I don't achieve a goal, or even if I don't complete a chore. I had nothing but time for the six months I was off work, but did I lose 50 lbs or finish (ahem, start) a book or learn a new skill? I did not. I did read a bunch of books. And I reacquainted myself with word searches and sticker books. And I sent tons of happy mail. I also watched a lot of TV and stocked up on Little Debbie snack cakes before I stocked up on toilet paper. So, I'm hopelessly flawed, but I'm ok with it. I think. </p><p>And now we are on the cusp of an historic election. The divisiveness has never been more real. Things could go either way and whatever happens, there will be unrest. I feel anxiety about November 3, and Covid-19, and the future of my substitute teaching job, and about a zillion other things. And this year it's all elevated. I don't know when I will feel calm again, but I doubt it will be anytime soon. So, I'm learning to live with uncertainty. </p><p>For seven months, we have been searching for a new house. We don't need a new house. We love our house. But Jeff longs for a house with more yard and a big shop for all his "stuff". I spent all of my life until high-school graduation moving nearly every year, so I'm always up for an adventure. Jeff saw a house that was lakefront with a big shop and he contacted our friend (a realtor) and asked to get more information about it. We never even saw that house, but we've seen more than 50 since then. We seriously entertained making an offer on two. Several others were contenders but they sold before we could even talk about it. The market is fierce and waits for no one these days, so we've missed out on a few gems, but even among those nothing has been perfect. And of course, we realize nothing will ever be "perfect" but if we are going to spend upwards of a million dollars on a home, it needs to be something we absolutely love and are willing to leave our wonderful home for. We have to "gain" as I keep saying - it needs to be an upgrade. Not necessarily brand-new, but something better than what we have (more yard, big shop, more space). Otherwise, we might as well stay put. </p><p>To that end, I've been meeting with contractors (11 at last count) to get bids for upgrading the home we live in. After twenty years, things are showing wear and need upgrading or replacing. Only about half of the contractors have come back with an estimate. Many have taken weeks to get back to me. And we are still unsure how much to invest in upgrading our home if there's a chance we might be moving out of it. At the very least, we will be upgrading the kitchen and baths. A new roof is already scheduled. And maybe we will just stay until all the young adults move out and this house feels too big for us. Who knows? I'm pretty sure our realtor is sick of us by now. That's the trouble with having a friend who is a realtor - you really walk a thin line between remaining friendly and risking severing the professional ties. Sure, he could fire us, but the chance we will eventually buy something remains high. Still, every time we say "no" it feels like a nick in the relationship. </p><p>So, maybe I'll make and keep some goals. And maybe I won't. If things go well, I'll exercise daily, write daily, focus on gratitude, and maybe buy a dream house. If things don't go well, I'll eat my weight in leftover Halloween candy, write nothing and get fired by my realtor. Who knows? The best-laid plans often go awry. But I can keep trying. </p>Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-50615249320421791262020-03-22T12:09:00.001-07:002020-03-22T13:56:58.651-07:00Coronavirus! I haven't written on my blog since December and that was just a year-in-review. It's been a long time, and, as always, I don't really know the reason why, but it is what it is.<br />
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We are in historical times. COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has affected the entire world. Who would ever guess we would be dealing with a pandemic in 2020? Sadly, many are not taking the "stay home" recommendations seriously and I fear this will play out in much more scary ways in the coming weeks and months.<br />
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One of the biggest disruptions to our lives are how many people are now working from home, and the fact that schools are closed. Parents who have never even considered homeschooling their children are now their teachers. And many of them are scared and confused at the influx of resources that have circulated social media. I created a document of sites I vetted for usefulness, ease of use, and most importantly, are free! I have already personally emailed over 100 people who are interested in these resources and I decided it would be easier to share them here, so I can update and add blog posts in the coming days and weeks.<br />
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A little about me - I am a substitute teacher. I can teach K-12 but I mostly focus on K-2 because I just love that age! However, I have four kids I've raised to adulthood, and I've been through it all! My teaching style is gleaned from the fabulous teachers I've worked with (I ALWAYS learn something new from them) and my experience parenting and working with kids since age 15. I started my child-care career at 15 in a local day care center and moved on to summer camp counselor, YMCA after-school care provider, private nanny, in-home childcare, and I've been with my current school district since 2000, working as a paraeducator in dual-language, special ed, ELL and, finally, substitute teaching. I've worked with kids of all ages, from all walks of life, and from all types of families. I believe ALL kids have unique gifts and it is a privilege to be a small part of shaping their lives.<br />
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To start, I will share the document I created with links to resources, tips and ideas on how to survive homeschooling your kids in this sudden turn of events. Check back often for more content. In the coming days I will be sharing more resources, giving you some tried-and-true tips and projects, and talking about way to support yourself and your kids through this crisis.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mrs.
Moore’s<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Homeschool
Resources <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And
Fabulous Ideas </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;">😊</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t know where to start homeschooling your kids? I’ve put
together this list of resources and fun ideas from a variety of places and
condensed it into one document you can print and keep handy. I will include
some schedule suggestions, some checklists for kids, and other tools you can
use to make this time easy, stress-free and not crazy (ok, I can’t promise
that, but I can at least flatten the curve of stress…speaking in coronavirus
terms). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First, please practice safe social distancing. If your city
or state is on shelter-in-place or lockdown, please do not go out for anything
but the very essential items. Kids WILL survive without playdates. They can
talk to their friends via Zoom, FaceTime, other video calling and why not let
them practice good old-fashioned talk-on-the-phone skills? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember that during this time, it is NOT your job to teach
your child the next new concept in math or to keep them moving forward on a set
curriculum. When schools resume, teachers can pick up where we left off. The
important thing is to keep your kids busy and engaged and working their brain
muscles. Even a little bit of focused work each day helps them practice needed
skills for school. There should be a LOT of play time (we will talk about that
later) and a balanced activity/learning time in each day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Workbooks are a life-saver! There are some really great
ones out there (more later) and this is the perfect time to employ them. The
great thing about workbooks is that they are varied and provide different
activities so your child will be doing some work in literacy, math, science and
social studies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even very young children can self-direct at times and I
will help you with some ideas for what they can do while you are working from
home (or just need a break). I like to strike a balance between hands-on work
and computer time. Chances are, screen time may increase at this time. If your
child becomes agitated when it’s time to turn off screens, you may want to
reduce screen time or stop it entirely for a day or two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Talking a walk every day is a great way to get your child
out in the open air and get some exercise in. If the weather is bad, there are
some great resources, which I will share here, for staying active! Outside play
time is paramount, and experts recommend 60 minutes a day. During this
pandemic, your kids might become engaged in outdoor activities that take a lot
of time (i.e. games of tag, fort building, imaginative play) and if this
happens, it’s ALWAYS ok to suspend structured learning time for outdoor play. There
is SO MUCH learning going on when kids are left to their own devices and just
allowed to explore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Online
Resources</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are so many online resources available it will make
your head spin. I’ve been trying to weed through them and vet some sites that
are actually valuable (some leave a lot to be desired). Here is a list of sites
I have found useful: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lunchtime Doodles with Mo Willems</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> –
these are 30 min videos where the popular author talks about his process. He is
great at engaging with the kids and they get to do some hands-on doodling. </span><a href="https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/?fbclid=IwAR2gtS6oTWiSwH_RgqjKF6sPGvCUTOjNx01gGdAtJ77_ZZLi7xUS7k2uSlA"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/?fbclid=IwAR2gtS6oTWiSwH_RgqjKF6sPGvCUTOjNx01gGdAtJ77_ZZLi7xUS7k2uSlA</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Engineering ideas</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This
is a list of engineering ideas your child can participate in. </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oCM2Ue9w32EUIGfRXsjwEXU_-Up8D6FSSWT8YGiBEtE/preview?fbclid=IwAR3sD25XKzvUdQMr5WyBg1ihR65X5rGhmn8M2UP5jVt7Z9YrZChTDP-9UvI"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oCM2Ue9w32EUIGfRXsjwEXU_-Up8D6FSSWT8YGiBEtE/preview?fbclid=IwAR3sD25XKzvUdQMr5WyBg1ihR65X5rGhmn8M2UP5jVt7Z9YrZChTDP-9UvI</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">American Chemical Society</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. If
you have a middle to high schooler taking chemistry, the American Chemistry
Society has free articles. </span><a href="https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articles-by-topic/acids-and-bases.html"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articles-by-topic/acids-and-bases.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Online games</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This site has created
some free games for kids to play without a membership. </span><a href="https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Buncee</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. You can sign up your child
for free here for Buncee, a blog of various educational resources. </span><a href="https://blog.buncee.com/supporting-remote-student-learning/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://blog.buncee.com/supporting-remote-student-learning/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Common Lit.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> This is a great
literacy site for grades 5-12 and is free for students. </span><a href="https://www.commonlit.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.commonlit.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Curriki</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This site is collaborative
and offers a variety of curriculum. It’s free! </span><a href="https://www.curriki.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.curriki.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Edmodo.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> This site is free and a way
to assign work to your students (kids) with a variety of topics. Also available
as an app. </span><a href="https://go.edmodo.com/distancelearning/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://go.edmodo.com/distancelearning/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Freckle</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Here you can set up your own
“classroom” with different-aged kids. It has content across the board. </span><a href="https://www.freckle.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.freckle.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">HippoCampus</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Good content for
middle to high school. </span><a href="https://www.hippocampus.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.hippocampus.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">iReady.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> This website offers reading
and math progressive learning that accelerates at the students’ pace. Most kids
have log-ins through school already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://login.i-ready.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://login.i-ready.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">PBS Learning</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Lots of great stuff
here, to keep kids busy during your work/down time. </span><a href="https://kcts9.pbslearningmedia.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://kcts9.pbslearningmedia.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Khan Academy</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Literally hundreds of
resources for students K-college. </span><a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.khanacademy.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Kids Discover</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Most kids are
familiar with this resource from school. Kids Discover. </span><a href="https://online.kidsdiscover.com/signup?returnUrl=%2Fhow-it-works"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://online.kidsdiscover.com/signup?returnUrl=%2Fhow-it-works</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">LabsLand</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. For high school or college
students – virtual labs. Free membership until June 2020. </span><a href="https://labsland.com/en"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://labsland.com/en</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Libby</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. The Libby app by OverDrive
is a free app to read library books on your Kindle. Available on iPhone and
Android. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mystery Science</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This
link takes you to Mystery Science, a site with tons of free interactive
lessons. You can sign your student up for their own account. </span><a href="https://mysteryscience.com/docs/home-faqs"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://mysteryscience.com/docs/home-faqs</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Prodigy</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Free math games. Create your
own account. </span><a href="https://www.prodigygame.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.prodigygame.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Free map quizzes (we could ALL use this!) </span><a href="https://online.seterra.com/en"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://online.seterra.com/en</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scholastic</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This site is a dream,
AND you can order very reasonably-priced books for your kiddos – always fun to
get mail during a pandemic! </span><a href="https://www.scholastic.com/home/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.scholastic.com/home/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Twinkl</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Sign up for a free account
and download tons of work for your kids to do! </span><a href="https://www.twinkl.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.twinkl.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Typing Club</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. A lot of the kids
have an account here, but you can sign up for free. </span><a href="https://www.typingclub.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.typingclub.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Vidcode</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. If your teen enjoys coding,
they can sign up here for free. </span><a href="https://www.vidcode.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.vidcode.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Kids Activities Blog</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Here
is a blog with some good homeschooling resources. This blog has dozens of ideas
on how to entertain kids at home, so click around! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/24151/elementary-home-school/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/24151/elementary-home-school/</span></a><u><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Netflix</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. This is a list of Netflix
shows teachers use in the classroom. Great for everyday learning or perhaps to
strike a compromise if kids are fussing about screens (you can watch Netflix as
long as it’s educational). </span><a href="https://www.weareteachers.com/educational-netflix-shows/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://www.weareteachers.com/educational-netflix-shows/</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">Funbrain. </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration: none;">This site has games,
reading, and other interactive tools. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.funbrain.com/">https://www.funbrain.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Storyline Online. </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
site has celebrities reading stories. I use this one a lot when I teach. <a href="https://www.storylineonline.net/?fbclid=IwAR21HMNZBLf2K-Vrzy9fhTCG1FFtftSyGdH_5MEMGfCK_8TWrqL6CHht97Y">https://www.storylineonline.net/?fbclid=IwAR21HMNZBLf2K-Vrzy9fhTCG1FFtftSyGdH_5MEMGfCK_8TWrqL6CHht97Y</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bedtime Math. </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Math
games and practice. <a href="http://bedtimemath.org/">http://bedtimemath.org/</a><u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Workbooks</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are tons of workbooks out there! They are taking a
little extra time coming from Amazon, but worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Brain Quest</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> – these are my
favorite! They come in grade-levels and you can adjust up or down per your
student’s needs. You can also order the summer Brain Quest books which are
designed to keep your student learning between grades. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Word Detective </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>books with games and puzzles to improve
spelling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Math Skillbuilders</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">. Good
math workbook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bear Fairy</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Math workbooks (higher levels available)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scholastic Workbooks</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> –
these come in grade levels and various subjects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Activities</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are dozens of things kids can do at home to entertain
themselves, but it’s easier not to reinvent the wheel, so I will include some
links I liked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">100 Activities to do at Home. </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2020/03/13/100-activities-to-do-at-home-during-school-closures/?fbclid=IwAR2A1iIM4d9bbgTvDjjtO4x2-lAC1TK1nInG596vXnYqEWJPQAO0xEzeGZc"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">https://entertainkidsonadime.com/2020/03/13/100-activities-to-do-at-home-during-school-closures/?fbclid=IwAR2A1iIM4d9bbgTvDjjtO4x2-lAC1TK1nInG596vXnYqEWJPQAO0xEzeGZc</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Check out Pinterest for fun activities – there are so many
ideas there. I also have a list of science and art activities I created for the
first two weeks of homeschooling and I will copy that here: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Homeschool Art and Science activities <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sharpie
solubility: What is solubility (the ability to dissolve)? What are some
example of things that are soluble (sugar and salt)? Not soluble (oil,
plastic)? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Sharpie markers, coffee filters (one per kid), four
clear plastic cups, water, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, Sprite<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hypothesis: Is Sharpie marker permanent? Will it dissolve
in any of the liquids? Kids write their predictions. (Need lab sheet)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Fold coffee filters in half and half again. Draw
rainbow stripes on the coffee filters starting at the tips. Place one filter in
each liquid. Observe over a 15 min period to see if the Sharpie dissolves in
any of the liquids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lesson: Write your conclusions. Why did the Sharpie
dissolve in some liquids but not others? (The alcohol acts as a solvent)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sharpie tie-dye
t-shirts (or socks!) <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: One white t-shirt (or pair of socks) per student,
Sharpie markers, spray bottles with alcohol (get minis at Dollar Tree). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Draw designs on t-shirts, spray with alcohol –
watch the tie-dye happen! Dry overnight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Disappearing
eggshell. Can you dissolve the shell off of an egg with vinegar? Write
hypothesis. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Mason jar with lid and ring, egg (one per student),
white vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Place egg gently in jar. Fill with white vinegar,
leaving at least ½ inch at top for gases to escape. Leave for two days and
observe. What happened? Why? (Eggs have calcium carbonate in their shells and
vinegar contains acetic acid. The acid breaks down the calcium carbonate. The
calcium floats away but the carbonate reacts with the acetic acid to create
carbon dioxide. That’s why you see the bubbles!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Egg paint. Did you
know you can paint with eggs? In fact, many years ago egg-tempered paint
was popular until oil paints were introduced. That is how today’s
“tempera” paints got their name. Egg was used to “temper” coloring agents
such as crushed rock or brick to create paint. We can make our own
egg-tempered paint! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Eggs (dozen?), liquid food color, small bowls,
paintbrushes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Separate eggs -whites from yolks (this can be
tricky so each student should have a few eggs to try). Add liquid food color to
desired shade. Paint! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rainbow Skittles –
watch candy make a swirled rainbow! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Skittles (two packages per student), warm water,
white plate (not paper), clear plastic cups, pipette or syringes (per child)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Hypothesize – why do Skittles dissolve in warm
water (solubility) and why do they swirl so perfectly? Line edge of plate with
Skittles using random pattern or rainbow. Pour warm water just to touch edges
of Skittles. Watch and wait! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Fill five small plastic cups with 2 Tbs hot water.
Add 10 red skittles to one cup, 8 orange to another, 6 yellow to another, 4
green to another, 2 blue or purple to another. Hypothesize: which one has the
most sugar molecules? Which one will be more dense and why? After they have
dissolved use the pipette/syringe to transfer the liquid to another clear cup
in rainbow order and see what happens! Look at your rainbow – put it in the
window to observe through the light. Will it stay this way or will it muddle?
Why? Observe over a couple of days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rainbow art
watercolor trees. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Black Sharpie, watercolors, heavy paper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Draw tree shapes with branches on heavy paper (demonstrate
this). Use watercolors to fill in trees and when dry, enhance with swirls that
match the colors (bring example). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do clouds make
rain? Simple experiment to show how clouds make rain. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Clear plastic cup per student, shaving cream, blue
food color<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Hypothesize how clouds make rain? (Water vapor
gets too heavy and gravity makes it fall). Fill each cup with water ¾ of the
way. Add a blob of shaving cream on top and add drops of liquid food color.
Wait for the rain! Write your conclusions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Cloud dough – make
cloud dough with just two ingredients! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Bottle of cheap conditioner (white), cornstarch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Mix two ingredients together to make cloud dough.
Should be non-sticky and pliable. Play! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shamrock crystals:
grow your own crystals using just two ingredients, borax and water. Add
food color for fun! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Glass jar (per student), popsicle stick, pipe cleaner
(white), string<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Using a formula of 3 Tbs Borax to one cup boiling
water, fill jars about ¾ way. Bend the pipe cleaner into a shamrock shape, tie
one end of the string to the pipe cleaner and the other end to a popsicle
stick. Drop the shamrock shape into the jar, making sure not to touch the
sides. Let sit overnight and watch the crystals grow! Why does this happen?
Solubility! The hotter the water, the more soluble the borax. As it cools, the
borax separates from the water and forms crystals on the pipe cleaner, then
more crystals form on top of those crystals. Cool, huh? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Mosaic Shamrocks<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Scrapbook paper in shades of green. Shamrock shape
cut from heavy paper. Glue sticks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Using squares cut from scrapbook paper, fill in
your shamrock shape, filling all spaces. Trim edges if needed. <b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Candle seesaw –
how does a candle move up and down like a seesaw with no legs to push it? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Taper candle, paper clip, needle, two tall glasses,
tin foil, matches<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Expose the wick at the end of the candle so both
sides have an equal wick. Push a pilot hole with the needle through the candle,
then push the unbent paper clip through. Balance the candle on two tall
glasses, making sure the candle ends don’t touch the table when pushed down.
Place all on a piece of tin foil to catch drips. Light both ends of the candle.
See what happens! (The candle will at first burn balanced but as one side drips
off a drop of wax, it becomes lighter and moves up, then the other side drops
wax and moves up and so on until it moves back and forth like a seesaw. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wax seals –
explain how they used to be used to seal letters and that if the seal was
broken you would know the letter had been read. Can use stamps for this
(bring wax seal kit). How do you know how many drops of wax to use to make
the seal look good?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: paper, envelopes, wax seal kit, old rubber stamps.
Have kids experiment and then practice by writing a letter to parents and
sealing it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Making butter<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Heavy whipping cream, jar with lid (per student).
Toasted bread. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Shake, shake, shake! Hypothesize how long you
think you will need to shake the jar to make butter. It happens quickly once
the fats begin to solidify. When you shake the cream, the fat molecules clump
together. The liquid they leave behind is the buttermilk. One your butter is
solidified, add a little salt and put it on toast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Magazine page
butterflies<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Magazine pages with pretty designs, stapler.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: teach the art of fan folding, and making
butterflies with the results. Make large and small butterflies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Can a blow dryer
melt crayons? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: broken crayons, hair dryer, heat gun/embosser, small
canvasses for each student<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: have the kids glue broken bits of crayon to canvas
across the top. Using a hair dryer or heat gun/embosser, watch the crayons
melt. What is the melting temperature of a crayon? Hypothesize. (120-147
degrees). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Embossed stamping.
Using embossing gun to melt powder. Make cards<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: blank cards, stamps, embossing powder, embossing gun,
embossing pad, colored pencils to color in designs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Using stamps and embossing powder, create cards
and color in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Candy Cane lab.
Using colorful candy canes and putting them in different liquids, observe
what happens. What happens if you add a substance to the water – salt,
sugar, cornstarch, baking soda? Write your hypotheses and record your
conclusions. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Candy canes, different clear liquids (hot water, cold
water, vinegar, Sprite, oil). Clear plastic cups. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: put candy canes in different liquids. What
happens? What happens when you add different substances? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pointillism
rainbows – create pictures using pointillism with q-tips<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: heavy art paper, paints, q-tips<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Create a rainbow scene using pointillism – q-tips
and paint. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Science: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rock lab – explore
and learn about different types of rocks and crystals. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Magnifying glasses, classifying sheet, scale for
weighing, ruler for measuring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Project: Explore and classify different types of rocks,
weighing and measuring them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Art: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Painted rocks.
Paint rocks for hiding – perhaps combine this with a field trip to hide
rocks in a local park? <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Need: Rocks of all shapes and sizes to decorate, paint
pens, spray sealer, cardboard or old cookie sheet for spraying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Schedules:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A lot of people like to have some sort of schedule for
their kids. I recommend doing school work in the morning when their brains are
ready to learn, and knocking off at lunchtime for unscheduled afternoon play.
