We started potty training in July. Last year. "Started" being the operative word.
In my usual OCD manner, I read every book I could get my hands on, viewed every video at the library and Netflix. Talked incessantly to Phoebe about it and how exciting it would be. I bought cute little princess underpants. I bought 3 different potty chairs. We read books together about pottys. And I talked to just about everyone I knew.
And then we sucked.
We...
Schools are all about conformity. All the kids learn the same thing, at the same pace, in the same place, in the same way. There is usually only ONE right answer and it's in the back - but DON'T LOOK!
The kids are taught to think the same. And in some schools, they dress the same. If there are no school uniforms, then fashions rule what the kids wear and next thing you know, your daughter wants to wear something stupid to...
About 15 years ago, I inherited literally HUNDREDS of pictures. A lot of these photos were loose in boxes, some were in old photo albums, few were labeled and all needed some time and attention given them.That's when I learned about scrapbooking and I never looked back.
After a few years, I branched out into rubber stamping because it gave me the ability to stretch my scrapbook dollar and a while after that, I moved into making my own cards.
At heart, I am a teacher and see my purpose as an opportunity to share what I love with folks who were like me 15 years ago. I love showing people new techniques and I love learning them myself. I am also aware that, when faced with the MOUNTAIN of supplies, endless ideas and, most importantly, the sheer financial burden that some crafts impose, that it's important to start at the beginning with those things that you really need instead of just following what’s trendy.
I’m going to use this space to show you a few simple techniques that make the most of your creative dollar. I'd far rather you buy fewer things and be happy with them, than push you to buy the next great thing and have you quit your craft because it's too expensive.
I'm busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.
I figured out last night that I am working on about a dozen different project right now. Some are short term and will be over soon. Others are ongoing projects and will be going on for YEARS (I'm looking at you children who want to learn to read and write and do math and be ed-u-ma-cated...).
One thing I'm gearing up for is Camp Nanowrimo. In case you don't know, NANAWRIMO stands for National Novel Writing Month and traditionally takes place during November. Basically you commit to writing a 50,000 word novel in those 30 days. My darling hubby was a NANOWRIMO winner a couple of years ago - meaning he completed his novel. They also nost two smaller events in June and August called CAMP NANOWRIMO for people who basically can't wait for November.
Now, I've decided that the ideas in my head will not calm themselves down and must be written out in novel form. This is part of the moving towards more writing in my pursuit of employment where I don't have to actually deal with people.... I'll have to talk about that more in another post.
So I have 3 story ideas. I am working on writing out a synopsis for all of them but I think I know which one I will be writing during the contest.
Have you ever done anything like this? I'd be interested in hearing how it went in the comments...
My mother was quite the party girl when she was in her 20’s. She drove intoxicated on more than one occasion and often said that it was a miracle that she never got hurt or killed someone. She often said that she’d used up all of her luck and part of mine too and was relentless in telling me not to drink and drive.I was a willing student for the most part. Our young next door neighbor was killed in a drunk driving accident and it marked me and made me understand that just because you are young does not make you invincible.
My parents were also quite liberal about alcohol. We always had a full bar and my parents often offered to make me a drink and let me find out what it was like to get drunk in the comfort and safety of my own home. I had had wine from a pretty young age and had tasted the hard stuff numerous times and never took them up on the offer. This cavalier attitude affected me in the way that I saw no point in sneaking off to get drunk with my friends.
However, on one occasion I decided to be one in the crowd when an older friend, who was driving, said he would “stay straight” so we could all get wasted. And wasted was what I got. But not so wasted that I didn’t notice my designated driver having a beer. I confronted him right then and there and told him I wasn’t letting him drive me home. I then took off into the night and walked about 2 miles to a convenience store with a pay phone (this was before cell phones, kiddies!).
I called my mother and told her I was drunk and needed a ride. She had promised me that she would pick me up, no questions asked, if I EVER needed it. I had mostly sobered up during the walk and was almost completely sober by the time she got there.
