Wired For Noise

Yesterday I noticed Evan was spending a long time in the bathroom, so I decided to investigate. I was almost fairly certain I would find him playing with the bubble bath or trying to stick a diaper down the toilet. Instead I found him at the sink washing his hands. He used to hate washing his hands, it was torture to get them a little wet and soapy after using the bathroom. So to see him suddenly past that phobia and actually doing it on his own was amazing. But still not as cool as our conversation.

Me: Hey, how did you get so big?

Evan: I ate my vegetables and did my exercise.

Me: Exercise huh?

Evan: Yeah, like running fast and riding my bike.

Me: That sounds fun.

Evan: Yeah, it is. You need to eat your vegetables and exercise too mommy. If you don’t you’ll stay little and I’ll have to carry you in my pocket when I get great big.

So there you have it, tel you kids they need to eat their veggies and exercise so they can get so big they can carry you in their pockets. I, for one, and looking forward to the ride.

I was sent a copy of the That Baby DVD and That Baby CD to review for MotherTalk. The DVD and CD feature older songs resung in a acoustic , sweeter way for kids.

This DVD and CD set is one that the boys and I love. As soon as I got them in the mail I tossed in the DVD to distract the boys wheile I went to make lunch. It did more than distract them, they were hypnotized. Immediately both sat right down and stared in awe over the kids playing, singing, and dancing. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, depending on your views on TV watching, but I was able to cook lunch, wash dishes, and do a load of laundry without a peep out of either.

The CD is a hit too, and it’s actually one I don’t mind listening to when the kids aren’t around. With songs like Happiness Runs by Joni Mitchell, Brass in Pocket by Chrissie Hynde, and Three Little Birds by Bob Marley That Baby is not your typical children’s CD. It also stands out because this isn’t some slick, over-hyped production. Put together by a mom and dad team who put the thing together, with the songs being sung by a family friend who just happens to rock.

Almost all of the songs are permanently stuck in my head, and I don’t mind. Inch By Inch gets put on repeat daily, much to the displeasure of Dearest, and Songbird has become part of our bedtime ritual. And of course the feminist mom in me delights in When We Grow Up just a little. But since this is made for kids, not me, I should let them sell it. So if this doesn’t motivate you to get a copy, nothing else will.

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I used to wear a watch almost 24/7. I only took it off to shower or wash dishes and then it was the first thing I put back on afterwards. I was obsessive about knowing the time, checking it constantly.

Then my watch died. Or actually fell into the swimming pool and could not be salvaged. Surprisingly I didn’t buy another one right away, and then just never got around to it. I didn’t die from not knowing exactly what time it was at multiple random points in the day. If I really need to know what time it is I just check my cellphone, which also doubles as an alarm if I need to be somewhere or do something at a specific time.

Today, however, I would have needed a watch. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and we were outside playing T-Ball, riding bikes, and laying in the grass. So much fun that I didn’t realize the time until it was already 8 PM and we hadn’t had supper yet. Yikes! I whipped together a quick meal, some downtime, and a bubble bath. But I still didn’t get the boys into their bed until 10. I have a feeling this may be what summer is going to be like, late dinners and bed times because we’re having too much fun.

I guess I should go look for a watch to wear again. Just something simple and parenting proof, it has to withstand mud pies and wrestling matches. And be low cost, that’s always important to me. Unless someone wants to donate a nice Rolex watch my way. Anyone? Didn’t think so.

Tags: parenting, playing, fun

I don’t really have a good tip this week for Works For Me Wednesday. But I did find a great one so I’m passing that on instead.

In case you didn’t know next week is TV Turn Off week, one we’re going to try to join in. I’ve been reading a bit on others pledging to go a week without the boobtube and saw this great post at Unplug Your Kids. It’s on making a “Mommy, I’m bored…” box. One you can pull out when the kids start whining.

The box is simple. Decorate a shoe box and fill it with slips of paper. On each slip is a suggestion for something to do. Read a book, put together a puzzle, have a scavenger hunt. Whatever fun ideas that you kids can do. Then anytime they start with the “mommy, I’m bored” whining you just point them in the direction of the box.

I loved this so much that I think every parent should have one on the counter all year long. Use neon colors, set a flashing arrow above it, buy a voice activated alarm that goes off to the sound of the word “bored”. Anything to direct the kids towards the almighty box of ideas. You might find they can be happy without the TV. If you’re feeling gutsy you might cancel the cable account and put that money into savings accounts instead.

Tags: parenting, TV Turnoff Week, TV

You know, I’m not really into video games. Sure back in high school I went through a phase where I played Resident Evil nonstop for months, but beyond that it’s just not me. Some days Dearest talks about wanting a Wii or a Playstation or whatever is out but I’m generally less than thrilled.

Then he had to go and get me a copy of the Sims 2. Oh my gosh this is addictive!

I haven’t had time to blog, to write, to check my email because every quiet moment I’m playing this game. There is something about controlling the lives of large groups of people that just feeds into my God complex. Foolish (virtual) mortals I shall decide what you eat, where you live, and who you marry. Insert maniacal laughter here.

I might need a 12 step program to wean me off of the game. Or another expansion pack to add to the fun. Know any good cheat codes?

Tags: Sims 2, games, computer games

I was tagged by the lil’ mommy that could to do this meme. Oh guys, I think I’ve been tagged a dozen times in the last few months and haven’t done any memes. I keep wanting to do the “open a book to page 123…” meme, but haven’t gotten to it yet.

Next time. I promise.

OK, so for this one I’m supposed to copy and paste the monthly list, bold my birth month and highlight the things that fit me, then tag 12 people. I’m telling you right now, I don’t know 12 people to tag. So if you want to do this consider yourself tagged.

The Twelve Months

*JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Tags: memes, months

I was thinking of creating a unique logo for the jewelry shop. Something that sets it apart from this blog, just a bit, and that gives it more character. Plus I’ve been told repeatedly to get some cheap business cards to send with the pieces. So I stayed up far too late last night playing with creating a unique logo design that I could use.

I had a bit too much fun playing over at LogoYes.com, a fun little logo creator that I found. There is a free demo that I probably wore out my welcome on last night going through the options. You choose what style you want to go for, then an inductry, and then dig through pages of basic logos ready to be taken. But they have a lot of functions so that even if you use the same image as someone else it doesn’t have to look the same. You can play with the color, size, direction, position, pretty much every thing about it. You take their image and shape it like play dough to fit what you want from it.

There were quite a few images I could have used. Some fun jewels that would have fit, but i just didn’t think they captured my style. There were these really cool fountains and dancing people and moons that all looked awesome, but just not what I’m looking for. One thing that I loved about the free demo, you can just flip back to where you were and change your design without having to start all over again at the beginning. As many changes as I made again and again that came in very handy.

After too much playing with it I think I finally found something cute. I’m not rushing out to buy business cards right now, especially not high priced ones like these. Though, they saying is that you get what you pay for so if you’re looking for great quality this is probably the place you want to go rather than the free sites. Plus you buy the image files for your logo, something you don’t get with the free sites.

OK, I’ll quit babbling and show you my idea. Any comments? Suggestions? Have I lost my mind? Wait, don’t answer that last one.

Tags: logo, business card