You will be able to get in a good three hours of learning and if you count in
all the transitions, specialists, recess, and lunch at school, this will be
about the same amount of time spent doing core subjects. I am using this
schedule with my kiddos: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9-9:15 Arrive, discuss day’s plans, get ready for work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">9:15-10 Math – try to do a combination of paper and pencil
work and computer work<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">10-10:15 Snack and stretch break<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">10:15-11 Literacy – do work work, writing, reading
comprehension, journaling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">11-11:45 Social Studies, Science or Art – rotate through
these each day. Some days we’ve been able to do both science and art because
the lessons were short. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">11:45-12 Put any work done into binders/notebooks (good to
hang on to some of their work to track progress)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">12:00 Lunch and outdoor play<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The rest of the afternoon can be spent reading, finishing
up work from morning, playing outside, doing some creative play inside, baking,
cooking, making art, and doing independent reading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Kids can help make dinner and it will save your sanity to
stick to a normal evening/bedtime routine M-F. Even though they are home every
day, it’s NOT the weekend every day, so treat the weekdays as normal as much as
possible. This also applies to getting dressed, having a healthy breakfast and
keeping things as normal as possible at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ongoing projects are good at this time: puzzles,
scrapbooks, building a giant fort, an extensive Lego project – just something
you all can work on during down times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Please note: your house will NOT be as clean as normal (if
clean is your normal!). Don’t stress over it. Know that the chaos will
eventually end and things will be in order at some point down the road. If you
are used to having a cleaning service, and you no longer have that, this is a
great time to find out what your kids are capable of in terms of cleaning! They
can do a LOT! Have a 30 min clean up break every day before dinner, even if
it’s just to put toys away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If schedules are NOT YOUR THING….that is perfectly ok. A
checklist can also be useful. Have your kids create their own and put these
items on it: math, writing, reading, physical activity, science, social
studies, art. You can add or subtract as you see fit. Add chores or any other
activity you want them to do. Let them be responsible for checking off the list
in a certain time frame (i.e. 9-3 similar to a school day). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is NOT easy to teach, as many of you are finding out.
This is uncharted territory for many so here are some tips for maintaining your
sanity: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You
ARE smart enough to teach your own kids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If
self-care is your thing (nails, hair, massage) and you don’t have access to
that at the moment, schedule yourself a day a week where you get a small period
of time to take a nice bath, do your nails, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Keep
bedtimes consistent and slightly early if you can swing it so you have some
alone time at the end of the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Naps
are awesome! Even your older kids might be bored enough to fall asleep. Take
advantage of this – nap yourself or have a snack or glass of wine. Enjoy the
peace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Embrace
the new normal. Things change daily and the news is scary. Try to maintain in the
healthiest fashion possible. We are all probably going to come out of this a
little bit fatter and having consumed a lot of alcohol. It’s all good. After
this we will find a new normal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have fun! You can do this! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-2980060474095361832019-12-31T20:44:00.002-08:002019-12-31T20:44:43.794-08:002019 Year in Review<div style="text-align: center;">
2019</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
January</div>
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We celebrated New Year's Eve at home with the family. </div>
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Harrison turned 20! </div>
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February</div>
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Arlie turned 21! We celebrated at The Rock where she enjoyed a "bucket" drink. </div>
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We survived Snowmageddon. Schools were closed for a week! </div>
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Jeff rode the Chilly Hilly bike ride - it was both chilly and hilly. </div>
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March</div>
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We had a little St. Patrick's day party at home, complete with Jello shots! </div>
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We took Grandma's "final wishes" trip to spread her ashes in Catalina Island and a few other places. </div>
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April </div>
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I went on a writing retreat and Jeff came along to hang out with me. We stayed in old barracks in Fort Worden in Port Townsend, WA. </div>
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Hannah had sinus surgery and went on vacation just two days later! </div>
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We also took a trip to Long Beach, WA with these guys! Stayed in the Adrift Inn - really cute!</div>
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We went to Teatro Zinzanni with lots of friends! </div>
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Jeff and I went to Corvallis for a workshop he attended. I hung out in our cozy Airbnb and read my book!</div>
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May</div>
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Junie B turned 3 years old! </div>
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We got baby birds in a nest outside the front door. We watched them grow and they left the nest on Mother's day!</div>
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The kids went to a park with me for Mother's day! </div>
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We saw School of Rock!</div>
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We kayaked at Silver Lake and Hayley made jewelry. </div>
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We took the first paddle of the season. </div>
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We spent Memorial day weekend at Camp Killoqua with Hannah's nanny kids, Ryder, Makena and their friend Isabelle. </div>
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June </div>
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We got to see Jayden again when he visited Washington and we went to the zoo. </div>
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We kayaked Cottage Lake and got eagle shots! </div>
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Jeff spent another year at the Booshway at the IMM Rendezvous.</div>
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We saw Wicked! (again!)</div>
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Jeff celebrated Father's Day. </div>
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We got a new deck! </div>
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We went to Pride! </div>
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July</div>
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Jeff and Alec shared their birthday. </div>
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We went to the parade in Bothell. </div>
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We celebrated Hayley's 26th birthday by going on a crystal dig at Hansen Creek. </div>
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We got a family room makeover! </div>
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We saved a baby bunny! </div>
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Jeff got stung by a yellow jacket and had to go to the ER. Our neighbor, DeVon, came over in full gear to eradicate the nest. </div>
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We had family in town from Idaho and took the kiddos kayaking/paddleboarding. </div>
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We also went hiking!</div>
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And the boys celebrated their 9th and 12th birthdays! </div>
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Kaden spent a week with us and we went to the Funko store. </div>
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Harrison won a barista championship and competed at the highest level. He didn't win that one but it was really fun to watch! </div>
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We took Kaden back home to Boise. </div>
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August</div>
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Hannah celebrated her 24th birthday!</div>
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Jeff rode in his 4th Obliteride. </div>
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We watched the Blue Angels at Seafair with cousin Sarah Whitmore and her friends. </div>
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Jeff and I went to San Diego for an ACS meeting. </div>
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Flower and Dash came for a quick visit. </div>
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Hannah and I went to Remlinger Farm with the Halcotts and her nanny kiddos. </div>
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September</div>
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We went to Bend for our third year in a row and the Fox family came too! </div>
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We went to Lake Crescent with the in-laws. Kayaked the gorgeous lake and hiked to Marymere Falls. </div>
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We celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary by kayaking to Bothell from Kenmore. </div>
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October</div>
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Hannah and I attended the Write on the Sound conference and I won first place in the writing contest! </div>
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We had a Halloween party and dressed like the four seasons of the year. </div>
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We made it to the pumpkin patch and Junie got to come! </div>
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We went to Coeur d' Alene and met Carson finally!</div>
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We had Thanksgiving in Spokane with Jeff's family. </div>
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December</div>
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We went to a Christmas tree farm. </div>
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We went to the Seattle Genetics holiday party. </div>
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We celebrated my 52nd birthday. </div>
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We got our own Elf on the Shelf! </div>
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All my loves were here for Christmas!</div>
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Junie B got festive!</div>
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Arlie, Jeff and I spent Christmas Eve getting brews and food. </div>
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We saw festive lights. </div>
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We ended the year with a getaway to Forks/LaPush - here is Jeff at Cape Flattery. </div>
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Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-22215204782796589962019-12-31T18:37:00.000-08:002019-12-31T18:37:46.591-08:00Decade Re-cap: 2010-2019<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3u9h6" data-offset-key="7v5vd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="7v5vd-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">What a decade it has been! Here are some stats for the Moore/Gordon family. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3gbj4-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Jeff: Competed in one Bloomsday, two triathlons at Cottage Lake, finished Run of the Mill 5k three times, did four Aquafest Quadrathons, rode in four Obliteride races, restored a 1968 Ford F100 short bed truck, became involved in his Interlake Mountain Man club, celebrated 10 years at his job at Seattle Genetics, learned to leathercraft, sew, build a loom and weave, make his own bows and arrows, and generally continue to be the Renaissance Man/jack-of-all-trades that he is. We try to keep him from picking up roadkill to make into hats and so far, he's complied. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8dn96-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Mary-Leah: Participated in three writing retreats,won a writing contest, took five trips to Boise solo or with Hannah to visit family, celebrated 20 years with the local school district, lived in one house for 19 years which is a record, raised four kids through the teenage years, read a lot of books, took a lot of photos, found her happy place in kayaking and spent another ten years doing a lot of the same old stuff. Perhaps it's time for her to shake things up a bit. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7v6co-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Hayley: Started out the decade as a sweet 16 yr old and is now 26. Showed her acting chops in The Wild and Woolley West, SeussOdyssey and The Wiz in high school, went to homecoming, Prom, graduation, college and Seattle Pride since 2013. She got her first apartment, her first cat, got engaged, married, and moved to Vegas. Lucky for us, she's broke so we don't have to worry about a gambling habit. She took trips to San Diego, Indiana and Boise and started her own business, Lemon Drop Wraps making wire-wrapped jewelry. Look for more awesome things to come in 2020! </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ajhte-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Hannah: Started the decade as a 14 yr old. Performed in Dramafest, The Wiz and worked on The Wedding Singer in high school, went to homecoming and Prom, graduated, became a nanny, went to college and will graduate next quarter! She had jaw surgery, went on a writing retreat with mom, took trips to San Francisco, Boise, and the WA and OR coast, as a willing travel buddy with Jeff and I. Currently applying for her adult job after graduation, and rewatching old episodes of The Office. 2020 is a year of big changes for Hannah! </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ajhte-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Arlie: Started the decade as a 12 year old and will be 22 on Feb. 3. Still in elementary school at the beginning of the decade, she is now in college, set to graduate in 2020 and already working in her field of choice as a behavior technician. She also nannies! Arlie participated in gymnastics and cheer, got Matilda kitty in 2011 and Benjamin and Beau in 2013. Benjie sadly passed away but Beau is Arlie's one true love, and Theo is the new black cat in the house. Arlie also enjoyed a theatre presence, participating in Storybook theater, Alice in Wonderland, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls and The Sound of Music. She went to many tolo, homecoming and Prom dances and kicked a few boyfriends to the curb. She had a brief blue hair phase in 2014, but we try to forget that. </span></div>
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Harrison started the decade as a prepubescent 11 year old and will be 21 next week! What? All the kids are of legal drinking age now (also, cannabis...because, Washington). Harrison started and ended a band this decade called Bushwhack. They played 14 concerts in their seven-year tenure and were pretty amazing. Alas, they grew up and went to college. Harrison enjoyed many years of acting, beginning with his first lead role as the Cowardly Lion in On the Road Again in 2012. That was followed up with 13 The Musical, Storybook theater, One-Act plays, Legally Blonde, Alice in Wonderland, Guys and Dolls, for which he was nominated for a 5th Avenue theater award, Much Ado About Nothing, Sound of Music, Cabaret, and his final leading role in Young Frankenstein. He hasn't done any theater since 2017, though, being busy with online college (ASU) and working at Starbucks. He is set to graduate in 2020 as well and is not sure what his path will be. Perhaps he will try out the stage again or head up the corporate ladder at Starbucks. He never brings us free drinks, though, so we're pulling for the stage. </div>
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As a family we took a lot of trips and kept up a lot of traditions. We traveled to Boise at least once a year if not more, Chelan, Spokane, Coeur d' Alene for Pig Pickin's, Disneyland, Portland, Leavenworth, Cannon Beach, Westport, Seabrook, San Diego, Montana, Oceanside, New York, Pacific City, Florence, Bend, Maui and Long Beach. We went to Camp Killoqua four times, camped in Grayland, Leavenworth and River Meadows, had six Ugly Sweater Parties, survived two Snowmageddons, and made it to the pumpkin patch every single year this decade! We lost three beloved doggies - Charlie in 2011, Shade in 2012 and Georgette in 2017. We adopted Junie B. in 2017 and she's awesome! We went to Lights of Christmas five times, and the Tulip Festival four times. We don't make it to everything every year, but hey, we do our best. </div>
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Jeff and I have spent a lot of the last decade traveling - mostly for work-related things and to care for his now-departed grandparents. We slept away from home in the last decade in: San Francisco, Potlatch State Park, Grayland State Park, San Diego (nine times!), Leavenworth, Spokane, Ohio, San Francisco, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Newport, CA, McCall, ID, Winthrop, Cape Disappointment, Baker City, Yakima, Oceanside, Moclips, Seabrook, LaConner, Goldendale, Boston, Maine, Oroviille, Orlando, Port Townsend, Corvallis, Lake Crescent, and Forks/LaPush. Whew! We love our getaways even if they are working vacations and look forward to maybe leaving the country in 2020. Not permanently. </div>
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We lost Jeff's grandpa Vern McAtee in August 2015 and his grandma Jo McAtee in December 2018. My Aunt Laurie also passed in December 2015 and Jeff's stepdad Tom passed in December 2018. We miss them all! </div>
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it's been a chaotic ride the past ten years. We've raised kids, changed jobs, spent ridiculous amounts of money on home repairs, and adventured all over our beautiful state. We look forward to making more memories in 2020 and wish you the same! </div>
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Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-91981356097924162342019-10-23T11:29:00.001-07:002019-10-23T11:29:40.653-07:00At Long Last - First Place in Fiction at Write on the Sound 2019<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At Long Last<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While she waited for her prescription to be filled, Maria
scanned the shelves of Target, taking in the laxatives, feminine products and
antacids that lined the section closest to the pharmacy counter. She was tired,
her throat ached and she was grateful for the amoxicillin being filled for her
after five days of feeling awful. She hadn’t expected the diagnosis of strep
throat even though swallowing was painful – it was nothing like the first time
she had strep, at age 14 when she was on the swim team, shivering in her
swimsuit at the side of the pool, and her gym teacher, Mr. Cavalo, insisted she
go to the doctor because she felt feverish. Her mom reluctantly took her –
doctor visits were not customary in Maria’s family – and Maria remembered the
sweet relief once the amoxicillin took hold and began eradicating the bacteria
that made her throat feel like it had been rubbed with sandpaper. Maria’s mom
made her go back to school, and back to swim team, the very next day, because
being sick, and, more importantly, whining about it, was taboo in Maria’s
family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maria’s mom worked tirelessly taking care of her five kids
– Maria and her sister and three rowdy, rambunctious boys, all born within six
years. She cooked, cleaned, hosted fancy birthday parties and over-the-top
holiday celebrations. She scoffed at the other moms who worked jobs outside the
home and wore blazers and fancy heeled shoes, and she never missed a chance to
sneer at a cheap paper invitation to the local jump house for a classmate’s birthday
celebration. When the neighborhood moms got pedicures or salon haircuts,
Maria’s mom never had anything nice to say. Too expensive, too much fuss,
should spend the money on the kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Wandering a bit farther down the aisles, Maria came to the
makeup section. The offerings were dizzying and quite a departure from her
usual Cover Girl foundation and mascara. She had never considered anything
else, as these were the identical cosmetics her mom had used and Maria had been
taught that anything beyond evening out her complexion and swiping on mascara
was overkill. And maybe a little bit trampy. Maria perused eyeshadow pallets
offering shimmering aqua, sunshine yellow and plum purple hues. Where would she
ever wear such things? To her administrative assistant job at Cole’s Custom
Cabinetry? Certainly not. Two aisles over she spotted face masks, bath poufs
and creamy concoctions meant to be used in the shower. Her usual bar of Ivory
soap seemed sterile and boring in comparison. But soap is soap, her mother
always said. Maria had never even considered smelling like a sun-ripened
raspberry. Ivory was good enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When her own daughter was a teen, of course, Maria
remembered being begged and wheedled to buy expensive face creams, fancy body
wash, and overpriced nail polish. And of course, Maria indulged, as mothers do.
But she never considered following suit, taking part in what her daughter now
called “self-care”. Even with two little ones of her own, Maria’s daughter
regularly indulged in spa treatments, weekends away with her girlfriends, and
salon haircuts at a price that made Maria gasp. She just didn’t see the point. Certainly,
some stray gray hairs had started their invasion on her normally jet-black
mane, but Maria managed just fine with her $8.99 Nice and Easy 100% gray
coverage box color. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Like her mother, Maria was steady and predictable. No
frills, no fuss. She could feel her mother rolling her eyes at the display of
body scrubs in front of her, likely thinking “waste of money” and “indulgent”.
Maria moved on and found herself in the shampoo aisle. Suave for Men. That’s
what her husband used. Her ex-husband. Paul was living in Costa Rica now –
Costa Rica! – with his new wife and her two teenagers. Paul never minded
Maria’s simple ways; he, too, pooh-poohed anything fancy or expensive. At least
when he was married to Maria. Once he met Lita, his new wife, he went from
Cheapskate to Big Spender. During their marriage, Maria couldn’t think of a
time they spent an anniversary or birthday at a restaurant above the caliber of
Olive Garden. But honestly? Pasta is pasta. It was fine. Everything was fine.
Until it wasn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maria wandered back to the face-mask aisle. It was so
bright and cheerful. And what was a foot peel anyway? She examined bottles and
packets – argan oil, seaweed, enzymes. Did it really matter? Wouldn’t a $2.99
bottle of Jergens moisturize as well as an $8.99 bottle of Tree Hut Shea Butter?
She twisted open a bottle of coconut-mango body wash and sniffed. Is this what
the tropics smelled like? Maria wouldn’t know. And anyway, it was six dollars.
Ivory soap was twelve bars for four dollars. Much better investment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maria wandered past the pharmacy counter again, making eye
contact with the pharmacist, sending the message that she was still waiting. He
gave her a brief, if not bored, nod and returned, head-down to his business.
Sighing, Maria returned to Aisle 14 and its rainbow of indulgent offerings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Without thinking she chose a grapefruit face mask and
dropped it in her red shopping cart. She picked it back up, hesitating, and
dropped it back down. Why not? It was two dollars. Might be fun to try. She
returned to the coconut-mango body wash, just to smell it one more time, but
before she knew it, that, too had dropped into the cart. Undeterred, she tossed
in a rosewater face wash and the complimentary toner and moisturizer fell in
after. She could hear her mother saying “Too expensive!” Her husband scoffing
at the scent. In went the foot peel and a butt mask – a butt mask? She giggled
at the thought of her, bare-cheeked, smearing this concoction all over and then
– what? Stand for twenty minutes while it dried? Is this the self-care her
daughter spoke of? Did her daughter use butt masks? Maria could hardly contain
her laughter as she moved down the aisle – Moroccan oil hair mask,
color-changing nail polish, and a sudden, impulsive side trip to the clothing
section to procure the fluffiest terry-cloth robe she could find in her size. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Back at the pharmacy counter she paid for her antibiotics,
longing for the relief that would wash over her once they did their work. The
pharmacist peeked over the counter and said “You can pay for your other
purchases here as well.” Maria glanced at the basket and for a brief moment she
considered abandoning the cart and rushing off to her small but cozy apartment,
her Lean Cuisine and her murder mystery shows. She didn’t NEED these things.