I got in the car and she said we weren’t going to talk then since I was drunk and we would discuss it in the morning. I said that I wasn’t drunk anymore, but that I was PISSED!
I was mad that I had trusted someone to stay sober so I could get drunk. From that day on, I have only trusted three people in this world to stay sober: my husband who doesn’t drink, my mother when she was alive, and ME.
That’s right, ME. I know that I will be sober and have acted as the designated driver on many occasions while I watched friends be idiots while under the influence.
So this brings us to Disney World.
We have always stayed on property – meaning in a Disney hotel – while at Disney World. Disney hotel guests have access to free transportation. Disney World has awesome alcoholic choices. And voila! It’s like a match made in Heaven for a control freak like me.
Just a few of days ago, I posted this story about the laws in Georgia as they are on the Georgia Department of Education page.Turns out that the Governor had JUST signed a new bill into law whereupon all correspondence now goes to the State instead of the to local school district.
As of today (5/9/12), the page has not been updated and there is no mention of any changes. So I will keep watching to update you on this…
I made this bracelet about 4 years ago and I’ve been trying to find the pattern ever since. I’ve found patterns that are close but not exact.
It’s made with Swarovski 4mm bicones in Peridot and silver Delica beads. I think the class I made this in was the first time I’d used Fireline.
Fireline is really fishing line but somewhere along the line, beaders found it and decided it was so tough and thin that it would make great beading cord.
EDITED: Wouldn’t you know that after posting this item this morning and 3 years of searching, that I would find a resource that not only tells me what the name of it is but how do to it? Here it is for your information… Hana-Ami Pattern
Last month we started our 72 hour kits. Did you start yours?
The theme this month is MAKE A PLAN and the items in this month’s challenge will help with that.
This month, gather these things:
- Copies of important papers like insurance policies, marriage certificates, birth certificates etc. You can store in a large envelope for now…
- Cash— $30-50 at least. At least $5 in quarters for phone calls
- Phone numbers and addresses for out of town contacts
- A list of medications and dosages and the names and phone numbers of the prescribing doctors.
Last August, my daughter fell off of a kitchen chair and broke her collar bone. I knew that she was injured, but decided that it was urgent but not critical that she receive medical care.
I quickly called the local emergency room and was told that we could bring her there, but that anything serious would require a transfer to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. I hung up and decided to take her to CHOA myself.
I had no idea where Children’s Healthcare was. I knew there was a location near Northside Hospital and there was another location near Emory Hospital. Were those my only choices? A quick review of the hospital’s website told me that the closest location was Children’s Healthcare at Hughes Spalding near Grady Hospital. A check with Google maps told me I could be there in 30 minutes.
She and I jumped in the car and were there in 23 minutes. I may or may not have exceeded the speed limit.
Now, I have the address and phone number for the hospital in my cell phone. If necessary, I can quickly access it and be on my way. But it would have been really helpful if I’d gotten my information together BEFORE I needed it.
This month’s challenge is all about making plans. What would you do if your child were hurt? Who would you call? Do you know if your dentist has emergency hours?
Another consideration is talking to children about preparation. Talking about disasters can be scary to children and for people who may have difficulty coping with daily life. Be open and positive. The unknown causes more anxiety than knowing facts. Listen to your child, learn how they feel and what they may be afraid of. Sesame Street has great resources for helping get your kids on board.
One thing to remember: Your plan does NOT have to be perfect. ANY preparation is better than NO preparation. Do not allow fear of making a mistake, stop you from thinking through these situations.
Goal: Understand what puts you at risk from disasters and take steps to lower your risk. Choose one thing to do this month to become better prepared: Learn what disasters can happen in your area and decide what you will do in a disaster. Plan to protect yourself and your family: Decide on a room in your house that can be your “safe room”. This should be an interior room or closet away from windows and doors. An interior hallway can...
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