She wasn’t even sure she wanted them. Too much money, waste, no frills, no
fuss. “Shut up!” she whispered to herself. “Pardon?” said the pharmacist. “Yes,
please, I’d like to pay here” replied Maria as she scooped up the products and
dropped them clumsily on the counter. “Thank you!” she projected, a bit too
enthusiastically. She grabbed a packet of Trident, minty cool twist, and added
that to the pile. Just for today, the mantras in her head, her mother, her
ex-husband, herself could be silenced. Just for today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-85599333664723383552019-03-13T13:59:00.000-07:002019-03-13T13:59:08.672-07:00Your kid is not that special......and it's time you knew about it! The latest news about the college cheating scandal is unbelievable. Many wealthy Americans are accused of paying out big bucks in order to arrange for their child's SAT or ACT scores to be altered, or to have them recruited as elite athletes when they are not, in order to attend some of the nation's best colleges. Many of the students are in the dark about this, and are only just now finding out that their parents shelled out upwards of $500,000 or more to ensure they got into their "choice" college. Now, those same parents are charged with wire and mail fraud and paying hefty sums to make bail so they don't spend any time in jail (yet).<br />
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Here's what they, and you, need to know. YOUR KID IS NOT THAT SPECIAL. Yes, I said that. Having four kids of my own, you might be shocked to hear that, or think perhaps I'm an indifferent mom. On the contrary, I have often felt the sun rose and the moon set on my precious child and I'm certain, as I'm sure most parents are, that there is nary a child in the world quite as wonderful as mine. I marveled at their every move, celebrated their accomplishments (even the seemingly minor ones) and beamed as they grew into adults.<br />
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Full disclosure, I also cried a lot, felt white-hot anger like no other, questioned my importance in their lives, felt exhaustion, both mental and physical, the likes of which I'd never experienced before, and considered renting my own apartment just to have a little peace in my life. Because, let's be honest, parenting is HARD.<br />
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But you know what is NOT hard? Being honest and teaching your child integrity. In fact, it's something we should all strive to be doing. So, what's happening?<br />
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Wealthy and poor alike, parenting has taken a turn. No longer can we allow our children to feel ANY sort of physical or emotional pain. Baby doesn't sleep as long as you'd like? Hire a sleep trainer. Toddler throwing tantrums? Hire a behavioral specialist. Preschooler feeling a little jealous of the new baby? Make sure you buy presents "from the baby" so he doesn't feel left out. Second grader sucks at baseball? No worries! Everyone gets a trophy!<br />
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And it's no longer "cool" to have your child play outside after school. They must be enrolled in all manner of extracurricular activities such that time spent at home and with family is reduced to a few frenetic hours (or even minutes) of each day, trying to "cram it all in". Playing soccer on the YMCA league isn't enough either. It must be "select" or "traveling" so parents can spend thousands of dollars a year buying plane tickets, hotel rooms and fancy uniforms and paying outrageous fees to play the exact same game that can be played on the park pitch.<br />
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So it's no wonder that in our competition-driven world, parents feel pressured to do everything they can to ensure success for their kids. We want to give them the world, but at what cost? And if we "assist" them at every turn, how and when will they learn to forge their own way? Are we holding them back by giving them our all?<br />
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It sickens me to think that wealthy parents spent so much money to ensure that their kids (one of whom expressed on social media that they really only wanted to go to college for the "experience" rather than the education) get into elite universities when people are, quite literally, dying for an education in other countries. Where education is a privilege elsewhere, Americans tend to view it as a rite of passage; a necessary evil on the way to soul-crushing success.<br />
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There is nothing wrong with working hard and earning things on your own merit. Say it again, louder, for the people in the back! There is no shame in earning your way into the college you are qualified for (yes, gasp, even community college). Not everyone needs to go away to college. Absolutely no one "needs" the "college experience". Believe it or not, your kid CAN work and go to college. And the world will not stop turning if they don't graduate exactly 4-6 years after their high school graduation (master's degree notwithstanding).<br />
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With the staggering cost of college and the crushing debt many young people deal with decades after graduation, many are questioning if college is even the answer anymore. It's such an expected outcome for high schoolers that there is little to no talk of alternatives. It's either college or a lifetime of low-paying jobs. But that is simply not the case. There are so many successful people at the top of their game who didn't even attend college. The difference is, in the absence of monetary support, many worked hard for their success. And no one wants to work hard anymore. Why bother when you're getting a trophy just for showing up, even if "showing up" means your online presence.<br />
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The sad reality is that the message these wealthy parents caught up in the college cheating scandal are sending to their kids is this: I will do anything to make you seem like the best and most elite, even if it means spending sickening amounts of money, or breaking the law. And the message the kids hear is: You are only valuable if you are the best. You must appear to achieve higher than others, even though we both know you suck at algebra and lacrosse. We're in this lie together, kiddo.<br />
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Please stop making your kid think they are the most special. Yes, shower them with attention and affection and even gifts if you can afford to. But do them a favor and don't put them on stage if they can't sing or dance or act. Don't force them to play sports if they'd rather write music. Don't ridicule the worker at McDonald's so they think it's a shameful job. Teach them grace and compassion and to be kind. Those traits will ensure success for a lifetime. There ARE still things money can't buy. Tell that to the cheaters.Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-84687794752148124672019-01-01T23:13:00.001-08:002019-01-01T23:13:51.007-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
2018 in Review</div>
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2018 was a year of amazing highs and the lowest lows. Here is a recap of our year. </div>
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Harrison turned 19 on January 9th! Could he look any happier with his ice-cream cake? I think not. </div>
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We traveled to Oceanside, CA to move Grandma Jo to an independent living facility in El Cajon. Here we are at our favorite smoothie shop in Oceanside, Banana Dang. That, plus Mission Donuts, and the sunset walks on the beach.......Oceanside is pretty great! </div>
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In February, Arlie turned 20 on the 3rd and celebrated at home with friends. She REALLY wanted those giant balloons but I was too cheap to get them so Harrison came through. What a guy! </div>
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And we spent the week of Valentine's Day in a hotel while our floors were being refinished from our flood the previous December. While at the hotel, the bathroom shower flooded. We can't seem to stay away from floods, although I think that was the last one we experienced so, knock on wood. Here is my attempt to be festive in a hotel and still have Valentine's Day treats. </div>
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We also went to Moclips with Hannah and Junie B for some clamming (Jeff) and beachcombing (me, Hannah and Junie). We stayed in a sketchy little motel in an old, damp room, but we had a fun weekend break. Plus there was a fancy restaurant where Hannah and I dined while Jeff entertained Junie in our room. </div>
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In March, we took the whole family on a trip to Hawaii! This was something we'd been wanting to do for ages, and now that the kids are grown, we finally had the means to do it. Our group numbered nine - the six of us, plus Hayley's wife Megan, Harrison's boyfriend, Alec, and Arlie's good friend Rylie. We had so many adventures and fun experiences. But Jeff got the flu and was sick the whole time. He says the entire trip was a blur and I promised him a "do-over" trip with just the two of us. Hopefully we can do that in 2019! </div>
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In April, I went to Boise for a long weekend while Jeff went turkey hunting. I think I got the better end of the deal because I got to see this cute little girl, Fenna Mei, my newest great-niece (at the time). </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QamMIaOkJeY/XCxJJ5F8wLI/AAAAAAAAlrQ/YcLbGKt7uJgE8n2SETi1bd9Vrto8ueNigCEwYBhgL/s1600/30726284_10156200797499687_5371996719020401523_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QamMIaOkJeY/XCxJJ5F8wLI/AAAAAAAAlrQ/YcLbGKt7uJgE8n2SETi1bd9Vrto8ueNigCEwYBhgL/s320/30726284_10156200797499687_5371996719020401523_n.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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We also took a weekend trip to Grayland with Hannah and Junie again for more clamming (Jeff) and beachcombing, eating and relaxing (me, Hannah and Junie). This time we stayed in a quirky bed and breakfast and enjoyed the sunny deck, movie watching and playing hide and seek with Junie who escaped and was chasing a horse in a pasture across the street! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFF79QPlv30/XCxJJtntJoI/AAAAAAAAlrY/PvjrH6EsVgk_bT8KgF-4P46w15dEld4vQCEwYBhgL/s1600/30073479_10156216211439687_7319203230968559380_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1313" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFF79QPlv30/XCxJJtntJoI/AAAAAAAAlrY/PvjrH6EsVgk_bT8KgF-4P46w15dEld4vQCEwYBhgL/s320/30073479_10156216211439687_7319203230968559380_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In May, Jeff ran a 5k as the culmination of a "Couch to 5k" workout program at work. I clapped and cheered on the sidelines and handed out medals at the end. </div>
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We spent Mother's day in my favorite way - on the water in our kayaks followed by a lovely dinner at home. See Junie B? What a good kayak dog! </div>
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This weird cat had his first birthday. Theo continues to wreak havoc in our home daily. </div>
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And this sweet pup celebrated her second with a trip to the local burger joint. Junie B is a well-loved pup!</div>
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The girls and I were supposed to go to a painting event that got canceled so we created our own paint night and these were our results. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDPyv6DSUvw/XCxJK0gExTI/AAAAAAAAlrU/oRKfK_6D5BQDuxB9CRVIu5syWDn5T0gAgCEwYBhgL/s1600/33577238_10156292152524687_3370168542618976256_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1443" height="141" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDPyv6DSUvw/XCxJK0gExTI/AAAAAAAAlrU/oRKfK_6D5BQDuxB9CRVIu5syWDn5T0gAgCEwYBhgL/s320/33577238_10156292152524687_3370168542618976256_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jeff and I took a nice weekend trip to La Conner which was lovely. We also explored Anacortes and kayaked Heart Lake. Plus, he indulged my desire to visit all the shops! </div>
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We had axe-throwing competitions. I'm pretty sure I won. </div>
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I won tickets to a Mariner's game. We had nosebleed seats but it was fun! </div>
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In June, Jeff attended his annual Rendezvous near Sedro Woolley, WA. Here he is putting up his primitive tent where he will sleep with bugs for two or three nights. I have yet to join him for this trip. Can't imagine why. </div>
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These three graduated from Cascadia College with their AA degrees. We celebrated with a party! </div>
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We celebrated Father's day by getting Jeff a new, fancy barbeque and having dinner at home. These are my favorite people. </div>
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We took Jeff's parents to the Jimmy Buffet concert in Seattle. We bought our matching shirts in Hawaii and were so excited to wear them! Thought we might have overdone it until we actually got ot the concert and saw all the other Parrot Heads! </div>
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We attended Pride in Seattle. It was hot but very rainbow-y. </div>
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We went to the zoo with Hayley's and Hannah's nanny kids. </div>
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In July, Jeff turned 50! We spent the day in Sequim and surrounding areas, visited the wooden boat school and saw a herd of elk. </div>
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On the 4th of July, we marched in our hometown parade as part of the Reader's Digest "Nicest Places in America" contest. I nominated our city of Bothell and we won a spot in the top ten and were featured in Reader's Digest November 2018 issue! </div>
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Later, we celebrated at home with fireworks. </div>
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My cousin Sarah came from Ohio to work at UW for several weeks and we ventured to Snoqualmie Falls. </div>
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We took a ferry ride to Kingston and had crepes. Ashley, Megan's sister, joined us as she was visiting from Indiana. </div>
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Hayley turned 25 on July 7th! We celebrated at home with a bbq and s'mores. </div>
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And we celebrated another 25th birthday with Haley and Lexie, this time at Cottage Lake where we kayaked. </div>
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Jeff and Arlie took the first of their (hopefully) annual backpacking trips. </div>
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We met up with Greg and Heather and Maiya for kayaking Lake Washington. </div>
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We went to Boise to celebrate these two goofballs birthdays! Kaden turned 11 and Jackson turned 8. </div>
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We had an epic shaving cream party at "Camp Aunt Mo" day with Arlie's and Hannah's nanny kids. </div>
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Jeff competed in the Aquafest Quadrathon again - a swim, bike, run, paddle event. Not bad for an old guy! He came in second place in his age division....there were two competitors in his age division. HA!</div>
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In August, we attended the wedding of our childhood friend Haley B! It was Gatsby-esque and we dressed the part. Harrison was the officiant. </div>
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We watched the Blue Angels over Lake Washington for Seafair weekend. </div>
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We went to Wings Over Washington on the waterfront after a lovely dinner and sunset at Ivar's. </div>
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Hannah turned 23 on August 9. We spent her birthday at the river in Arlington with Kena and Arlie and it was so peaceful and fun. </div>
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Harrison got back on stage, this time as Black Stache in "Peter and the Starcatchers". Aunt Marcia and Uncle Deven came from Boise to see it. </div>
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Jeff participated in Obliteride again, this time riding 100 miles in one day with Team Seagen. </div>
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Harrison and Alec spent a week in Puerto Vallarta. </div>
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While Jeff and I flew to Boston for a conference where we spent a few days exploring the city. We loved it! </div>
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We also got to attend a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park! </div>
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After Boston, we drove to Maine, exploring Salem, Portland, and other towns. We did goat yoga, saw Kennebunkport, visited Acadia National Park, and best of all, spent our time at our friends Gary and Fiona's bed and breakfast, Sugar Maple Cottage in China, ME. It was beautiful! </div>
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In September, spent another weekend in Bend, OR with the Kelseys and Zapalowskis. They love Nanny Hanny! We had fun floating the river, swimming, lounging, eating, drinking, kayaking and biking. We also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary! </div>
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I traveled to Boise for Lila's 7th birthday pony party! </div>
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And got to see Fenna Mei again. </div>
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Harrison spent a week in Washington DC with his dad's family. </div>
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Megan turned 22 on September 20th! We celebrated at Ghostfish Brewery in Seattle where they make gluten free beer! </div>
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I went camping/hunting with these yahoos and spent four days using a primitive toilet and sleeping in the minivan. It was way more fun than it sounds. </div>
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In October, we took another short trip to visit Grandma Jo in El Cajon, and this time we were there for the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous. Jeff enjoyed visiting another rendezvous. And wearing a dead animal on his head, apparently. </div>
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We took our end of season kayak trip on Cranberry Lake near Deception Pass where I found these two engaged in quite the conversation. </div>
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Jeff ran another 5k with his Couch to 5k group. </div>
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Arlie went on a mission trip to Germany and Italy. Here she is in Venice. She claimed the honor of being the first among us to travel internationally.</div>
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We also won Halloween this year with these epic "Hocus Pocus" costumes. </div>
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In November, Jeff had hernia surgery and was out of commission for a week. I didn't take a picture of that. You're welcome. </div>
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Hannah and I traveled to Boise in November to see ALL the babies. Fenna Mei was 13 months. </div>
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Kacie Lee was almost ten months and we hadn't met her yet! What a beautiful girl! </div>
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And baby Anlin Fei was only two weeks old! What a treat to see her so young and "fresh" - and such a gorgeous little girl! </div>
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We had plans to spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's family in Spokane, but things took a turn with grandma and Jeff had to fly out unexpectedly to San Diego the day before Thanksgiving to help Grandma Jo. Arlie drove to Spokane to spent Thanksgiving with her mom and the other kids spent Thanksgiving with their dad, while I enjoyed a quiet day at home after brunch with the kids. </div>
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The Saturday following Thanksgiving, I also flew to San Diego to be with Jeff and Grandma Jo. We spent the whole time back and forth between the hospital and grandma's place and at the end of the trip we had moved grandma's things to storage and moved her out of her independent living place. She was doing better here when she and Jeff were watching the Chargers game. </div>
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While we were at the hospital with Grandma Jo, Jeff's stepdad, Tom, was also admitted. He seemed to be doing better when we left, but sadly he passed away the day after we returned home, on December 7th. </div>
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Jeff was home for just four days when it became apparent he needed to go back to be with grandma as her health was taking a turn for the worse again. He arrived on Sunday and on Wednesday, Dec. 12 Grandma Jo passed peacefully in hospice with Jeff by her side. </div>
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Jeff spent the next two days in San Diego, and flew home just in time for his company work party. </div>
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I turned 51 on December 17th. </div>
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Hannah and I saw "Annie" at the 5th with her nanny kids, Ryder and Makena plus other friends. We had brunch at the Georgian Room and visited the Teddy Bear Suite and giant gingerbread house too. </div>
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We took the family to see The Lion King at the Paramount. I have always wanted to see it and I splurged for great tickets for my birthday. It was amazing and unforgettable! </div>
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We had our annual Ugly Sweater Party. This year we sponsored two single moms and were able to get them Christmas gifts and gift cards. It's always a fun time! </div>
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On Christmas Eve, while the other kids were with their dad, Arlie, Jeff and I went to Enchant Christmas at Safeco Field. It was beautiful and sparkly - lots and lots of lights! </div>
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We had a quiet, scaled-back and lowkey Christmas at home which was just what the doctor ordered after our stressful month. .We all picked a category this year and gave gifts from that category. I gave books, Hannah gave movies, Hayley and Megan gave crystals, pendants and boxes to keep it all in, Alec gave tea, Arlie gave socks and cozy items, Harrison gave candles and Jeff gave gas cards. It was simple and lovely. </div>
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We rang in the New Year in similar fashion - at home with a quiet celebration. We spent the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve doing a lot of napping and staying in pajamas. It was a much-needed break!</div>
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And now we begin 2019. We hope for a year with less loss and sadness, and more of the moment of happiness we experienced in 2018. We are grateful for another year of chaos, as we wouldn't have it any other way. And we hope you always remember to find joy in the littlest things as you move forward and embrace a new year. </div>
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Happy New Year 2019! </div>
Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-11557148271066592792018-09-23T15:06:00.000-07:002018-09-23T15:06:22.373-07:00Primitive toilets and lost sleep...........Next weekend I will embark upon an adventure with my husband, Mountain Man. You see, he typically goes "hunting" around this time of year - sometimes for elk or deer or, in this year's case, grouse. Because his big-game pursuits have yielded less than stellar results (for him, anyway....I tend to cheer for the game!) in previous years. And last year, snow foiled the plans and led to an early departure. So, this year he and his mountain man friends decided they would go grouse hunting in late September.<br />
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Mountain Man has taken to calling his hunting adventures "walking in the woods with a gun" because rarely is anything harmed. He enjoys the outdoors, gathering around the campfire, and spending days on end with no plumbing or electricity. I, myself, delight in WiFi and flushing toilets, so I have never joined him in this "hunt". But this year he has convinced me to jump on the bandwagon and spend four days in the great outdoors.<br />
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As a result, I have lost an inordinate amount of sleep worrying about the potty situation.<br />
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For the past decade or so, I've regularly risen at least once per night to use the bathroom. I stumble in the pitch-black to the familiar cubicle and do my business without worrying about mosquitos biting my bum, a bumbling bear interrupting my bathroom business, or tripping on a root and having a dirt snack. And I'd really like to keep it that way. So, the thought of trekking several hundred yards to the community pit toilet, carrying the TP and hand sanitizer with me so as to signal others that I'm the one using the items missing from the coffee can at the end of the trail, and squatting over a primitive toilet, gives me nightmares.<br />
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Mountain Man, bless his heart, has agreed to bring our portable potty seat (basically a camping chair with a hole in it and a velcro cover designed specifically for the purpose of pottying outdoors) and a pop-up cover so I can do my business in our own version of a vinyl outhouse. He says he will dig a deep hole under the camping chair. Which also gives me nightmares - we all know a great number of small animals enjoy living in holes. Maybe not ones with potty business in them, but still. He assures me this portable poop house will be near enough to the minivan that I won't have to trek far in the night, but also far enough away so any errant odors are contained (I plan to bring PooPourri).<br />
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We will sleep in our minivan and I've purchased a nifty camping pad with inflatable pillows with which we will make a cozy nest. Mountain Man planned to bring his entire primitive tent set-up but has since reconsidered due to space constraints. We will also need to bring sleeping bags, warm clothing, food for four days, and enough water to drink, wash and cook. I will need to bring many things to entertain me, as there is no WiFi, nor cell service (gasp!) and I may be spending long periods of time alone at the campsite as others go on their "hunts". Sure, I can join Mountain Man whilst trekking through the woods looking for tiny, innocent birds to ambush, but hunting isn't really my thing - I'd rather shoot pictures than bullets, so I will be exploring solo.<br />
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Which brings me to other dangers that keep me awake at night. Cougars, for one. Yes, it's extremely rare to even see, much less be attacked by, a cougar, but it's happened in our area twice just this summer so I'm planning to keep my eyes wide open. And perhaps carry a firearm. Also, the woods are the perfect place for crazed killers to prey. Who's to say I won't encounter a serial killer on the trails? Bears enjoy foraging for food in the woods, and I'll technically be in THEIR house so what are the chances one of them will give chase? Honestly, I'll probably just stay safely locked in the minivan, perhaps hiding under the covers in the back with the safety of the tinted windows.<br />
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Why am I even going on this trip? For one thing, I love road trips with Mountain Man and this trip takes us almost to Canada on the East side of the mountains so the adventure involves quite a drive. Second, he has promised me picturesque scenery and perhaps some fall foliage photo ops. We also plan to drive by a gorgeous lake I've always wanted to see. He expressed how much he's always wanted my company on one of these trips and I now have the flexibility in my job to join him. And I get to see a side of him I rarely get to witness - his interaction and involvement with his fellow mountain men.<br />
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It would be so easy to just say no. To stay home in my warm house and fritter away a weekend doing nothing or lots of things. But I'm all in. Even though I'm super anxious about the whole thing. Four days of no shower, an icky potty, no makeup, no WiFi, lots of alone time........it's enough to put me into a full-blown frenzy. But I aim to embrace it, to disconnect and see where it takes me.<br />
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Even though I'm losing sleep over it. To adventure!<br />
<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-20423138726836894502018-08-15T14:50:00.000-07:002019-04-11T21:34:50.078-07:00Wine drunk women and loneliness in middle age..........I attended a beautiful wedding recently. It was a perfect evening and the festivities were winding down. The bride and groom were getting ready to make their exit when a woman I have met just once came over and sat down next to me.<br />
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"Hi! I'm J. I just thought I'd come over here and introduce myself and let you know that I'm the bitch who took your place in book club!"<br />
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As introductions go, this was one of the strangest I've ever encountered. I had met this women once before the wedding at a paint night event for the bride. I hadn't even spoken to her, really, beyond the name-only introductions.<br />
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For context, the book club this woman was referring to consisted of a small group of six ladies meeting for a book club started by my hairdresser which included my friend, the mother of the bride, her daughter, the bride, a former co-worker friend of mine, and a couple of ladies I only knew by name, J included.<br />
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I had not been invited to join this book club, although I had heard about it several years ago, been asked if I was interested, and expressed my interest to join. That invite never came and I barely gave it another thought. And then I found out my close friend was invited in one of those weird "one person knows another person and another person knows a crossover person who knows both people" ways. Although I would surely have been interested in joining - and, by my own account, would have been a hilarious addition to the "club" (haha), I was not invited and I really didn't give it much thought.<br />
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I joined another book club for a while. It fizzled out, as those things do. And my life went on.<br />
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So, there I was, enjoying a perfectly beautiful wedding, when this woman made this proclamation that knocked me askew.<br />
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"Oh?" I responded, giggling nervously, because I was not at all sure where this conversation was going.<br />
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She went on to tell me that three years previous, she had met my hairdresser who had asked her to join this book club. For reasons unknown, the club was limited to six women, and while I had apparently been in the running as a member, I was shunned in favor of J. Or at least this is what J told me.<br />
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She then went on to say that although she should feel bad for "taking my spot" she really didn't, because, by her account, she "needed it more than me" (her words). She went on to say this four or five more times - how I was "lucky" because I already knew a lot of the members but she had moved to town three years ago, friendless, and how would she have met anyone otherwise? She said it was the greatest group of women she'd been acquainted with, and how she really valued their time together that included girls' weekends.<br />
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I listened quietly, and assured her how happy I was for her that she'd made good friends (because the ladies in the book club are really amazing women). I thought the conversation would end there, but she continued to emphasize how she "needed" their friendship more and so she was not really sorry for "taking my place".<br />
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At a point in the conversation, my husband, who I had turned my back on to speak to this woman, could sense the conversation with this wine-drunk woman was dragging on, so he retrieved three bottles of "send off" bubbles and offered us each a bottle, indicating it was time to move on to saying goodbye to the couple. Still, she prattled on.<br />
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I finally stood up to make my way to the "send-off" line and lost her in the crowd somewhere. We blew the bubbles, said goodbye and I hustled my family to the car for the long ride home, spent from hearing how much I didn't "need" friends.<br />
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I didn't speak of the conversation at first, and my husband later told me he wasn't able to hear any of what she was saying to me, only that he noticed I was a captive audience, however unwilling a participant. When we returned home, we were exhausted and went to bed.<br />
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The following morning, I relayed the whole story to my husband. Normally, he is not all that interested in girlish gossip, but after I finished he said, "What was the point of that conversation except to make you feel bad?"<br />
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And he had a point. The conversation DID make me feel bad, but not because she "took my spot" in the book club. It made me feel awful because she assumed, without knowing one thing about me, that I didn't need friends as much as she did. And I had to wonder why she thought that. Why she assumed I had so many friends that she could feel justified in taking mine.<br />
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Because it's not true.<br />
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I realize no one "owns" their friends - friends are to be shared. Certainly many people have varied and unconnected friend groups from different walks of life. But what J didn't know is that I was right smack in the middle of an emotional crisis about exactly that - friends!<br />
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At 50, I find myself less connected with multiple groups of other parents raising kids who become our friends. I've had dance mom friends, sports mom friends, school mom friends, neighborhood mom friends. Friendships that have come and gone, changed and morphed over the years. I've had friends I've seen every day and friends I see rarely but still feel very connected to.<br />
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As my kids have grown, and I no longer have those groups, my friends have changed. My work doesn't lend itself to making friends easily - as a substitute teacher, I am not part of a staff that regularly work together. Certainly I am friendly with a great many teachers and staff at the schools where I work, but that friendship stays within the walls of the school.<br />
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My social connections outside of work are very few. I've settled into a work/home mode that has me spending much of my free time with just my husband or my husband and grown kids. I suppose that's natural - we're all growing up together and as our families branch out and connect in other places, our friendships and lifestyle changes.<br />
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My husband is most definitely my best friend, and, lucky for me, he's pretty fun to be with. We have grand adventures and small moments and I know he is there for me at all times. That friend you can call at 4 a.m. no matter what? I don't have that, but I can always wake my husband up.<br />
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I've never really gone on a girls' weekend. I spent one night in a hotel with three friends once when my kids were much younger. The hotel was in the next town, 15 minutes away, and while it was lots of fun, it wasn't a long weekend of girl time and making memories. I know people who do girls' weekends regularly. That just isn't my history. And while it sounds like fun, it also sounds like sharing a hotel room with someone other than my own family and, frankly, I like to keep my snoring to myself and sleep in peace. My introverted side says I'm perfectly ok with not straying far from my safe nest at home unless I have a close family member by my side. My lonelier side says I wish I had friends who wanted to spend a weekend with me.<br />
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I have one friend who absolutely wins the gold medal in keeping a tiny group of us connected. By tiny I mean three. What started as a very large group of moms and babies who met weekly for playdates has dwindled down to three 50-something woman with grown children who still meet up fairly regularly for coffee. That coffee date regularly lasts four hours and we are never surprised by how fast the time flies when we are together. This friend is amazing at remembering, every few weeks, to text us with a reminder that it's been a while and could we meet for coffee or dinner and drinks soon? And we do. And it's like no time has passed at all. Thank goodness for that friend.<br />
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But a certain level of loneliness has crept into my life and I'm finding myself caught in a conundrum of making peace with it and just loving my home life (I do!) and wanting to keep making friends and connections. Is it ever too late to make lifelong friends?<br />
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Recently, someone posted on a Facebook community page about how hard it is to make friends. Hundreds of people from all walks of life and all ages responded in kind - it IS so hard to make friends. Many said people are generally friendly but don't seem to want to make deeper connections. In this introverted world, that is not completely surprising. We work hard, have busy lives, and our free time is precious (and far too limited). It's no wonder that we just want to flop on the couch when we get home, take off the bra and do nothing. Going out requires effort. Showing up requires work.<br />
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But we also long to be connected - I remember days of having a playgroup, Bunco group, and a book club all while juggling after-school lessons, homework, attending whatever the latest "party" was (baskets, stamps, scrapbooking) and the general chaos of raising kids. It's no wonder those social obligations started to feel like work. I've often joked that I just want to start "club" - no book, game, multi-level marketing ploy or other factor to make it feel like an obligation. Just "club" - where everyone is welcome, you bring food and drink, and you just eat, talk and connect until you're tired and go home. Why do we need structure to form friendships?<br />
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So, while I'd like to pass off my conversation with J as just a wine-drunk woman making small talk, I can't stop thinking about why a woman would want to tell another woman something for the sole purpose of making her feel awful. It just doesn't compute.<br />
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We are all worthy of friendship. What I've learned is that sometimes you have to look in other places. As your life changes and grows, so do your personal connections. Sometimes you find a great friendship in the least expected place. Sometimes you will go through a very lonely, isolating time. Sometimes you have to start over.<br />
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But at the very least, I've always made it my goal to be inclusive and to give people a chance. Sure, I'm not going to like everyone and I'm absolutely certain many people will not like me. But I often get comments from social media about how much "fun" my life is and how awesome my family is. And it IS awesome. But it is lonely, far too often. I thank God every day that I have my amazing kids and sweet husband to keep me going because some days it's hard. I used to have a tribe and now I have a very small group of friends whom I see far too infrequently. I've always valued quality over quantity - growing up attending a new school each year really teaches you the value of that! So, for those few, I am grateful.<br />
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But I know I'm not alone. I know there are so many, like me, who feel unconnected or unsteady in their connections. If that's you, reach out. I can always use new friends. And I hate for anyone to feel left out. If you see my online presence and think "Hey, she looks like a fun person to hang out with!" just message me and say that! I know how isolating it can be at this stage of life. And I would never want to assume you have enough friends to sustain you. You never know what someone is going through.<br />
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Finally, if you are wine-drunk at a wedding, you might want to stop talking. You will never know the consequences of your words. You probably won't even remember them. But someone will. And they'll write a blog about it. Be nice.Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-33600557247865970932018-05-18T20:28:00.000-07:002018-05-18T20:28:12.629-07:00And another one.............Yet another school shooting made headlines today with reports of 8-10 dead. We have become so numb as a nation, as a people, that we do absolutely nothing and just wait for the next tragedy to happen. It goes like this: 1. Thoughts and prayers, 2. No changes, 3. We sit and wait for the next child to be shot.<br />
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In the meantime, we hold drills and teach our kids what to do - as if anyone really knows what to do - because when it comes down to it, no one can be fully prepared. Who knows who will decide to bring a gun to school? Where will they enter the building? Where will YOU be when the shooting starts? You can prepare all day long but when it actually happens, you will be vulnerable. And you might be next.<br />
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As an educator, I'm familiar with drills - lock down, safe inside, active shooter. We have earthquake drills and fire drills. And preparation is a good thing. When my own children were at school during a scary earthquake, their preparation helped them be calm, exit the building in an orderly fashion, and assemble in an outside area to be accounted for. My 5-year-old even counted the students in her class and reported to her teacher that all were present before they exited. Preparation is wonderful for natural disasters. But a school shooting is not a natural disaster.<br />
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Last week I taught kindergarten. I was told there would be a lock down drill and the time it would take place. We were allowed to inform the students and encouraged to discuss actions we could take in the event a "bad person" got into our classroom. Of course, active 5- and 6-year-old imaginations ran wild and more than one child said they would "ninja kick" the bad guy, or perhaps hide in the ceiling tiles and drop down on the unsuspecting villain. I had to tell them that our "villain" was not like the ones on TV and that we would want to avoid being close enough to "ninja kick" anyone.<br />
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One boy observed that if we scattered about the room, each holding a wooden block, we could bombard the intruder from all sides and confuse him while others ran. Another child talked about how her mother taught her to be completely silent while hiding. Other children noted multiple exits in the room and wondered if they could throw a chair through the window to escape, if necessary.<br />
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As the time of the drill crept closer, I could sense the agitation. The students knew it would be shortly after recess so when they came in, hot and sweaty from running in the sunshine on a beautiful Northwest afternoon, one child turned off the lights and another ran to close the blinds. "Not yet!" I advised, "Remember we have to be doing our normal routine so we can practice getting into lock down mode quickly."<br />
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So, we sat at the carpet and began to read a story when the announcement came over the intercom. The students popped up with nervous energy but many caught themselves and forced their little feet to walk, not run, to hide in closets or the bathroom. Someone turned off the lights and the blinds were closed. The door was already locked. Children scattered and crammed their tiny bodies into coat closets while I ushered the majority to the bathroom where we could crouch behind a locked door.<br />
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In the pitch black, I could see no one and had no idea of knowing who exactly was in the room with me and who had tucked into the closets. My voice was a steady stream of the quietest "shhhh" I could manage for the children who just could not be silent, no matter how hard they tried (and they tried hard!) I could hear the closet doors popping open, soft whispers, the doors closing quietly. I heard a hand pull on the outside classroom door - hard. And we waited for what seemed like an eternity but was less than ten minutes.<br />
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When the all clear was sounded and we spilled out, blinking, into the bright light of the classroom (one of the closet dwellers had been quick to turn on the lights), we gathered at the rug again. We talked about what we did right (we stayed as quiet as possible) and what went wrong (we decided the closets were bad hiding places because if a door popped open and a bad guy was there, the kids could not escape). We again discussed our roles - run, hide, fight. There was some more ninja talk.<br />
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But mostly there was a knowledge and a preparedness that no child in kindergarten should have to be privy to. These kids live in a world where the unthinkable happens all the time. No longer is it something that happens to "someone else" or in "other places". Every day we have to consider that we might have an active shooter and know that it will be virtually impossible to save everyone (or anyone). And so we practice, and we hope that we never need to hide in the dark.<br />
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And then we read a cheerful story because 5- and 6-year-olds are incredibly resilient and have short attention spans but they are ready for anything. Even the unthinkable.<br />
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Santa Fe High School May 18, 2018</div>
Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-50801811093947824012018-05-15T22:42:00.000-07:002018-05-15T22:42:22.240-07:00The Monday-est Tuesday.........Let me tell you a story. Yesterday, I had a "procedure" done on my foot. Ok, I had warts frozen off. Yes, I'd rather have pretty feet than have the pedicure ladies look at me sideways every time they use the cheese grater on my feet. I've tried to get rid of them for years - all the over the counter stuff, the duct tape, everything. Finally I'd had it and went to a podiatrist (who was really strange, by the way, but that's another post). He said he needed to freeze them each at least 40 sprays so it took a while. And he stressed several times how painful it would be and that there "is simply no pain-free way to get rid of warts." He also stated that some go away on their own but that "at your age" it was unlikely. At my age, indeed!<br />
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The procedure itself was relatively pain-free but a few hours later, it was obvious what he meant when he said (time and again) how painful it would be. I'm SO glad I didn't have any jobs scheduled this week beyond the one I did yesterday, because by this morning, I could not stand on my foot at all. I already had a haircut scheduled today with my curly-hair specialist so there was no way I was going to miss that. I hobbled on the side of my foot, took a shower, got ready, and limped downstairs to put the dog in the kennel.<br />
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And that's when it happened - my back went out! I guess walking on the side of my foot torqued my back in such a way that when I bent over to lock the kennel I felt the tell-tale searing pain of a back that was unhappy with my gait. Arrows of pain shot across my lower back and I assumed the ever-so-careful walk of a person afraid to incite pain by moving. Or breathing. I headed to the car with an ice pack for my back - I'm nothing if not a multi-tasker.<br />
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I left in plenty of time to grab a coffee on my way, but when I pulled away from the coffee stand with my iced mocha and muffin treat, I realized they gave me the wrong muffin! I actually stopped at another coffee stand on the way hoping to acquire my favorite muffin but they didn't have that flavor so I settled for a chocolate-chip muffin and headed to the freeway.<br />
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As I crested the overpass, I saw a huge backup on the freeway and my GPS changed to a bright red line for miles. Undaunted, I took an alternate route and arrived 10 minutes late. I missed the entrance to the parking garage and had to drive past the salon to turn around. Seeing a face in the window I gave a quick "Sorry I'm late, I'll be there in a sec" guilty wave, only to realized the face belonged to a mannequin. I waved to a doll head!<br />
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The parking garage was full so I had to park a distance away. I did my best quick hobble/limp/skip to get to the salon and began my litany of excuses (all legitimate!). My hairdresser did her magic with my hair and my curls were restored to their natural beauty (ha!).<br />
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All I wanted at this point was to be home where I could put my extremely sore foot up, and ice my back. But I had a wicked craving for Puffcorn. This is a junky food that comes in a bag for $2. It resembles Pirate's Booty but has the distinctive orange Cheeto dust on it. It has no nutritional value and it's delicious. My mom introduced this treat to me a few months ago when I visited her in Boise and now I've consumed at least two bags. It's not hard to eat an entire bag in one sitting, and that goes against everything I believe in eating reasonably. I'm not even a fan of anything "chip" like most of the time, but as with all my cravings, if I just let this one run it's course, soon I will tire of it and I won't care about it again. Years ago my sister introduced me to Little Debbie Nutty bars and it was hit and miss there for a bit but I kicked that addiction and I don't even think about them anymore.<br />
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Anyway. I really wanted a bag of Puffcorn so I stopped at the local Safeway. My daughter had procured a bag of this crack a few days before at a Safeway so I thought certainly they would have it. Against my better judgment, and my current level of pain, I hopped into Safeway and limped up and down the chip aisle no less than four times before accepting the fact that my beloved Puffcorn was not to be. Dejected, I left the store. To add insult to injury, there was something sticky on the shopping cart and it got all over my hands! I'm super glad I keep a large bottle of hand sanitizer in my car because I doused my hands when I got in the car. Gross.<br />
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I emailed my husband about my day so far, and he generously offered to stop at a different store on the way home, on his bike, to pick up my treat. Now, that is a selfless man. But I decided to text my daughter because I looked it up online and the internet said Puffcorn could be purchased at Target. Knowing she would pass a Target on the way home, I figured she could just stop in and pick some up for me. Along with Ben and Jerry's Coffee Toffee crunch ice cream because by now my craving was having a craving. You know how it happens.<br />
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Well. Not only did Target not have the Puffcorn but they didn't have the ice cream either. Let me stop here and say that I do not need either of these treats. In fact, my life would be so much better if I never consumed anything with carbs in it for the next 50 years. But I wanted to eat my feelings (as I do) and I couldn't find the Tylenol so I figured it might subdue the pain. Hey, it could have been crack or copious amounts of wine. We all have our drug.<br />
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When I got home, I packed some grapes and crackers for a snack and took them and a large glass of water upstairs to tuck into bed with an ice pack and watch Forensic Files. But I couldn't make the TV work. Stupid thing. I found four remotes and by trial and error I made a combination of two of them work and I finally got to watch some true crime before I fell blissfully asleep for two pain-free hours. But then I woke up. And I still wanted Puffcorn but my daughter arrived home with a consolation prize of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and I didn't even eat one because it's not what I wanted and I have some self-control. Sort of.<br />
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At any rate, I did not get my treats today. But Jeff did make me a cake. Before you get all sappy about what a great guy he is, let me tell you the back story. My eldest daughter made me a delicious cake on Mother's day (two days ago) using a few baking hacks I told her about. The cake turned out wonderful and I declared that NO ONE was to eat any more of it because the last two slices were for me, goddammit, because I'm the mom and it was for mother's day. And no one argued with me. But my husband, who has absolutely no control over his chocolate addiction, and who had already consumed a large piece of cake WITH ice cream earlier in the evening, felt he needed a nightcap and cut himself a slice of cake before bed. And in the morning, when he went downstairs, that last piece of cake called to him and he shoved it in his face while standing over the sink, without even thinking of me, or the fact that the last piece of ANYTHING sweet and good in this house is automatically mine and everyone knows it. So, when I packed my lunch the next day, all happy that I had cake to look forward to, you know, to break up the day with 20-some kindergartners, I was devastated to see the cake plate standing empty. You better believe I texted him in ALL CAPS and gave him the what-for about stealing MY cake.<br />
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So, he made a new cake out of pure guilt and it was delectable. Probably because it was a guilt cake, but still. My foot still feels like tiny knives are stabbing it when I put any pressure on it, and my back is still jacked-up. I know I need to rest and heal and that's about the hardest thing for me to do. I am not accustomed to lying still. I've had no less than five teachers text me today asking if I can work for them this week. I'm busy, dammit, and I need to be functional. But I'm forced to slow down and it's going to drive me nuts.<br />
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Also, I ordered six bags of Puffcorn from Walmart. They arrive Friday. Bless the internet.<br />
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<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-85678597010857265002018-05-11T11:43:00.000-07:002019-04-11T21:48:16.412-07:00Happy Mother's Day! It's coming! That one day a year when mothers are revered, showered with gifts and flowers and perhaps treated to a special meal. Mother's day is a lovely sentiment but not nearly enough of a celebration of what will, far and away, be the hardest job you've ever had (and loved). Mothering is not for the weak and it doesn't end in 18 years. Mothering is a lifelong commitment, a job with duties you can not even imagine you will be strong enough to endure. But you will.<br />
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Parts of mothering will not be beautiful or sweet or conjure images of a Madonna and child, bathed in soft light, gazing at each other lovingly. No, parts of it will tear you in half and make you cry tears you didn't even know you had and make you question your worth and the very decision to bring a human into this world.<br />
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Parts of mothering will make you laugh with a joy you didn't know could happen, and you will marvel at the wonder of this creature you created - so smart, so beautiful, so perfect. HOW did you get so lucky? You really won the jackpot with this one. This one puts all other tiny humans to shame.<br />
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Parts of mothering will leave you exhausted with a tired so bone-deep you can't even imagine sleeping it off. How did you ever survive on so little sleep? How do you get things done? And why don't those little ones nap long enough? And then one day you will lay down to take a nap and wake, discombobulated, with a slight panic that you missed something or left someone unattended and you will realize that there are no small ones to care for anymore and you can nap whenever you damn well please.<br />
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Parts of mothering will leave you scratching your head in confusion about the decisions your young ones make, and why they don't just take your sage advice when you've lived a good amount of life, already, darn it, and you KNOW things. You will watch them make costly mistakes with love, life and finances and you will try hard not to say "I told you so" but you'll whisper it anyway, because you DID.<br />
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Parts of mothering will make you wish you never obtained a driver's license. Because you will drive and drive and drive and you will be so sick of driving. You will have rules about eating in the car and by the end of baseball season, your floorboards will be strewn with stale french fries and the empty carcasses of Gatorade bottles. You will stow extra makeup, wipes, snacks and blankets in the car such that by the end of your youngest child's last year in high school, your car will become a fully-stocked second home, complete with emergency kit, extra water, and enough reusable shopping bags to create a suitable outdoor tent, should the need arise.<br />
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Parts of mothering will make you wonder who you ever were before becoming a mom, and find yourself hesitating when asked about your hobbies, because you're not sure arranging a PTA luncheon or or spending hours on the phone booking orthodontist appointments count as "hobbies". You will sign up for a photography class but miss half of them because it's spring and that means there are dozens of "end of the year" activities, concerts, parties and events where kids receive cheap plastic trophies. And you will attend because you're the mom.<br />
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Parts of mothering will make you wish you'd gone to nursing school, or at least taken a decent psychology class, so you could tell the difference between "I don't feel good" and appendicitis. You'll err on the side of your preference to go to yoga and send the kid to school, only to have the nurse call you while you are in downward dog to say your child is running a fever. And you will skip savasana and rush to the school and feel like a shit mom because you thought he was standing in front of the stove again and faking a fever.<br />
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Parts of mothering, especially when you have more than one child, will have you forgetting that child at soccer camp, after-school activities, and possibly Target if they have the audacity to wander off when you are in the middle of checking things off a list in between a sibling's dentist appointment and the marimba concert at school that evening. You will receive a frantic text and you will text back "in the checkout line" when you are really at coffee with your friend and it's hour three. And the youth will survive.<br />
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Parts of mothering will have you reaching for a glass of wine once the baby has finally, blessedly, gone to sleep and you have exactly 14 minutes of "me time" before you fall asleep on the couch. And the next thing you know, the baby is awake and she's 23 and you're meeting her for happy hour and the two of you down two margaritas each and stumble off into the sunshine because she's a lightweight and you're a lightweight and when did that happen? But you will laugh and say "Are you drunk?" and you will have a designated driver because you're both responsible that way.<br />
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Parts of mothering will have you basking in pride at the way your kids have grown up and grown into their own authentic beings, despite and because of your parenting. They will have jobs and responsibilities and their own residence. And at first you'll wish you had grandkids because you just can't bear the fact that they aren't little anymore and you NEED to squeeze a squishy baby. But then you will realize you really want grandkids because you can't bear not to see the world through a child's eyes and you yearn for that sense of wonder again. And perhaps it's because you never really grew up yourself, despite the fact that you bore and raised multiple humans to adulthood. Maybe you just want to color again and blow bubbles, and have a reason to sit in the fire engine at the summer festival. And that's ok.<br />
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Parts of mothering will define you and become you and you will realize that although you never asked for much of the strife and pain that goes along with the job, you also never expected rewards so deep and love so sincere.<br />
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Happy Mother's Day!Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-27322858137950537132018-04-25T20:23:00.001-07:002018-04-25T20:24:27.905-07:00Grayland Beach 2018I started this blog after a trip to Grayland Beach on the Washington coast in 2008! This marks ten years of blogging and my 978th post. I don't have many followers and I don't post regularly, but I love my little blog and the memories it holds for me.<br />
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This past weekend we took another trip to Grayland beach to go clamming. The campground was full so we booked an Airbnb. I was bummed about the campground being full but here in WA state, if you don't book your campground several months in advance, you can pretty much forget about going camping. We have only used our travel trailer once in the past two years and are contemplating selling it. For one thing, it's a rare event when more than two of us are available, it's hard to book a camping spot, and I think at age 50 I deserve a flushing toilet on my adventures. So, we will see....<br />
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However, if you do visit Grayland, the state park campground is among the best we've booked. Clean restrooms and showers, and sites right on the beach with a bluff to protect from the wind. Definitely worth the stay when you can find a spot. Yurts, too, with sites that include hook-ups so if you go with a non-camping family, they can stay in the yurt while you enjoy your RV.<br />
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The house we rented had 48 positive reviews on Airbnb, plus the host was a Superhost (you can't achieve that status with negative reviews) so I booked it eagerly. When we arrived, we passed a few houses, oohing and ahhing over how cute they were. And then we arrived at a bedraggled house with worn siding, just screaming for a paint job. Sure enough, the address matched our reservation. Sigh.<br />
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Fartwater Cottage</div>
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The inside of the house was not too bad - it was decorated with an eclectic mix of antiques and unique items that made wandering through it feel like a museum visit. The kitchen and its appliances were many years old, and I felt like I should wear a hazmat suit when standing in front of the ancient microwave. But it was cozy enough, and clean enough and it was only for two nights. Although our bed faced a wall decorated with a giant goat's head that stared at me all night.<br />
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Totes MacGoats</div>
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The biggest drawback was that the house is on a well so the water smelled horrible! It's really hard to feel clean when you are washing in water that smells like a fart. We brushed our teeth with bottled water and I didn't shower all weekend. I could barely stand washing my hands! I dubbed the place "Fartwater Cottage" and included that on my private review to the owner. Luckily she had a sense of humor and thanked us for being good sports.<br />
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Jeff was the only one who did any actual clamming. The first day, Hannah and I accompanied him, along with Junie B the wonder pup, and we walked around for hours spotting exactly zero clam "shows". Jeff did manage to unearth one clam - ONE. So, basically clamming is dumb. The next day he went out alone and managed to get a limit - which is 15 clams. 15! So much work, digging in cold sand up to your armpits. Hannah and I stayed at the cabin, enjoying the sun, so we didn't have to walk around aimlessly on the beach hunting for the elusive clam. Plus, I think Jeff works better alone.<br />
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So much work........</div>
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But the beach is pretty cool. </div>
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While enjoying the back yard and its giant brick fireplace, we decided to let Junie off the leash and just see how she would do. She was so good! She stuck close to the yard, while exploring, and came back when we called. Until she didn't. Distracted by Jeff's drone flying, we lost track of her. After a brief panic, we found her across the street, chasing a horse in his pasture. Bad dog! The poor horse was traumatized. We packed up and left shortly after that - didn't want to confront the horse owner!<br />
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The brick fireplace - so cool! </div>
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Jeff was excited to make clam chowder so the following night, he started slicing up the bacon that went into the recipe. I spoke to him and he glanced up, effectively slicing off the end of his finger! He blames me for talking. After the fray of inspecting the wound, running it under cool water and watching it bleed profusely, while also hunting for first aid supplies, I thought to wonder where the tip of his finger went. I picked up the knife and, sure enough, the chunk of his finger was still neatly stuck to the blade! SO GROSS! I rinsed it down the drain - no sense saving it as it was too small to stitch back on (I think?). As a result of the bloodshed, I got the dubious honor of making dinner (until Jeff took over, bleeding finger be damned).<br />
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The thing is? The clam chowder was good, but none of us is even that excited about clam chowder. So, is clamming really worth it? I guess it was fun to get out of town and spend two days using water that smelled of flatulence. We watched two movies (Lady Bird and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, MO - both very good!). And we got to relax and nap, both things high on my favorites list. So, ten years later, I'd say Grayland beach is still one of my favorite spots in WA. Just be sure to book your campsite in January!<br />
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Look at this sunset! </div>
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Look at all those clammers! </div>
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<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-33872791310162562232018-02-28T12:04:00.000-08:002018-02-28T12:04:22.269-08:00Somebody should do something...........On February 14, 2018, Nicholas Cruz gunned down 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida. School shootings have become so commonplace that they become old news after a couple of days. First, there's the outrage and heartbreak and demands made on lawmakers, our country's leaders, and armchair psychologists on Facebook ranting about everything from poor parenting to the absolute ban on assault rifles, to better mental health background checks. And then the dust settles and we wait for the next one. The brutal slaughter of twenty (TWENTY!) six year olds and six adult educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012 brought a wave of policy-changers to the surface, some of whom are still fighting today, and yet very little has been done to make sweeping changes in the way our country handles and manages firearms, the mentally ill, and the total disregard to human life where large monetary donations are involved.<br />
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So, you might be shouting from the rooftops "CHANGE NOW!" but that will only get you so far. You can, SHOULD, keep fighting for changes at the very top levels of our government, but what about starting small? What about starting in your own home, perhaps even in your own being, to make changes so small they may seem insignificant at first, but the ripple effect will astound you? If you knew that you had the power to make very real, significant changes that would add up to fewer acts of violence, would you do it?<br />
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<b>SCREEN TIME</b><br />
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First, let's stop putting our kids in front of screens for hours on end. "But, I don't!" you protest. Do you really know how long your child is exposed to screens and media in a given day? Have you ever actually documented it? How about how much time you spend looking at your phone instead of paying true attention to people? I think you would be surprised. Yes, even you. And me. I recently taught a 5th grade class (these are ten-year-old children) and over 50% of the class admitted to watching TV or using other technology for up to six hours a day. If they get off school at 4 p.m. that's a steady diet of screens until 10 p.m. Not only is that shocking, but a reasonable <a href="https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Supports-Childhood-Sleep-Guidelines.aspx" target="_blank">bedtime</a> for a 10-year-old, who likely has to wake up by 7 a.m. is 9 p.m. Not to mention time for homework, dinner, talking to family members, unstructured play, and having a bedtime routine.<br />
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Screens and media include TV watching, computer and tablet use, and, according to the children I've taught, prolific video-gaming. Children as young as six have reported that they play Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto, two violent games that have age ratings ranging from Mature (17+) to R (18+). These games display violent, realistic images of killing people. Some even have parental settings to turn of the "blood and gore" and yet, the name of the game is still killing other people. How about we start by adhering to the ratings of video games and not allowing our impressionable six year olds to play violent games that ignore the permanence of death?<br />
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<b>INTERACTION</b><br />
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We live in a busy, busy society where families are often away from their homes 10+ hours a day. We no longer have the time or energy for <a href="http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=why-the-family-meal-is-important-1-701" target="_blank">family dinners</a>, reading bedtime stories or just hanging out with no time constraints or agenda on a regular basis. But these things are proven to be crucial for building up well-balanced children. Children need time to think, process and be heard, all of which take significantly more time for the younger crowd. Adults have perfected the fast-paced, clipped conversation and the transfer of information via text messaging, email and video chat over face-to-face interaction. But children need time. They need significant pauses in order to process information and face-to-face interaction is crucial. Kids are not able to sort the nuances of emotion through digital means - they need to read faces, body language and visual cues in order to effectively communicate. "Car-talk" is often touted as a great way to communicate with a teenager - parent and child are in close proximity but not looking at each other often which promotes a feeling of security for the teen. But young children need to LOOK at you and be seen. Instead of sending them off to occupy themselves in front of a screen while you "get stuff done", you could involve them in the most mundane of daily chores and they will reap benefits just by interacting with you.<br />
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<b>SELFLESSNESS</b><br />
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Perhaps without even meaning to, we've put children at the center of the universe and they know it! Most busy parents can count driving to countless lessons, traveling with select sports teams, and squeezing in an elaborate family vacation during school breaks as a large portion of how they spend their time. We give participation trophies and have switched from a punitive to rewards-based style of discipline in our schools. Of course, there are some positive benefits to this (no one wants to get their knuckles rapped by an ancient teacher-nun), but when a child ONLY behaves based on the reward waiting, we have a problem. Often, when I'm teaching, at the end of the day, I ask the students to "pick up ten items off the floor" in order to tidy the classroom. Sometimes we play a game of "secret scrap" where I identify a particular piece of trash and the child that scoops it up and deposits it in the trash can earns a small incentive. But other times when I ask them to do it just for the sole purpose of tidying up their space, I'm met with "But, what will we get?" My answer "The satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to making the classroom a better place" is often met with sighs and inactivity. Who wants to pick up trash if you're not getting a reward? We can combat this by involving our children in service projects from the earliest age. I sometimes volunteer with an organization that gives showers to the homeless on weekends. We serve lunch and package up "to go" snacks for the clients. This organization welcomes ALL ages, and we've brought <a href="http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/article-tips-for-volunteering-with-kids.html" target="_blank">children</a> as young as five to help serve. One little kindergarten helper was thrilled to offer juice choices to the clients and we had an excellent opportunity to discuss why and how some people are less fortunate than others. Doing for others, without reward, is a crucial life lesson that should be encouraged from the time a child is a toddler.<br />
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<b>KINDNESS</b><br />
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This one seems so obvious, but when was the last time you were kind, genuinely kind, to another person? Most of us like to think we are kind on a daily basis, but are you really? With all the business in life, it's hard to find time to eat healthy, work out, take care of a family, work, read, engage in social activities, keep up on social media and sleep much less take time to act kindly toward another person. But some of the most heartwarming acts of kindness I've received have been a random Facebook message saying I'm a good mom, or that my family's antics make someone laugh. It doesn't have to be elaborate (but it can be). I set a goal to do 50 random acts of kindness in honor of my 50th birthday this past year and I'm sorry to say I have only done two or three and it's been two months since I turned 50. Clearly I need to step up my game, but some of the ways I've chosen to display kindness are: buying coffee for someone (either spontaneously or as a pay-it-forward in a drive-through; I've done both), sending an encouraging message to someone, surprising someone with a small, unexpected gift (for a holiday or just because), and offering a genuine offer of help to people I know (or don't know except through a Facebook group). We can teach our kids to make this a daily part of their lives. Often, as my kids were growing up, I would receive a love note on my desk or a small, unexpected gift when they returned from an outing. These were the "keepers" in life - the things I can keep and look back on and remember nothing but <a href="https://heartmindonline.org/resources/fostering-kindness-and-empathy-in-children-and-youth" target="_blank">kindness</a>.<br />
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<b>RESPECT</b><br />
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As a teacher, I can tell you that respect for authority is an antiquated concept. In some ways, this is a good thing - we've taught our children to question authority for their own safety and to promote change. But, unchecked, this can create a hostile and difficult situation. In teaching such, we have forgotten to teach <a href="https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/manners/the-return-of-respect/" target="_blank">mutual respect</a>. It's so important for children to know that respect goes both ways - and relatively simple to demonstrate it. Let's say your teenager has a screaming meltdown over cleaning her room, yet has plans to go to the mall with friends later. If you state that in order for her to earn something from you (the ride to the mall), you need respectful behavior from her (calmly cleaning her room), then you have set up reasonable guidelines. If she refuses to hold up her end of the deal, you refuse to hold up yours. ALL actions have consequences but in order to shield our kids from disappointment and embarrassment we give in and appease. As a result, our kids learn about empty threats and inaction. Parents lie for their kids and direct their anger at teachers for a poor grade, or a discipline issue. If your child sees you screaming at their teacher, how can you expect them to respect her? This spills over into social media as well. We all have differing views and we feel strongly about them. As a result entire lives have been changed and destroyed by something as simple as a social media post. Who would have thought, ten or twenty years ago that we would have so much power with a keyboard or that lives would, quite literally, be lost over a few keystrokes? And it's not just <a href="https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/index.html" target="_blank">cyberbullying</a>. It's adults berating each other over political posts, or "unfriending" over a difference in parenting. As hard as it is to bite your tongue and just let it go, these small actions are huge when it comes to teaching mutual respect.<br />
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<b>MENTAL HEALTH</b><br />
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So much has been shouted about better mental health checks in regards to purchasing firearms. The real problem here, is that when ELSE do we demand mental health checks? <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people" target="_blank">Mental health</a> IS health - just like our brains are in our heads, and our teeth reside there too, we need health coverage that covers the WHOLE PERSON, not just parts of their bodies. Health insurance should cover everything and not need to be supplemented by "mental health coverage" or "dental coverage". My family has had an abundance of mental health situations that have shaped and formed us to be more aware of mental health overall and spot the signs of depression and anxiety in our friends and family. Years ago, we didn't have mental health insurance - we had health insurance but no coverage for seeing a psychologist or receiving therapy. At the time, that was a need in my family and I was beyond frustrated because no coverage meant no action and things only spiraled downward. Many years after that, we recognized the signs of severe anxiety and depression in our daughter and were able to seek out (and have covered) treatment at a children's hospital. In fact, in the year that followed, two more of our children received treatment for depression at hospitals and today, there are no outward signs or scars that might tell a prospective gun seller NOT to sell a firearm to my children. In fact, all of my children function quite well as socially responsible, compassionate, well-rounded adults and any one of them could, if they chose, purchase a firearm today. Should they? I have no reservations about them harming themselves or others AT THE MOMENT. But what if they get caught in the depths of depression again? What if a new wave of despair rolls over them at any given time, catching them off-guard and putting them in harm's way because they were able to easily purchase a firearm? Of course, no one can predict the future, but had my children shown warning signs, posted concerning rants on social media, talked to people about harming themselves or others, I would have acted. Because I DID act, when I saw posts that concerned me, questioning the value of their lives and expressing thoughts about not residing here on Earth. I DID act and I got them the help they needed. And I am NOT ashamed and I am unconcerned about "what other people think" because my only concern is and was the health and safety of my children. I have reached out to other parents when their children were in crisis, have assisted in finding programs and treatment for them, and when their parents didn't listen or were too concerned about the stigma of poor mental health, I tried to be a friend to them. My husband and I even started our own support group, because, although we were not experts (and owned up to it) we knew we could provide a safe place for people to talk about the oft-ignored shaky mental health of our young people. We should, NEED to be checking up on the mental health of our kids, our students, and all of the people we come in contact with regularly. No one should have to be ashamed of talking about their most frightening thoughts. We need to make this the norm and if we see something, we need to report it. To parents, educators, doctors, anyone who will listen. It's so easy to chalk up mood and behavior changes in young people to "typical" but it is NOT typical for your child to spend all waking hours in their room, to sleep all day, to drastically change their behavior, dress or appearance suddenly, to show a renewed interest in dark or violent things, or to become secretive. Don't stand by and wait. Push in (gently) and get the answers you need. NEVER make your child feel like anything they say or do will dissolve your love for them. And don't dismiss young children; many mental illnesses begin at a surprisingly early age.<br />
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<b>TOLERANCE</b><br />
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Teaching <a href="http://www.dictionary.com/browse/tolerance" target="_blank">tolerance</a> has become closer to mainstream than ever. But we have a long way to go. It's hard to believe that issues such as racial intolerance are still alive and well today, but examples of it are everywhere. And race is only one issue. I teach in public school where we have many families with LGBTQ parents, transgender children, and every type of family definable. I have a married, gay daughter and a gay son. You'd think tolerance was bred in me, but you would be wrong. When I was young, I was taught there were "right" ways and "wrong" ways for people and families to be. Divorced parents were common, but still "weird". Biracial families and children - also common, but "odd". And being gay? That wasn't even an option. I used slurs and made jokes just like my peers. I honestly had no idea, as a sixth-grader, that I was promoting hate. It just wasn't discussed. Fast forward to my own children coming of age, and my house was filled with kids who were gay, lesbian, or questioning. Biracial kids spent the night. Heck, we even opened our home to a biracial young woman who we'd known since she was seven, and she is as much a part of our family as my own children. Good for us, right? Not exactly. As a person who grew up in a generation where tolerance was NOT generally taught (yes, I knew enough not to stare at the person in a wheelchair, but I was not encouraged to talk to them), I had to go through some growing pains. Now, I find it hard to believe that my tolerance was ever different, but I can admit that it wasn't always as high as it is now. And now, well, I believe to the core of my being that every person has the right to live their genuine life, whatever that may be. I don't have to embrace it as my own, but I can definitely be tolerant and respectful. How awful to not be allowed the same treatment as another human being! We are all living, breathing, loving and getting through this life and we struggle and hurt just like the next person. The least we can do is lift each other up and make that struggle a tiny bit easier.<br />
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So, you think someone should do something? How about you? You can do all of these things TODAY in your own home. Should you continue to fight and push your efforts towards safer laws and checks? Absolutely. But in the meantime, instead of begrudging the slow progress or shouting about reform with no real plan, try doing what you can to just be a decent human being, every single day; reach out to help others, educate yourself on issues you don't know much about, foster mutual respect and understanding, discuss rather than shout, and don't let the busy-ness of life get in the way of real connections and memories with the people you love. Go outside. Explore. Talk. Eat. Play. Change. The answer is within us. We will never eradicate violence entirely, but we are ultimately responsible for the factors that put it into action. What can YOU do?<br />
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<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-76056407978786762362018-01-01T20:06:00.003-08:002018-01-01T20:06:49.654-08:002017 - A Year in Pictures2017. What a year! While the world (well, the United States, anyway) went to hell in a handbasket and things seemed to revert to the 1950's, we plugged along and actually had a pretty great year, despite the insanity all around us. Here is a synopsis of our year in pictures!<br />
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January</div>
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Harrison had his 18th birthday, making all four of our kids officially "adults"! Where did the time go? </div>
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We took a trip to NYC to watch Harrison perform at Carnegie Hall with his choir. What an amazing and fun trip it was! </div>
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Harrison played Victor Winslow in "13 Past Midnight" - his final play at Bothell High School</div>
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February</div>
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Arlie had her 19th birthday! </div>
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We took a trip to Newport, CA for a conference Jeff had, and then drove to Oceanside to see Grandma Jo.</div>
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We had a snow day! </div>
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We traveled to Boise, ID for M-L's midwinter break from teaching and Jeff joined for a long weekend. </div>
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We went to McCall, ID for a long weekend, visiting our friends Phil and Danielle Custer and experiencing our first ice fishing! </div>
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Also in McCall, we tried kick sleds for the first time! </div>
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March</div>
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We took a snowy trip to Winthrop, WA for their annual hot-air balloon festival! </div>
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It was amazing to see all the colorful balloons against the winter sky. </div>
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Junie B graduated from obedience classes. Good dog!</div>
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We attended the annual Cascade Mountain Man show at the fairgrounds, and Jeff was in full "uniform"! </div>
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April</div>
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Jeff and I took a bow-making class and crafted our own bows and arrows from vine maple and feathers! </div>
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Me trying out my quick bow. </div>
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We took a trip to San Francisco for Jeff's ACS conference and Hannah came along! </div>
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We went to see the tulips in Skagit Valley!</div>
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We took a few senior pics of Harrison. </div>
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We went on the first hike of the season - Lord Hill Park, with Junie B. I'm sporting my handmade leather bag - a gift from Jeff! </div>
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We took a super fun trip to Seabrook, WA - an idyllic little town on the WA coast with our friend Ananya. We stayed in a cute house, went clamming, walking on the beach, hiking, painting ceramics and more! </div>
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May</div>
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We said goodbye to our cat, Benjie, who was suffering from a urinary tract disorder. It was a very sad day! </div>
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Harrison and Alec went to Prom! </div>
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Junie B celebrated her first birthday with treats from the local pet store. </div>
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We took a fun camping trip (first time we've had the camper out in two years!) to Cape Disappointment where Jeff channeled his inner Lewis (or is it Clark?)</div>
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Harrison went back to his elementary school roots and played marimba for a fundraising concert. </div>
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We went to Cottage Lake for Memorial Day and enjoyed kayaking and paddle boarding with Rylie and others! </div>
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Harrison performed in his final musical - Young Frankenstein - where he played Dr. Frederick Frankenstein! </div>
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June</div>
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We had a 50's themed bridal shower for Hayley! </div>
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Harrison won an award at the senior memories assembly! </div>
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Harrison and Alec performed in Senior Showcase - the final drama production! </div>
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Harrison graduated from high school! We have successfully raised all four kids to graduation - and on to college! </div>
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We took Harrison and Alec to see Cabaret! </div>
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We went to Pride in Seattle! </div>
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It was a wild and crazy day! </div>
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July</div>
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We took a trip to Pacific City, OR to celebrate Jeff's birthday, the 4th of July, and celebrate Heather's health after her double-lung transplant in Nov. 2016. It was a fun family time! </div>
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Family on the beach at Pacific City, OR</div>
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The Pellows came to town to get ready for the big wedding! Here they are kayaking during the week before the wedding. </div>
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We went to Mukilteo Beach after more family came into town for the wedding - the Foxes, and Flower and David. So much fun having family in town! </div>
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Hayley and Megan got married!!! It was a gorgeous wedding - look at those beautiful cupcakes and cake made by our neighbor, Lori Trammel. </div>
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The newlyweds at the beautiful venue - The Farm and Swan's Trail in Snohomish, WA</div>
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It was quite the crowd! </div>
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Happily ever after! </div>
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Still July.....it was a long month! </div>
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We kayaked with good friends, Janet and Dan Church. </div>
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We traveled to Boise to attend Aubrey and Zack's baby shower - waiting for baby Fenna! </div>
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We attended the big boys' birthday party - Kaden turned 10 and Jackson turned 7! </div>
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We took Junie B kayaking on Lake Lowell</div>
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Junie B got the royal treatment at the historic Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, OR - pet-friendly! </div>
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We took a day trip to Mt. Rainier! (We were traveling for ten days while our hardwood floors were being refinished and new ones installed)</div>
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We had a spa night in a hotel in Yakima, WA</div>
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August</div>
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We went to the 40th birthday party for our friend Kristy Kelsey - Hannah's nanny family that have become good friends. </div>
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Hannah celebrated her 22nd birthday! We went to The Rock with the Bedells! </div>
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Harrison and his band Bushwhack played their final set on Aug. 9 (also Hannah's birthday). They played together for five years at Jam Academy Music School. What a run! </div>
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We fed the homeless with Shower to the People. </div>
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We went to the beach and had ice cream. </div>
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We went blueberry picking with cute babies! </div>
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And we went blueberry picking again with Hannah and her nanny kids Ryder and Makena. </div>
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We traveled to Spokane, WA to see Jeff's dad after his heart surgery. </div>
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Jeff rode his bike for two days with Obliteride, to raise money for cancer. </div>
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We watched the solar eclipse! </div>
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Nice glasses! </div>
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September</div>
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We went to Bend, OR with the Kelseys and others for a fun Labor Day weekend. The whole crew made it - love this pic of all the people I adore. </div>
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We floated the river and there were some rapids! Super fun! </div>
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Jeff and I traveled to Oceanside, CA again to help Grandma Jo after a hospitalization. Jeff stayed five days and I stayed a total of ten days helping grandma. We stayed in a condo on the ocean. </div>
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Jeff and Grandma Jo - besties! </div>
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Here we are under the pier at Oceanside. </div>
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We went to the Eagles/Doobie Brothers concert at Safeco Field. I wore my Doobie Brothers shirt from 1987! </div>
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We went to Molly Moons - a lot! </div>
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October</div>
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I got a tattoo! And Hell froze over. :) </div>
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We went to the pumpkin patch with all the kids (adults, whatever). </div>
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We got a great family picture! </div>
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Jeff and I traveled to Loveland and Colorado Springs, CO for a conference and our friend Janet went with us. We had a great time hanging out, exploring the sculpture park, visiting Garden of the Gods (twice!), visiting Natalie at college, catching up with old friends, and going to a wild west museum. </div>
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The kids carved pumpkins in our absence. We got home the day before Halloween. </div>
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November </div>
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We had Thanksgiving dinner with our favorite young adults. </div>
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We made Junie B wear pajamas. </div>
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December </div>
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We got a haunted doll that created all sorts of bad luck for us including a big flood from the washer leaking, a flat tire, an unexplained crash in the night, and the dog and cat acting so weird around her. We mailed her away to a friend who wanted her, despite her obvious evil spirit. We still need to sage the house. No more old dolls. #creepy</div>
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After we dried the house out and had industrial fans going for seven days, we were able to deck the halls and for the first time ever I bought new matching stockings. </div>
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We went to the gingerbread house exhibit at the City Centre - so cool! </div>
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We went to Jeff's 1920's themed holiday party at the Seattle Sheraton. Marcia and Deven flew in for my 50th birthday and attended with us. Such a fun night! </div>
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I had my 50th birthday! The kids threw me an amazing party with lots of food, friends - and, clearly, drink! </div>
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We took the whole family to Leavenworth to play in the snow and see the lights. </div>
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I fulfilled my birthday wish of filling 50 stockings for the homeless and distributing them to patrons at Shower to the People. </div>
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Here's my stocking crew! </div>
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We spent Christmas with the best people on Earth! </div>
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Hannah and I went to see The Nutcracker</div>
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Santa came! </div>
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We got a picture of all of us - such a rare treasure! </div>
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The kids at Lights of Christmas - still celebrating even after Christmas. Ashley was here for ten days and we squeezed in all the holiday fun we could. </div>
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We rang in the new year with a redneck party. Everyone brought $10 worth of food and drink from the gas station convenience store. Here, Hayley and Jeff recreate their versions of "redneck" from the past and present. </div>
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Happy New Year! Can't wait to see what 2018 has in store! </div>
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Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-27960949815391126002017-11-17T21:37:00.001-08:002017-11-17T21:37:16.994-08:00The Ghosts of Christmas Presents Past........Tonight we ended up in side-splitting laughter, reminiscing about our dollar store Christmas shopping days.<br />
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Let me explain: when the kids were little, I would take them to the local dollar store and give them enough money to buy a present for each family member. It was a fun, affordable way for them to participate in gift giving. We would usually go on a weeknight after school, and they would start the shopping expedition by grabbing a hand-held basket and a bandanna. The bandanna was to cover their selections, lest they pass a sibling in the aisle. When it came time to pay, I slipped them the cash and they went through the checkout one-by-one, keeping a safe distance from each other so as not to spoil the surprises.<br />
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When we arrived home, the kids would take turns wrapping their gifts themselves. There was one year they chose the most expensive gold-foil paper I had just purchased from one of those ridiculously over-priced fundraisers. I had planned to wrap a few select packages in the paper to make a stand-out display under the tree. Instead, it wrapped $1 gifts. But, damn, they looked GOOD.<br />
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The kids' choices were pretty predictable - a candle for mom, a garishly-colored stuffed animal for their siblings, and a tool of some sort for their dad. One year, Hannah picked out a delicately-sculpted floral candle for me, and it didn't survive the trip home without breaking. She cried silently in her bed until her dad finally asked what was wrong. They made a return trip to the dollar store to pick up a new one to soothe the devastation. Another year, Harrison got me one of those candles that has dried flowers in it. A few months after Christmas, I lit the candle in preparation for a party we were hosting. A short while after the party started, a guest took me aside and said "there was a small fire" - apparently the dried flowers had burst into flame. She put it out without incident.<br />
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Then there was the year Arlie gave several people a bag of rocks. Not just any rocks - these were those flat, glass marble things. There were clear ones and blue ones. I'm sure she thought they looked just like jewels. SHINY! Other years she chose a theme of resin sculptures - leaping dolphins, swimming pairs of dolphins. They looked like they had been painted by a blindfolded toddler, and always contained glitter accents.<br />
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Jeff was the lucky recipient of cheap plastic kitchen items. Spatulas, oven mitts, sets of measuring cups. If not a kitchen item, he was gifted a tool of some sort - a screwdriver or a clip-on light. Occasionally he would receive a new pair of sunglasses or a shoe-shine kit. There aren't too many dad gifts at the dollar store.<br />
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For a few years running, the kids exchanged the same brightly-colored teddy bears that looked like they had a bad case of mange. They were stuffed with what must have been the bare-minimum of fluff to be considered a "stuffed animal" and they flopped around in an ungainly fashion. They could hardly be called cute.<br />
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Some gifts were actually useful - note pads, nail polish, dish towels. As the kids got older, and especially as they started earning their own money, the dollar store lost it's florescent luster and pricier gifts from the mall replaced the BPA plastic wares from the dollar store. No longer did we take our annual gift excursion to the land of the almighty dollar.<br />
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I kind of miss those days. And I'd gladly take another cheap candle for one more day walking around, picking out surprises hidden under bandanas with my little ones. The gifts were cheap but the memories were priceless.<br />
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<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-27233741829070294372017-11-14T17:56:00.000-08:002017-11-14T17:56:07.927-08:00Shred this! I've had a virus or something the past few days. And the main symptom that has persisted throughout is feeling like I have a balloon inflated in my belly. My belly is tight and full of, well, GAS, I guess, but it didn't seem to be wanting to expel itself anytime soon. So, I've been walking around like a Macy's Thanksgiving day balloon wishing someone would shoot me out of the sky. And if you think that's too much information, just wait.<br />
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After five days of this bloated business, I started to look things up online (as one does). Nothing quite fit my symptoms and it appeared it was just a problem of too much gas and not enough escape. It would pass eventually so I set my mind at ease. But every few hours, it would intensify and I'd think, hmmm, maybe this isn't normal. So, back to Google I'd go (as one does).<br />
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Last night, lying in bed around the wee hour of 1 a.m., I Googled some more and I unintentionally fell down the rabbit hole of reading medical discussion boards and clicking on links which led to more links (as one does).<br />
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And that's when I discovered it.<br />
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Maybe you already know, but if not, please let me introduce you to Shreddies. Shreddies are "flatulence-filtering underwear." These are special undergarments designed to absorb all offending odors from your offing of intestinal gas. A special carbon kryptonite something or other is woven into these briefs and you can fart the day away with nary a person being offended by your stench (it doesn't say if they also absorb sound).<br />
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Of course I had to explore more - fart-absorbing underwear, people! And, honestly, as I read some of these discussion boards, I felt kind of bad for this one young lady who was afraid she would never find love because of her nonstop sulphuric secretions. It's a real problem! For real people! I'll admit I eked out a particularly floral toot and that's what started this dubious Internet search. Why DO your farts smell like rotten eggs? (You can Google it. As one does.)<br />
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Now I'm afraid my Internet search history is going to look pretty suspicious, but Shreddies are a thing and maybe this will change your life. I was really curious as to why they are called Shreddies and I was hoping "shred" was a euphemism for flatulence in the British culture, but, alas, it refers to a particular undergarment worn by soldiers, who were said to literally "shred" their shorts during marches (bet they never heard of Fruit of the Loom).<br />
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Better than the description, the science behind the undies, and the exorbitant price (which, according to Amazon reviews is worth every penny) are the pictures! Here, let me show you:<br />
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This is called the "Shreddies Bum Kiss." I don't see any kissing going on there. Only sniffing. And the guy is like "Erm, Daisy, can you just gimme a sniff, love? I've just trumped one!" (P.S. I am not making that part up. Trump is slang for fart in Britain)</div>
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And then Daisy gives him a whiff of her daisies. Mmmm.....like a breath of spring! </div>
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And this guy? I don't care what kind of underwear you're wearing. DO NOT fart in an elevator. Just don't. It's a total douche move. Even if you have a carbon filter on your ass. </div>
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This one might be my favorite. Just LOOK at how happy she is to have her bum sniffed! And he's up in there, good, too. "Let 'er rip, Kate!"</div>
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Wait, how would she know if you're wearing your Shreddies? </div>
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Ok, all kidding aside, I'm all for staunching the stench. Who wants to smell a fart? I mean, there WAS a study saying smelling farts was good for your health, but it was quickly snipped by Snopes, so stop it already. You don't need to inhale for your health. I've often thought, why can't we have some sort of little disk that lightly adheres to your button so when you "exhale through your butt" you can release a pleasant scent of your choosing? Bath and Body Works could sell these - pumpkin spice, Winter candy apple, peach Bellini, lavender and vanilla. You could buy, like, six in a pack for $3.99. They could be called "Butt Puffs" or something cute. Brb while I go register my patent for that. </div>
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So, if you have an odorous orifice, Shreddies might be your new best friend. Imagine being able to stride with confidence into any conference room, first date, or shared hotel room with absolutely no fear of fouling the air. That whole awkward period in a relationship before you're comfortable enough to fart in front of each other? Eliminated! Chili for dinner? Correspond with confidence around the water cooler with no repercussions from the musical fruit. Hungover? Hang with your homies over Denny's brunch with no fear of peeling the paint off the walls. Yes, friends, Shreddies is a thing. What a time to be alive! </div>
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<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-38284729724223935812017-11-06T21:06:00.000-08:002017-11-06T21:06:30.558-08:00Monday musings.........Once again there has been a mass shooting. This time in a church and 27 have died. These include an 18 month old and a 77 year old. In some instances, several members of the same family have died. The pastor's 14-year-old daughter has died. Didn't we JUST have a mass shooting in Las Vegas? Where 58 died and over 500 were injured? But that's yesterday's news, right? So soon we forget - it's as if we expect this to happen weekly now. We become numb. I feel agitated all the time and I am on alert - in the schools where I work, and on edge because my kids go to a public college and school shootings are the norm now, right? How can we possibly tolerate this and what changes can and will be made? Thoughts and prayers are meaningless when scores have died. We need concrete answers and real action. I don't know what the answer is. I personally don't think ANYONE outside the military (and only when on active duty) needs an assault rifle. And, Jesus, could we at least make it a little harder to GET a gun? Our world is completely nuts. Sometimes it's hard to get through a normal day without an inordinate amount of anxiety. Yes, bad things happen all the time. But it's a war zone out there - do we all have to be armed and dangerous just to survive?<br />
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In this month of thankfulness, I'm posting a daily gratitude on my Facebook page. And yesterday I almost wrote "I'm thankful I'm still alive and wasn't a victim of a mass shooting - yet." It seemed a bit crass on the timing, but I can't pretend we don't all run the same risk of being subject to the whims of a crazy person with a gun. Every time I go to work, or the store, or a concert, or.....anywhere, my number could be up. Or it could be my husband. Or one of my kids. I don't like to live with those odds. When is it going to be enough? When will the powers that be DO something? I don't think anytime soon because our leader is a crazy man himself. A year into his presidency, and Donald Trump is still a complete nut job. WHY is he still president? When will he be held to the same accountability as others before him - or others serving alongside him now? Money really talks. And what it says is evil.<br />
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It's pretty depressing (and it's a Monday, so it's like a double dose of depressing). I try not to let it get me down, but it is HARD. Add the darker days of fall and you have a perfect storm for falling into a funk....an abyss....a cycle. Whatever you want to call it. It's a dark time and it makes me want to hunker down at home with my family. And so I do, and then the days are long and unproductive and I sink a little bit more. I'm not one to be home for a long time. I need an escape - even from my protective cocoon. In order to survive, I need to purposely place myself in the world of mass shootings and crazy people and paralyzing traffic. I need to "get out" and be productive and work. And then I need to retreat and lay low and avoid socialization. It's a crazy time. I miss summer.<br />
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And I do try to focus on the positive. There is always, always something to be grateful for and happy about. Mostly it's small stuff - nothing grandiose or notable. A warm drink. Fresh-baked sweets. A movie. A fuzzy blanket. Fall decorations. Something to look forward to. Always that. Even as a child, I remember thinking I couldn't die if I had something to look forward to. As in, I can't die because there's that birthday party coming up. I can't die because it's almost Christmas. I can't die because I'm going on that trip. And as I grew older, I realized there is ALWAYS something to look forward to and I will die anyway. One day, I won't actually make it to the special event or awesome party. But how wonderful to always have something to be excited about. You just have to look hard sometimes, because it might not be a big event. It might just be the smallest thing.<br />
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So, in these dark times, we have to look harder sometimes to find the good, the happy, the anticipation. It's REALLY hard some days. But it's there. Go find it.Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-58854576677500389692017-10-20T23:43:00.000-07:002017-10-20T23:43:39.045-07:00Dollars for pounds..........At the risk of alienating a lovely family member or two, I cannot let my most recent insult go unblogged. (That's a word, even if my spell-check says it's not).<br />
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Recently I spent ten (10!) days in California. Sounds dreamy, no? Except I was there on "business" as it were, helping Jeff's grandma after a stint in the hospital and rehab center. She had suffered a mild heart attack and was on the mend, but Jeff's mom (grandma's daughter) was scheduled to go out of town on a vacation, and her other daughter (Jeff's aunt) does not speak to her mother, so there was no one else to step in but Jeff and I. I will preface this by saying that Jeff is totally devoted to his grandparents and happily spent many vacation and sick days taking care of his grandpa previous to his death. So, of course he feels the same about grandma and always takes an opportunity to visit and help out. This time, he needed to be back to work and could not take the full ten days to help her so it was decided that I would stay the full ten days on grandma duty. We rented a condo nearby, booked plane tickets, and headed to sunny Oceanside where we ferried grandma around, took her to appointments and lunches, kept her company, and enjoyed sharing stories.<br />
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Since then, we have kept up communication with grandma through letters - she loves to send letters and it's lovely to get a piece of old-fashioned "snail mail" with a newsy letter and/or magazine clippings, or, better, a hand-colored card or postcard (grandma's new hobby is "adult coloring"). Today a letter arrived addressed to Jeff, and one to just me.<br />
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Here is what mine said:<br />
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<i>Mary-Leah,</i><br />
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<i>How does 50 for 50th sound? Losing 50 pounds for Jeff's 50th birthday. And to top it off I'll give you a dollar for every pound $50 or whatever you accomplish. That means leaving ALL sugary stuff out, including your downfall, Starbucks. </i><br />
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<i>Just think, you are going to Hawaii and that would be a start. Start after the 1st of the year or sooner if you want. </i><br />
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<i>It's a goal worth working for. Is it a deal? </i><br />
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<i>Love you, Gma Jo</i><br />
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Well. After reading it, I had to take a breath and a "step back" and tell myself, she's an elderly lady, different generation, etc. I TRIED to justify it. But on what level is this ok? WHO would ever want to receive a letter like this and who would not be offended? I was stunned and carefully folded the letter and put it aside. I considered hiding it. And then I thought, how does she know we're going to Hawaii? We might have mentioned it but neither Jeff or I could recall having a discussion about Hawaii, my weight, or anything of the sort while visiting. I had exactly ONE Starbucks drink in the ten days I was there, which is about the norm for me, so I wouldn't exactly say Starbucks is my "downfall". Neither did I have any sugary treats in her presence save for a bowl of ice cream she offered us the first day we were there. I got plenty of exercise while visiting, reaching my step goal every day with evening walks along the sunset-lit beach. I have no idea what prompted this letter or who she might have been talking to who knows about my travel plans and/or my eating and drinking habits.<br />
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I read the letter to Hannah first. She was flabbergasted. I asked Jeff if he had been discussing my weight with his grandma. He denied ever having any type of conversation like this and then I read him the letter. His mouth dropped open and he immediately apologized for his grandma's faux pas. I read the letter to Arlie. She had the same reaction and said "she must be getting old - she has no filter!" Harrison read the letter on his own and he had to read it over again to be sure. I won't repeat what his response was.<br />
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In short, my family was offended FOR me, and could not believe someone would take time to send me such a letter. After a short while, I didn't even think about it again, but Jeff brought it up once more and I thought, I have to blog about this! I just have a lot of thoughts.<br />
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There are so many things wrong with this letter. For one thing, the fact that she took time and energy to point out my weight and suggested that I lose weight FOR JEFF. Never in my wildest dreams would I lose weight for someone other than myself. And I sure as hell won't accept a bribe to lose weight. (Also, $50? Lol!) I know I can go to Hawaii no matter what I weigh - there's no requirement to be bikini-ready for a trip to the islands. Also, "that would be a start" - how much weight does she think I need to lose?<br />
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I am well aware that I am fat. Would I like to lose weight? Yes, but on my own terms, the details of which are between myself and my doctor, who is the ONLY person it's acceptable to take weight-loss advice from. Do I feel the need to lose weight as a gift to my husband, to take a vacation, or for a monetary incentive? Absolutely not. Additionally I am not in the practice of taking goal-setting advice from someone who knows almost nothing about my daily life, my health, or my personal ideals.<br />
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I do appreciate that she probably sent this to me in all sincerity and a sense of camaraderie as a woman. After all, she gained five pounds in the hospital and was desperate to lose it. She has probably weighed close to the same weight her entire adult life. She is a small, slightly-built woman. Her daughters are not of her build and carry extra weight themselves. If you lined the three of them up, you would be hard-pressed to see the familial relation. But that's exactly the point - we are all individual. Skinny moms can have fat daughters. Fat moms can have skinny daughters. My own three daughters are all different weights, and have been through weight changes over the years, just like all women. I've never considered offering them money to lose weight. I've never considered asking them to change their bodies to fit whatever my view of a "healthy weight" is.<br />
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Like all women, I have been many different sizes in my life. When I hit 96 pounds in the sixth grade, I was horrified that I was so dangerously close to the dreaded 100 lbs, and even more horrified to learn that the two most popular girls in my class each weighed 76 lbs. I felt fat.<br />
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When I went through puberty and soared to 125 lbs and didn't know how to dress myself because I wasn't comfortable in my own skin, I felt fat.<br />
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When I gained the "freshman 15" my first year of high school (not college, I was always ahead of my time!), which was also the year I learned to bake, I felt fat.<br />
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When I stalled at 130 lbs for many years, and still wore a bikini to the beach, I lamented my thighs and hips and all my perceived imperfections, and held my stomach in when taking pictures and I felt fat.<br />
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When I got married at 146 lbs, my highest weight ever, festooned in 1990's battenberg lace and puffy sleeves, I felt beautiful, but I felt fat.<br />
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When I discovered a tiny belly pooch that I couldn't seem to shake even with SlimFast shakes and aerobics at the Y, I felt fat but I got pregnant so it was ok to be fat.<br />
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When I hovered dangerously near the 200 lb mark just before delivery, and wore hideous maternity clothes (bought on clearance because we weren't rich so I couldn't afford to be cute), I felt fat, but I was going to be a mom so I didn't care much. I would lose the baby weight.<br />
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And I did, most of it, but then another baby came along and I didn't gain as much weight, but there I was raising a toddler and a newborn who didn't sleep and the stress and chaos didn't help, and I felt fat.<br />
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And another baby came and then I joined Weight Watchers and lost 30 lbs and everyone said WOW you are so skinny, but in pictures I still had a belly pooch so I felt fat.<br />
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And then I raised my kids and I got divorced and all the while I fought my debilitating anxiety and I got remarried and I decided to finally do something about my anxiety and the medication made me gain 40 lbs in record time and I felt fat.<br />
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And then. And then.........I was at my highest weight and I did two triathlons. I was at my highest weight and I had a regular yoga practice and I worked out and I was in better shape than my (much younger) kids and I took a fitness test with my (much more athletic) husband and I found out I wasn't actually in terrible shape and I was maybe even a little bit strong.<br />
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And now? Now I weigh more than I care to, but I can bike and hike and walk and exercise and I'd like to do all of those things better. I am active and standing most of the day, teaching little kids. I love healthy food and I make conscious decisions to eat well every day. I like my sweet treats, but I limit them (and I recognize this as my biggest challenge nutritionally). I have a Starbucks drink, on average, once a week (and yes, I checked my account to verify this). I drink only water most days, I rarely drink alcohol, and I almost never eat fast food, unless we're on a road trip. We eat out maybe once a week or less. I almost never watch TV and if I do, I'm folding laundry while I'm doing it. I'm not lazy. Some days I'm energized, some days I'm really, really tired. And sometimes I still feel fat.<br />
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But I forget I'm fat when I'm going about my day. Being fat doesn't define me. I don't spend every waking hour worrying about being fat. I'm healthy and all my "numbers" make my doctor happy. I take care of myself. Could I be doing a better job of it? Sure. So could all of us. But I strive for balance in my life. I'm quite happy and content and I really love my life. I seriously doubt my happiness level would change with my dress size. I like myself today and I'm sure I will like myself tomorrow and all the days to follow no matter what size I am.<br />
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So, no, Grandma Jo. I respectfully decline your offer. My weight is my business and between me and my doctor, no one else. I'll go on being awesome and you keep your $50. We'll both be richer.<br />
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<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-28925030103234910152017-10-15T21:14:00.000-07:002017-10-15T21:15:26.633-07:00Patch that! Today we took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. Now, the "kids" are 18, 19, 21, 22 and 24 (yes, that includes the married couple). There was some debate about who's idea it was to venture out on the last sunny Sunday of October (according to the weather forecast) and mix with a crowd of hundreds to pick an overpriced pumpkin and take some festive pictures. My husband asked how long we had to take the "kids" to the pumpkin patch and how old did they have to be before we stopped? The kids said it was all my idea. I said I was the first one to suggest we skip the patch and buy pumpkins at the grocery store and just have a carving party. Either way, once again, our annual trip has come and gone (in short order this year because I'm sick and was done less than an hour in) and nothing has really changed.<br />
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First, it takes careful planning to make this happen. When your kids are adults, and work, and go to college, the time available when everyone can be in one place at one time is.........nonexistent. I know this because every year it takes a Herculean effort and some work schedule changes in order for us to meet at the patch for an hour (sometimes two - bonus!). Once we plan this outing, there is often the procurement of special equipment (that one year we spent over $100 getting everyone boots for the muddy patch literally minutes before we left). And since pictures are always a huge part of the day - let's be honest, it's the ONLY part I care about - everyone has to spend time transforming themselves from sloppy college student to Pinterest-worthy fall photography subject. This involves a cute outfit, makeup and maybe even a fall scarf. We traipse out to the patch, and get stuck in traffic. Just today my husband remarked how nice it was to drive all the way out to the country only to sit in traffic for 45 minutes. In fact, today's traffic jam was taking us to the WRONG pumpkin patch. The one we were supposed to meet at was the opposite direction by a good twenty minutes. So, we arrived an hour late.<br />
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I was asked to take pictures of a couple of other families while we were there. No worries, I love taking pictures. Except, as I mentioned before, I'm sick so my energy level was not up to par, and we arrived so late that one family was leaving as we arrived and the other took a while to find, at which time we snapped a few quick pictures and they returned the favor by snapping a few of our crew (hey, it's a rare event, we needed a picture to prove it happened). After pictures, we headed out to the pumpkin field to choose the perfect pumpkin.<br />
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But here's the thing about pumpkins - I like them, I think they're cute, and it's fun to pick a unique shaped one, but I HATE carving pumpkins. So, I just never carve mine. Which makes me wonder why I would want to spend $10 or more on a fun-shaped pumpkin I have no intention of carving. Instead, I have resorted to picking a mini pumpkin and maybe a couple of squash or gourds. The others spend a lot of time choosing their pumpkins (too much if you ask me, it was getting hot in the fields). We drop $40 or $100 and haul our pumpkins back home.<br />
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Today's agenda involved coming home to chili in the crock pot, biscuits, corn bread and homemade dessert. After we warmed up with this quintessential fall dinner, we would carve our pumpkins and have it all done in one day. Except, when we got home, we started watching movies and no one carved their pumpkins! This happens every year. One year we didn't carve them before Halloween arrived so we just left them as Thanksgiving decor, and when Christmas arrived, we just spray painted them white, put hats and scarves on them, and called them "snowmen". Now why do we spend money on pumpkins that we never carve? I have no idea.<br />
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Also, the lines were long, the crowds were thick, and since the kids aren't little anymore, there's no allure in hayrides, games, rubber duck races and mini-golf (and thank God, too, because those things cost even more money!). We were at the patch a whole hour before we all decided to leave - it took us longer just to get there! I was exhausted and thinking only of being out of my "cute" clothes and back in my pajamas, and I heard a few complaints of being hungry and thirsty (again, another way to blow your paycheck at the pumpkin patch - kettle corn! Hot dogs! Apple cider!). No one seemed sad that we were headed home.<br />
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So, my husband and I came up with an idea - next year we'll just create our own pumpkin patch. We'll decorate the back porch with a few hay bales, maybe even make one of those funny scarecrow boards you stick your head in for photos, serve mini donuts and apple cider, and buy a handful of pumpkins at the grocery store to scatter in the park in our backyard. We'll invite the adult children over to "pick" a pumpkin, have tables and carving tools set up for making jack-o-lanterns, and do the whole shebang in a few hours right in our backyard. No traffic, no crowds, and we won't sell out of roasted corn like the patch we visited today. Plus, we can enjoy adult beverages with the kids!<br />
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This should work for a few years until the grandkids come along. And then we'll be right back at the patch because it's really only fun with little kids. And tradition means something different to everyone and changes with the seasons. I still love taking fall photos of my family, but, truth be told, some of the best fall colors around here happen in the office park where my husband works, which is five minutes away. Next year we'll schedule an office-park photo shoot right before our backyard pumpkin patch and our fall celebration will be complete without ever leaving town.<br />
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Happy Fall, y'all! </div>
<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-38684073197647157282017-09-12T16:50:00.000-07:002017-09-12T16:50:25.100-07:00That time I cut my hair so I could look like my Bitmoji....So, my hair has been bugging me lately. This is not new. I have very curly, very thick hair that does its own thing no matter how much money I spend getting it cut and styled. It's a wild mane, and I spent my formative years cursing my hair and longing for silky, flowing locks. Alas, my hair has remained wiry, frizzy and unmanageable.<br />
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The ends of my hair dry out the fastest and when I'm in need of a haircut it's pretty obvious how much needs to be cut by looking at how much length has gone from curly to frizzy. I've been needing a trim. And the other day, I realized I like how my Bitmoji's hair looked, so why not get that haircut?<br />
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For those who do not know what a Bitmoji is, it's an animated version of yourself - essentially a comic/cartoon version that you create. Once created, your Bitmoji can be used essentially like an emoji - to express a certain feeling or sentiment in a text or social media post. It's silly and completely useless but it's also kind of fun. When you create your Bitmoji, you have to be really honest with yourself. For instance, you have the option to add wrinkles and make yourself pudgy.<br />
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This is what my Bitmoji looks like. Notice I gave her some wrinkles! </div>
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So, last night I went to bed with my hair wet from the shower. It was freshly-washed and there was no product in it (although I did condition liberally in the shower). Here is what it looked like when I woke up today: </div>
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As you can see, it's very.......electrified. Normally when I go to bed with my hair wet, I just have to dunk my whole head in the shower the next morning and get it saturated. Then, I proceed to put massive amounts of styling products in my hair and hope for the best. But, today, I decided to try something different. I thought, perhaps, I could use the flat iron to smooth and curl my hair into something more manageable. So, I spent several minutes smoothing and twirling and smelling burning hair and this is the result: </div>
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Besides being a little less frizzy, I'm not exactly sure how this improved things. Clearly, I needed another strategy. Styling product! Yes, that would fix it! </div>
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Except....it didn't. This is after I slathered a liberal amount of shea butter leave-in conditioner in my hair. Definitely not improved. It was clear I needed to employ my tried-and-true method of dunking my head in the shower. But first, I fluffed it. </div>
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Who needs volumizer? I got your volume right here, baby! </div>
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The drowned rat look is becoming on me, no? This is me with my hair dripping after spending several minutes twisting and turning my head to saturate my hair with water. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sg97-WkI4hU/WbhkMRhgTFI/AAAAAAAAf7Q/K8_X5xyvkOQvk-GEK6Ml8Y3MJVMPCYcdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_101617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1025" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sg97-WkI4hU/WbhkMRhgTFI/AAAAAAAAf7Q/K8_X5xyvkOQvk-GEK6Ml8Y3MJVMPCYcdQCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_101617.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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And this is me, using my trusty "Turbie Twist" towel that squeezes my hair up tightly, wringing all those drips out. Might as well do my makeup while I'm waiting........</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya9nA9Qhr8k/WbhkMW6Ts8I/AAAAAAAAf6g/HF6uZFQgrEYcXodv43XM5yW7ZEHu2Tv6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_101716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1058" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya9nA9Qhr8k/WbhkMW6Ts8I/AAAAAAAAf6g/HF6uZFQgrEYcXodv43XM5yW7ZEHu2Tv6QCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_101716.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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This is what I start with. My trusty Olay moisturizer. It has SPF 15 and isn't terribly expensive. I've been using it for years and it works, so I'm not changing things. Mostly I just appreciate that it keeps my face from getting sunburned since I can't remember to sunscreen the rest of me. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH1xJPASQp4/WbhiPViUMUI/AAAAAAAAf5E/gDXVyH7v5dkn-hinDGkoLPMc5hj16C7hACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_101805%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH1xJPASQp4/WbhiPViUMUI/AAAAAAAAf5E/gDXVyH7v5dkn-hinDGkoLPMc5hj16C7hACEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_101805%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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I also use this - neck and chest moisturizer. I don't know if it works, but I read a book once by Nora Ephron entitled "I Feel Bad About My Neck" and it made me self-conscious so I decided I better start moisturizing below my chin. Also, I heard a commercial for this lotion and decided to try it. It's probably nothing special but I recently noticed some wrinkling on my neck area so now I'm paranoid. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v4gQO-VLrc/WbhiPTxrruI/AAAAAAAAf5Y/XXNNskH2sYYVNRSDjF1I4nf6MIniCBLOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_101842%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="965" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_v4gQO-VLrc/WbhiPTxrruI/AAAAAAAAf5Y/XXNNskH2sYYVNRSDjF1I4nf6MIniCBLOwCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_101842%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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After that I use this cream. Well, today I did. Because I just bought it. I had another one but I got this one for reasons I will tell you about below. P.S. I liked this one. #notasponsoredpost</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR-vT_WF4VU/WbhkK66AtdI/AAAAAAAAf7E/BV7jr5QMhNQvcW4YKv49NRuiNBJsCQqrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_093326%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oR-vT_WF4VU/WbhkK66AtdI/AAAAAAAAf7E/BV7jr5QMhNQvcW4YKv49NRuiNBJsCQqrwCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_093326%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I was using this cream. It was a "sample" at Sephora, but it cost like $23 so that's hardly a sample price. I figured if "BB" cream was good "CC" cream had to be better, right? Plus, look at that SPF! And honestly? I really liked this CC cream until I accidentally spilled a big blob into the sink. I tried to rinse it with hot water. I used soap. I used shampoo. Finally I had to just wipe it out with paper towels. This stuff is water-resistant to the point that I wonder if any of it really ever washed off my face when I was using it and maybe I just have layer upon layer of greasy, impenetrable cover-up on the surface of my skin. I prefer cosmetics that actually wash off with soap and water, hence the new purchase of BB cream. Taking a step back. Also? Calm down, Sephora. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb-99CTCGxQ/Wbhmox_0AaI/AAAAAAAAf7Q/SXdl-rL6bi0-v2xSlXy8RJTT2k-C_FD_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_101935%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="957" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb-99CTCGxQ/Wbhmox_0AaI/AAAAAAAAf7Q/SXdl-rL6bi0-v2xSlXy8RJTT2k-C_FD_ACEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_101935%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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Next I use this expensive powder that was a gift for my birthday last year. It's nice, but my $8.99 Cover Girl loose powder works just as well. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMxcmZUX9II/WbhqU8P0OwI/AAAAAAAAf7k/uO6DigtjUj8vG45dj66LEEMCncbzPmUbACLcBGAs/s1600/20170912_102017%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMxcmZUX9II/WbhqU8P0OwI/AAAAAAAAf7k/uO6DigtjUj8vG45dj66LEEMCncbzPmUbACLcBGAs/s320/20170912_102017%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Then I "do" my eyebrows. As you can see from the first make-up-less photo, my eyebrows are pretty much non-existent. I USED to have lush, bushy eyebrows that needed to be tamed with a hedge trimmer. But suddenly I got older and they disappeared. Now I have to enhance them with eyebrow stuff. I'm not sure what the official term is. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRKjE4vLQcc/WbhhuvY18hI/AAAAAAAAf5E/iAcvB5B00CQhazB7o2mRjEZXMEwB9v63QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1244" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FRKjE4vLQcc/WbhhuvY18hI/AAAAAAAAf5E/iAcvB5B00CQhazB7o2mRjEZXMEwB9v63QCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102045.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGM4fGrpWfQ/WbhjfaxxqbI/AAAAAAAAf5U/p6i94F8bNqULHvUQk51LG48lFBnDbkFSACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1543" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGM4fGrpWfQ/WbhjfaxxqbI/AAAAAAAAf5U/p6i94F8bNqULHvUQk51LG48lFBnDbkFSACEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102108.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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This is the eyebrow stuff. As you can see, there is a waxy, dark substance you are supposed to apply with the brush end of this applicator. What brush end, you ask? Oh yes, the brush end that fell apart when I tried to wash it once. All the bristles fell out so I just don't use this portion any more. Instead, I use the applicator to apply the medium brown stuff to my eyebrows to make them appear and then I used the other side to apply this "highlighter" stuff that really doesn't do anything at all. </div>
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After the eyebrows, I do the eyes. This involves a neutral eye shadow, applied with a brush however I feel like it because I have no idea what all the brushes and techniques are about. And so I get this: </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMmrhLdRnJs/WbhhuleLnBI/AAAAAAAAf5I/V2oywTEZQNYJkltejCCrbfPTgZv2WPoygCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102222%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMmrhLdRnJs/WbhhuleLnBI/AAAAAAAAf5I/V2oywTEZQNYJkltejCCrbfPTgZv2WPoygCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102222%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="204" /></a></div>
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Also, I'm not sure why my face is so long in this picture. But, as you can see, the eyelids have some color on them. Yay. I'm done. Except for mascara. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHFt_1b_wBY/WbhhvN29TbI/AAAAAAAAf5E/ngv1qGpzRIoiJghng4KRtanxnIMW5YQkwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tHFt_1b_wBY/WbhhvN29TbI/AAAAAAAAf5E/ngv1qGpzRIoiJghng4KRtanxnIMW5YQkwCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today I used this, but I have about six different mascaras in my drawer. This is because ALL mascara smudges under my eyes, no matter what I do, and so I keep trying new ones in an attempt to find one that doesn't. This one smudges LESS so it's the preferred brand at the moment. By the way, it needs more than one coat and does not thicken the lashes, despite what the container says. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3nufWiI9gc/WbhhvaxJGhI/AAAAAAAAf5E/iYp7ZAnUe9cJTZJYT6Yj5g8_yCmIeyQdgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3nufWiI9gc/WbhhvaxJGhI/AAAAAAAAf5E/iYp7ZAnUe9cJTZJYT6Yj5g8_yCmIeyQdgCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102339.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah! Back to my hair! This is what it looks like when I take off the Turbie Twist towel. Like wet noodles. There's still a lot of work to be done. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgLvbwoD7pU/WbhkiB5fFNI/AAAAAAAAf6g/bHqpxgOXEWkO4l6rtXh0-6R37H_jE2vnQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_103724.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgLvbwoD7pU/WbhkiB5fFNI/AAAAAAAAf6g/bHqpxgOXEWkO4l6rtXh0-6R37H_jE2vnQCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_103724.png" width="297" /></a></div>
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Remember - I wanted the haircut of my Bitmoji. But I am very impatient and I don't have time to wait for a salon appointment so I figured I could do it myself! </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HA0GPZ1PIsY/WbhkiBQYNqI/AAAAAAAAf7E/JmacN7aAzzw4dRBZzogAdmFxGuCP450kwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_103631.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="1312" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HA0GPZ1PIsY/WbhkiBQYNqI/AAAAAAAAf7E/JmacN7aAzzw4dRBZzogAdmFxGuCP450kwCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_103631.png" width="310" /></a></div>
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I know - it SEEMS like a bad idea. I am not a hairdresser. I have no skills or experience. I am attempting to cut my hair to look like a cartoon. Is this wise? Is it even sane? Probably not, but I was going to attempt it, regardless. First, I combed my hair out. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07J2gGFoxKo/WbhhvtSfVDI/AAAAAAAAf5E/7Pc_7wQeIhUhB2CICUUej9DOM9gcBj1FQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1413" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07J2gGFoxKo/WbhhvtSfVDI/AAAAAAAAf5E/7Pc_7wQeIhUhB2CICUUej9DOM9gcBj1FQCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102835.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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This is what my hair looks like after I comb it out. My comb is permanently bent at a slight angle because of all the tangles, and I usually have a small handful of hair to remove from the comb afterward from all the tangly, dry, damaged hair that gets yanked out from combing. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHGuQzZ9fuM/Wbhhv0nkjxI/AAAAAAAAf5E/wN1-1IWQgxA7O23yeYCNoK3hcdaN50B8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1270" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHGuQzZ9fuM/Wbhhv0nkjxI/AAAAAAAAf5E/wN1-1IWQgxA7O23yeYCNoK3hcdaN50B8wCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102918.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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Then, I combed my hair into basically the style of my Bitmoji. Clearly I was going to need to remove some length here. My hair was quite long - it shrinks up about 50% when it dries. So, cutting it wet can have disastrous consequences if you're not careful. Also? I am not careful. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWNEFjADlqM/WbhlvLBJ2cI/AAAAAAAAf7I/pwx_ft3yDjgpzMjZXTuUlCccJW0QkwGcACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_103120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1392" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWNEFjADlqM/WbhlvLBJ2cI/AAAAAAAAf7I/pwx_ft3yDjgpzMjZXTuUlCccJW0QkwGcACEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_103120.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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As I began my <strike>careful cutting</strike> hack job, I realized my hair was drying pretty fast. This part was getting frizzy already! </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ0_puoiriE/WbhiQJpcIVI/AAAAAAAAf5E/g_6swGI1lhgzzrbPo8O10kIUuYwkse75gCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_102355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ0_puoiriE/WbhiQJpcIVI/AAAAAAAAf5E/g_6swGI1lhgzzrbPo8O10kIUuYwkse75gCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_102355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These are all the products I currently have in my arsenal. On any given day I will have at least one but up to five of these products in my hair. None of it is enough. I could put mayonnaise in my hair and it would not look greasy. My hair sucks up these products and more, including straight coconut oil, and still has a halo of frizz. There will never be enough styling product for my hair. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McS-kmzkyN4/Wbhlu9wxr5I/AAAAAAAAf7E/jLDorbKVd2I3aGpufRYcsJjf-GjsyA6LQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_103002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1171" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-McS-kmzkyN4/Wbhlu9wxr5I/AAAAAAAAf7E/jLDorbKVd2I3aGpufRYcsJjf-GjsyA6LQCEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_103002.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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Since my hair is so thick, I started with it half-up so I could work on the underside first and work up from there, layer by layer. Can you see my gray roots? Yeah, I color them every two weeks and I still get this. I should probably just give up and embrace the gray, but I am NOT READY. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gp32xsBX1bw/Wbhlu2689FI/AAAAAAAAf7E/7-k4A7wF06wJRxGaxeeUp-ZUD1SH3_6wACEwYBhgL/s1600/20170912_103048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1346" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gp32xsBX1bw/Wbhlu2689FI/AAAAAAAAf7E/7-k4A7wF06wJRxGaxeeUp-ZUD1SH3_6wACEwYBhgL/s320/20170912_103048.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
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Ok, almost finished. I think I did it. I know the back and sides have some uneven places, which I had my daughter correct later, but for now, it's looking pretty good. I cut quite a bit off. Want to see? </div>
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This actually doesn't look like much, but it's all length. When I thin my hair, which is accomplished using a pair of weird scissors that makes random cuts along the hair, I've filled the entire sink before! </div>
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Ok, now I'm dressed for the day and I can't believe it! I actually did it. I cut off my hair so I could look like my Bitmoji. Who DOES this? </div>
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It feels so much.......less. The tangly feeling I get when I run my hands through my hair is gone. My bangs need to grow a bit longer, but for the most part, it's pretty close! </div>
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Done! Yay! </div>
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I made sure I could still pull it up into a pony tail, too, since that's how I wear my hair most days. But now I can actually wear it down and not worry about "triangle head" or the fact that my hair grows all day long (well, actually that still happens but there's less to tame now). I will enjoy looking like my Bitmoji for now. And once it grows out again, maybe I'll just change my Bitmoji to match ME! </div>
Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-71958722112795254792017-09-06T23:50:00.000-07:002017-09-06T23:50:01.717-07:00The first day of no school............Today was the first day since 1998 (19 years!!) that I have not risen early to take a child to school (or put them on the bus). Our yellow "first day of school" sign, made hastily one year and never intended to be used for as long as it was, stayed in the top of the closet where it has lived for the past several years. Each year, I would drag it out, add a piece of yellow paper to the bottom with the current year, and take the requisite pictures with each child.<br />
<br />
But not today. Today I slept in until almost 8 a.m. Didn't get out of bed till 9. I didn't have to be anywhere (substitute teaching generally starts a week or two after school starts and teachers have time to catch all the germs from a classroom full of biohazards). Heck, I didn't even know where my kids WERE. I knew one daughter had to work at her nanny job, my son didn't work today, and my other daughter was apparently in bed until almost 2 p.m. but I thought she was at work. When she came downstairs I realized she had been in bed the whole time and she could have been DEAD and I didn't even check on her or worry about where she was. Because my "kids" are adults now. My youngest graduated last June and I will never dig out that "first day of school sign" again. I don't know what to do with it. Have a ceremonial burning? Hang on to it for my grandkids? Wipe my tears with it?<br />
<br />
It's weird having all adults where my children used to be. I saw pictures on social media of the neighborhood kids at the bus stop. Those days are gone for us. I remember when my kids made up a good chunk of that bus stop crowd. Year after year, we'd take pictures and the following year, post all the old ones to see how much they had changed. Everyone says "it goes so fast" but what they should be saying is "I'm SERIOUS. It goes so fast, don't blink!" Because it did go fast. Faster than I could have ever imagined.<br />
<br />
I didn't have to go back-to-school shopping either! Once upon a time I could easily spend $500 on supplies for four kids. That was before clothes and shoes! This year, nothing. I clipped coupons for school supplies and put them under a magnet on the fridge for the taking. If they want to save money on college supplies, they know where to find them. They buy their own clothes and shoes now. They drive cars and pay bills and spend most of their disposable income on food. They come and go, and I often don't know where they are or what they're doing, but a quick check of Snapchat usually lets me know they're at work or having coffee with a friend, or on some adventure they certainly can't be old enough to navigate on their own. But they can. And they do.<br />
<br />
Back-to-school is significant when you work in education, too. There are meetings and professional development and getting classrooms ready. Unless you are a substitute teacher. Then, there's just waiting for the phone calls asking you to fill in. Eventually, you get busy and your work schedule becomes pretty routine. But at first it's all over the place and so your days have no rhyme or reason. There's nothing to anchor you to that September-June schedule. It's weird.<br />
<br />
Summer's off are a huge bonus and I enjoyed it immensely. It was a busy summer with a wedding, traveling, home improvements and lots of fun squeezed in. The house is in disarray from new hardwood floors and a big painting job, so I have plenty to do, but the chaos sometimes paralyzes me and I find myself delving into something mundane like cleaning out my closet when I really need to unpack boxes of china that need to be returned to their hutches. I know it will all come together eventually but I'm going out of town again in just over a week and so I need to balance the order and chaos and eventual return to the classroom so I can earn a living.<br />
<br />
So, today was the first day of school. And it was just a regular day around here. This new life is different. And it's also good. I miss my little kids but I don't have to pack their lunches anymore and I am NOT sad about that. Plus, the chances I'm going to forget to pick them up from school have gone down infinitely. No more curriculum nights! No PTA guilt! No chaperoning! Life is good. Different, but good.Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-36977488739763581022017-07-25T10:49:00.000-07:002017-07-25T10:50:44.045-07:00Home Improvement......We have lived in our humble abode for 17 years this weekend. 17 years! I have achieved a personal goal, which was to remain in this house until all my kids graduated from high school. Once the youngest graduated this past June, we started to contemplate our choices - stay in this big house or sell and downsize? Since three-fourths of our kids still live here and the cost of living in the Seattle area is astronomical, making it impossible for them to move out any time soon, we decided to stay. So, we started the process of refinancing our mortgage and jumped feet-first into the rabbit hole of "updating" the home.<br />
<br />
First on the list is getting the hardwood floors refinished. And while we were at it, we decided to also put wood floors through the living and dining rooms. Why not? So, we got several bids and finally settled on our contractor. He's a one-man show, and I'm really nervous about that, but he starts this week and there is already a huge load of wood in my now-bare dining room, so here we go!<br />
<br />
My husband has done a lot of prep work already - pulling up and disposing of the 17-year-old carpet (gross), moving several large pieces of furniture, and pulling off the baseboards so we can give them a spit and shine before they go back on next to our gleaming new hardwoods.<br />
<br />
I've tried to help but I kind of suck at moving large, heavy furniture and stripping up carpet has never been my forte. So, last night I decided I could help by removing all the nails from the baseboards once they had been removed from the walls. Pretty simple, right?<br />
<br />
Except the nails they used were about the flimsiest things on the market. Every time I attempted to hammer them through so I could pull them out the other side, they would bend and twist. I resorted to cutting them off shorter so I wouldn't have so much to hammer, but that presented its own problems. For one thing, the wire cutters on my pliers suck and would only bend the nails, not snip them off. For another, it was HARD. It required strength, which I do not possess, and I not only cut a finger, I developed a blister on my hand.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm not even sure my tetanus shot is updated, and blisters hurt! I decided I'm not a big fan of manual labor, but I AM a huge fan of paying someone to do that type of work. Even if it does add up to hundreds of dollars and less than stellar handiwork.<br />
<br />
I noticed, when I removed all the pictures and paintings off the walls, that the living room walls need to be painted desperately. I attempted to rope in a painter (ok, I posted a request on social media) but no luck. However, the walls still need to be painted so now I need to find a painter to do the job AFTER the gleaming new hardwoods are installed instead of now, when the floors are bare and ugly and one would not even notice a paint spill.<br />
<br />
The other complication is that this project requires us to vacate the house for a WEEK! We did not plan well, so now we are all seeking refuge in other places, further complicated by the fact that we have pets. And, just to make things more interesting, we got a brand-new kitten two days ago. Because, we thrive on chaos.<br />
<br />
And now that the hardwoods will be beautiful, it's clear we will need new carpet. In the entire house. So, that will be the next project (after the painting) and I also noticed we really need new window coverings. And so it goes.<br />
<br />
This never-ending spiral of home-ownership and its subsequent updates should keep us busy for the next 30 years or so because that's how long we chose for our refinance. Which means we will never really "own" this house. We're just paying very, very high rent.<br />
<br />
And these kids will move out eventually. Then, we will have a house full of echoes and two people and a dog knocking around the vastness. But until then, these walls can barely contain the noise, chaos and general clutter. And they still need to be painted.Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-81183121782411239562017-05-22T21:48:00.000-07:002017-05-22T21:48:24.847-07:00Interview with the spouse........Jeff and I went camping this weekend and on the long drive home, I decided to interview him. I thought of questions off the top of my head and, well.....<br />
<br />
Me: What's your favorite color?<br />
Jeff: Blue.<br />
Me: That's so boring - do you realize like 90% of the population picks blue as their favorite color?<br />
Jeff: Green. That's my second favorite color.<br />
Me: ME TOO!<br />
<br />
Me: What's your favorite amusement park ride?<br />
Jeff: Pirates of the Caribbean.<br />
Me: Is it Cari-BEE-an or Ca-RIB-e-an?<br />
Jeff: Pirates of the Ca-RIB-e-an.<br />
<br />
Me: What's your favorite food?<br />
Jeff: Pizza because it has all the things - you can put fruit, veggies, meat, cheese, pretty much anything on it.<br />
Me: Pizza's my favorite too!<br />
<br />
Me: What's your favorite drink?<br />
Jeff: Berry tea.<br />
Me: WHAT? I am buying you a male romper. And a cat.<br />
<br />
Me: If you didn't do the job you do now, what would you do?<br />
Jeff: I'd be a fisherman.<br />
Me: But you never catch anything!<br />
Jeff: So? It's better than working!<br />
<br />
Me: What do you think is the single biggest threat facing our country today?<br />
Jeff: Ig-nence (ignorance)<br />
Me: How can we solve that?<br />
Jeff: Ed-u-ma-cation!<br />
<br />
Me: Do you think college is overrated?<br />
Jeff: No, you gotta have a college education to get a good job.<br />
Me: Even if you're saddled with student loans?<br />
Jeff: You can pay those off if you get a good job. So-ci-e-tay says you can get a better job if you're educated.<br />
<br />
Me: Who do you think is the ugliest celebrity?<br />
Jeff: The only one that comes to mind is Danny DeVito. He's ugly, right? Wait, what about his wife? They're married, right? Urea Freeman or something?<br />
(pause here while I pee my pants laughing - Urea Freeman?)<br />
<br />
Me: If you could drive any car, what would it be?<br />
Jeff: I don't give a shit as long as it runs!<br />
<br />
Me: If money were no object, where would you take your next vacation?<br />
Jeff: Hawaii, 'cause it's where I wanna go and I ain't been there! (Ed-u-ma-cation)<br />
<br />
Me: If you could never do one household chore for the rest of your life, what would it be?<br />
Jeff: Picking up dog shit.<br />
<br />
Me: If you'd had a boy, what would you have named him?<br />
Jeff: Hunter? Or Forrest, I like Forrest?<br />
<br />
Me: Why do you dress up like a mountain man?<br />
Jeff: 'Cause I like history, hunting and camping.<br />
Me: But you can do those things without dressing up.<br />
Jeff: Yeah, but you're LIVING it!<br />
Me: What do you have against modern conveniences?<br />
Jeff: Nothing.<br />
<br />
Me: If you could have dinner with 3 people, living or dead, who would they be and why?<br />
Jeff: Well, one would have to be you. How about Merriweather Lewis and William Clark? So we would find out exactly which guns they used and how they dressed.<br />
Me: What would we eat?<br />
Jeff: Buffalo or elk.<br />
<br />
Me: What is the most annoying habit of other people?<br />
Jeff: Other people don't annoy me. Tailgating!<br />
<br />
Me: If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?<br />
Jeff: I'd be an elk because then I'd be perfectly safe from me. Or a dog. They live the life, man.<br />
<br />
Me: Why do you drink ginormous fountain drinks on road trips?<br />
Jeff: It give me something to do. Keeps me alert. If I get past the liquid I can suck on the ice.<br />
Me: Don't I keep you alert?<br />
Jeff: Yeah. But not when you're sleeping.<br />
<br />
Me: What's my most endearing trait?<br />
Jeff: You've got lots.<br />
Me: Pick one.<br />
Jeff: Thoughtful.<br />
Me: Elaborate.<br />
Jeff: You're caring. You're always thinking about other people.<br />
<br />
Me: What's my most annoying trait?<br />
Jeff: You're on your cell phone too much.<br />
<br />
Me: What can you say about a guy who's been married three times?<br />
Jeff: He knows what he doesn't want after the first two.<br />
<br />
Me: Explain your job to a 5 yr old?<br />
Jeff: I tell people what to do.<br />
<br />
Me: What is the worst age of childhood?<br />
Jeff: Teenagers. Because they're not human. They're unreasonable and selfish.<br />
Me: Any redeeming qualities?<br />
Jeff: They're young.<br />
<br />
Me: What advice would you give your 18 yr old self?<br />
Jeff: Go to college. Stay in college. Graduate from college soon.<br />
<br />
Me: What is feminism?<br />
Jeff: The -ism of being feminine. What you think of that?<br />
<br />
Me: How do you feel about your current state of fitness?<br />
Jeff: It could be better.<br />
<br />
Me: Name 3 things on your bucket list.<br />
Jeff: Get my elk. Get my turkey. Retire so I have more time to think of more bucket list items.<br />
<br />
Me: Describe our marriage using a food theme.<br />
Jeff: Our marriage is like a banquet because you get a little bit of everything and comfort food.<br />
<br />
Me: Do you like cats? Why?<br />
Jeff: Yeah, I like cats. Because they can be cuddly.<br />
Me: Our cats aren't cuddly.<br />
Jeff: But they CAN be.<br />
Me: So you like to cuddle?<br />
Jeff: I mean, it's nice to sit on the couch and watch a football game or movie with a cat sitting on your lap.<br />
Me: Why can't you just cuddle with your wife?<br />
Jeff: I can!<br />
<br />
Me: How do you feel about traffic?<br />
Jeff: It sucks donkey balls.<br />
<br />
Me: Are you bored of this interview?<br />Jeff: No.<br />
<br />
Me: What's the best part about coming home from camping?<br />
Jeff: Sleeping in my own bed.<br />
Me: Not the shower?<br />
Jeff: Eh. I really enjoy camping.<br />
<br />
Me: Why do you think there's bumper to bumper traffic at 2:33 on a Monday?<br />
Jeff: Because there are too many people on the road who should be working!<br />
Me: But, you're not at work!<br />
Jeff: I'm on vacation!<br />
<br />
Me: What is your dream life?<br />
Jeff: I don't know. You think about your dream life and then you get there and what if it's not your dream life anymore? I guess living in a semi-rural area in a nice house making a living selling my crafts I enjoy doing. Although I don't feel confident I could sustain myself with that.<br />
<br />
Me: What is your dream for me?<br />
Jeff: To be an author. I wish you were a wildly successful Steven King-type author so we could move to our B&B and have a garden and make crafts.<br />
<br />
Me: Why do you think you lose your sense of adventure when you get older?<br />
Jeff: Because you've been there, done that.<br />
<br />
Me: Why do you eat yourself (as he bites the skin on his fingers)?<br />
Jeff: Antsy-ness. Maybe I don't take enough meds.<br />
<br />
Me: What are your thoughts on mental illness?<br />
Jeff: A lot of people have it. I often wonder what it's like for people who don't have it. What is must be like to be them. At least I'm better at recognizing it. Instead of someone is just an asshole, I think maybe they have anxiety. Untreated anxiety.<br />
<br />
Me: What do you struggle more with, anxiety or depression?<br />
Jeff: Depression is the hardest to deal with.<br />
<br />
Then, he asked me some questions..........<br />
<br />
Jeff: What is your favorite food?<br />
Me: Pizza because it can be anything.<br />
<br />
Jeff: If there was one place you could live in the US where would it be?<br />
Me: I like it here. Washington state.<br />
Jeff: Where in Washington?<br />
Me: Closer to the beach.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What is your ideal existence?<br />
Me: Living in a nice house, on some land, with a detached writing studio.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What do you want to do when you retire?<br />
Me: Am I going to retire? I guess writing, taking trips, and being involved in my community or a non-profit.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What irritates you the most about where we live?<br />
Me: Traffic.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What irritates you the most about the people where we live?<br />
Me: Self-centered-ness and entitlement.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What is your ideal vacation?<br />
Me: A nice hotel, a beach, lots of shopping, but also exploring and plenty of time to just relax.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What's your perfect vehicle?<br />
Me: Big enough to tow shit, but gets good gas mileage. Or a 1957 pink T-bird.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What's your favorite drink?<br />
Me: Iced mocha.<br />
<br />
Jeff: Favorite pastime?<br />
Me: Idle time? Social media. Spending time? Road trips.<br />
<br />
Jeff: Where would you like to kayak?<br />
Me: Everywhere.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What is your greatest weakness?<br />
Me: Believing in myself.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What is your greatest strength?<br />
Me: Weathering tough times while maintaining my sense of humor.<br />
<br />
Jeff: If you were a car, what would you be?<br />
Me: A red Mustang!<br />
<br />
Jeff: If you were an animal, what would you be?<br />
Me: A chimpanzee because I'd be adorable and everyone would love me but if anyone fucked with me I could eat their face off.<br />
<br />
Jeff: If you could be a reenactor, what time period would you reenact?<br />
Me: The 1950's but with less racism and homophobia.<br />
<br />
Jeff: Did you care about homophobia before you had gay kids?<br />
Me: YES!<br />
<br />
Jeff: Would you rather be hot or cold?<br />
Me: Well, I'm already hot......so.....if you're cold you can put more clothes on.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What advice would you give your 18 yr old self?<br />
Me: That was my question.<br />
Jeff: No, I just thunk that up!<br />
Me: I literally just asked you the same question!<br />
Jeff: Just answer the damn question.<br />
Me: Don't marry the first guy who asks you just because you want to be married and don't care so much what other people think.<br />
<br />
Jeff: If you could live somebody else's life who would it be?<br />
Me: I like my life. But Jennifer Aniston because she still looks super hot and has lots of money.<br />
<br />
Jeff: If you could re-live a phase of your life what would it be?<br />
Me: I'm mostly glad they're over, but if I had to pick it would be when we first started dating.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What's your favorite way to eat shrimp?<br />
Me: Well, there's shrimp cocktail, grilled shrimp, shrimp scampi, shrimp alfredo, shrimp salad, and that's about all I can think of.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What foreign country do you want to visit the most?<br />
Me: I've always wanted to go to Italy.<br />
<br />
Jeff: What's your favorite sport to watch?<br />
Me: They're all so boring! I only used to like what my kids played but now they don't play sports. I guess baseball?<br />
<br />
Jeff: What's your second favorite flower?<br />
Me: Lilac!<br />
<br />
Wrapping it up.......<br />
<br />
Me: Have you enjoyed this interview?<br />
Jeff: Sure. The interview session has been enjoyable.<br />
<br />
Me: What do you want to do when we get home?<br />
Jeff: Fix my truck. Or nothing.<br />
<br />
Me: Are you sad our camping trip is over?<br />
Jeff: Yes. I could live like that a lot more days.<br />
Me: Is that proper English? <br />Jeff: Yep!<br />
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<br />Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2516605858253722612.post-10295565559055593982017-04-06T15:34:00.000-07:002017-04-06T15:34:38.750-07:00Estate sales and prosthetic legsToday, while running errands after work, I was distracted by yellow signs proclaiming "SALE!" So, naturally, I veered off-course to check it out because it's a Thursday and garage sales never happen on Thursday around here so who was I to turn down this amazing opportunity to browse through someone else's junk?<br />
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I followed the signs and eventually one said "Estate sale" and I died a little inside because an estate sale is NOT the same as a garage sale and here's why: an estate sale is either super cool, full of treasures and antiques and amazing finds, or it's a super-sad walk through someone else's memories and dreams and the remnants of a life lived tossed on a bed and priced at $2/apiece. Today's sale was the latter.<br />
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I love a good garage sale as much as the next person, and finding something vintage or useful at a steal of a deal brings me great joy. But estate sales make me sad. For one thing, it's weird to walk through someone's home when you are not an invited guest. At a garage sale, you can set your things in the driveway and maybe one part of your garage, and hang tarps or cover things to say "Stay away! Not here! Not for sale!" At an estate sale, you wander through someone's home - every last inch of it. The home often looks like someone left in a hurry - or suddenly died, which is often the case. No one bothers to make it look nice - instead, you shop IN someone's closet and items are often piled on beds and kitchen counters. Half-used toiletries fill the bathroom shelves and yes, they are for sale. It feels so invasive.<br />
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This particular sale was in a home that was probably once pretty cool. It had a sauna! And a bar! With swiveling bar stools! I'm guessing in the 80's, this place was the ultimate party house. But today, those gold-colored bar stools just seemed dated and the sauna was filled with piles of clothes and boxes. Plus, everything that was for sale was just old and useless. The clothing wasn't vintage - just outdated. And the prices are always higher at estate sales - since they're run by companies, there is overhead to pay, but I can't imagine who would be interested in buying a polyester lilac suit dress for $25 or an out-of-style hat for $12. They weren't cool enough to be ironic. In one room, there was an impressive collection of ladies' shoes - someone enjoyed a good shopping trip in days gone by!<br />
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I wandered from room to room, hoping to stumble upon a treasure - perhaps a piece of milk glass, which I like to collect, or a cool vintage hat for the drama department at the high school, but it was really all just "stuff", not treasures. Well, someone's treasures, once upon a time, but certainly nothing that caught my eye. Plus, it just feels so odd to browse through someone else's dresser drawers - is there no privacy anymore?<br />
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I decided to take a tip from my husband and head to the garage. When we go to garage sales, he heads straight for the tools, and almost always comes away with another wrench or doohickey that he simply must have, and which I am certain he does NOT need. Today's garage seemed uninspired, much like the house - a few tools, some holiday junk. There was a full-size shoe-shine stand that was pretty impressive. But I can't even imagine how the most creative home decorator would upcycle a shoe-shine stand. Certainly nothing popped into my mind. I figured the garage was a bust as well, and I slowly turned to wander out.<br />
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And that's when I saw it.<br />
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A prosthetic leg!<br />
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I am not even kidding.<br />
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It was an older model, I believe, but since I am no expert in prosthetics, I can't say for sure. All I know is it had a rudimentary bowl in which to place the stump, a metal bar for a lower leg, and a wooden, sock-covered "foot". I instinctively went to check the price and then a little voice inside my head said "What the hell are you going to do with a prosthetic leg? You can't even wear it, because unless you HAVE an actual stump, the thing won't go on your leg. So, what would you do with it? Display it? That would be kind of politically incorrect, right? But would it? Is it art? Who else could say they have a prosthetic leg when they're not an amputee? Wouldn't it come in handy in the case of a sudden, unexpected, amputation? If an actual amputee comes to visit, and sees it, would they be offended? Why are you touching it? Ew, who knows where that thing has been?" (The little voice inside my head doesn't know when to shut up. Kind of like the voice that comes out of my head).<br />
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So, against all the weird impulses I was having to actually buy and own a prosthetic leg (maybe a vintage one?), I walked away from what might have been the greatest estate sale find of all time. Because I got sad again thinking of the poor person who lived in that house with their missing limb. Maybe they were once virile and healthy and a horrible accident befell them. Maybe they lost their lower limb to diabetes (and also had to stop using that awesome sauna because aren't saunas bad for diabetics?) Maybe the lady of the house shouldn't have had so many shoes with which to mock the poor, prosthetic-wearing person who might have been lucky to own a couple pairs of shoes that fit over the fake foot.<br />
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The point is, I don't know the story. I don't know the people, or the house, or the memories it held, or anything else, but I do know this: when you die, or are moved into an assisted living home, or otherwise leave your place of residence, there is a good chance that someone, on a random Thursday, will come and wander through your personal belongings, find your prosthetic leg, and make up crazy stories in their head about you. Better to just get rid of everything as you age. Leave nothing to your children. Sell it all and buy an RV. Take a road trip. Embrace the crazy and hold nothing back. But do it while you still can, before something unfortunate happens to take away the control you have over your own destiny. And if, while on that cross-country trip, your demise is imminent, drive to the Grand Canyon, and toss your prosthetic leg over the rim. Let some poor fool find it and make up fantastical stories about how it got there. Much more interesting than leaving it on the garage shelf for the estate sale.<br />
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The moral of this story is two-fold. One, don't hang on to things from the past. Sure, there are antiques and special mementos, but trust me when I say none of your relatives are going to want the crushed velvet skirt you wore to the Christmas party in 1989. Just let it go. Purge regularly. And two, if you come across a prosthetic leg at an estate sale, just buy the damn thing. You might regret it if you don't. I wonder if the sale is still going tomorrow?Mary-Leahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02299977349263050117noreply@blogger.com0