I don't proofread my posts before I publish them... cause I keep my thoughts au naturale.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

My Two Kids: Night and Day


My husband and I wanted to be parents. We loved being around babies and thought we'd make the best parents because we knew how important it was to us to give them a happy life. So, we had A. Boy were we shocked! Who knew parenting was 24/7?! LOL! Seriously, you don't realize how much work it is and how it is NEVER ENDING! But, we love her to pieces. So, after A we decided we weren't baby people and there would be no more little hamsterkittens running around... then I changed my mind.

I decided I wanted to have a second child because I figured A needed a playmate that she could relate to. I was the youngest of four and my husband was the oldest of three. We couldn't imagine what it would have been like to be an only child. This is how Nick caved, but he was not looking forward to the baby stuff again. So, then came L.

Having your first baby doesn't always prepare you for baby #2! They could not have been more different! It wasn't just L's penchant for projectile vomiting or the fact that after a year he STILL wasn't sleeping through the night (unlike A who slept through the night after 6 weeks). It was everything! A was always independent, loud, outgoing, a total ham. L was a mama's boy, quiet, reserved and shy. Now that A is three and L is one, the differences are even more apparent. And just when you thought you knew everything about raising kids, L lets you know how wrong you are!

His latest trick is climbing. He climbs everything! His recent find is climbing the dining room chairs to get things off the table. We've already had to store the coffee table and we find ourselves hiding things daily that he tries to climb. A never did this.

I could go on and on about how different they are. But, I can't wait to watch them grow and learn about their personality differences. I wouldn't change either of them because they are unique and I love them both. Although clingy and sometimes it gets frustrating, L has the sweetest smile you've ever seen. His face is angelic and I love him to bits. Then there's A, my little drama queen. Yes, she gives me the attitude of a sixteen year old, but I know that when she's hurt, I'm the one she looks to. When she's scared, she looks to me for comfort. And she makes me laugh at least once a day.

I guess I started this blog wanting to point out how you may think you know what it's like to raise babies having already had one, but you come to find out, you can never be prepared ENOUGH. My parents had four and luckily they ended it with the easiest and also saved the best for last. I have two and that is plenty for me!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Favorite Things: TV Shows

I was listening to Sirius Hits 1 earlier today and they were discussing whether or not you have to have a lot in common with someone for a relationship to work, like similar interests. Well, I don't think so. I think there has to be something that you like about the other person, obviously, but you don't have to share the same interests in everything. My husband and I are quite different in our musical tastes. He loves heavy metal and oldies, I like rock and pop. Of course we both like some songs in each other's genre. We do occasionally find movies we both like as well, but he's not a fan of chick flicks and I'm not a fan of mob movies or Rambo or Rocky.

But, in keeping with that thought, I do like to know that I have tv shows in common with people in terms of interest, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite tv shows that I record on DVR. I don't have a lot of time where I just sit and watch tv, but thanks to DVR, I don't have to, lol. I get a lot of my tv time in while cleaning (background noise) or lying in bed waiting for the kids to fall asleep... or when insomnia hits at 2am.

Law & Order: SVU
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
(Don't watch the regular L & O since my boyfriend Jerry Orbach passed away)
House
Millionaire Matchmaker
America's Next Top Model
American Idol
Rock of Love (I watch this with hubby)
Secret Life of the American Teenager
Gossip Girl
30 Rock (also with hubby)
Saturday Night Live
The Soup
Best Week Ever
Grey's Anatomy
Desperate Housewives
The Surreal Life
Celebrity Apprentice
30 Days
Judge Judy
Army Wives
Gene Simmons Family Jewels (also with hubby)
Big Love (also with hubby)
Weeds

I'm sure I'll think of more and keep adding, but this was all I could think of off the top of my head. Let me know which ones you like watching of those too! Or you can tell me how much the characters annoy you on certain shows!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Karma

I don't know if I've mentioned yet or not how big of a believer I am in karma. I believe that good people put off a vibe that makes other people around them feel good. Bad people put off a negative vibe that brings bad things upon themselves and those around them. Unfortunately, good karma does not always ward off the bad karma floating around.

I try to be a good person. I know I'm not perfect, nor do I aspire to be, but I do want to be a good person. That's why it hurts me when people don't know me and judge. This adds to my reason behind this years resolution- not to judge people.

I think there is a difference between saying, "she shouldn't be wearing those jeans" and saying, "I don't want to know her because of the jeans she's wearing." Now, that wasn't the best example ever, but I think you get my point.

Anyway, back to karma. I wish everyone could just put forth a better vibe. It's hard enough living in this world without negativity bringing us down. So, the next time you do someone wrong, think about that golden rule. Try to do good things for people and be a good person. It's really fun!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Ramble On...

Okay, folks, bear with me! I must apologize for my lack of witty blogs lately. I know how much you all love to hear my thoughts on the world, but let me give you some lame excuses as to why I may be slacking lately:

1) As you have read, this is my last semester. I graduate in May. My classes are self-paced, so I'm trying to haul some serious arse, in hopes that I can get them done! I paid a non refundable application fee for graduation AND I want to get done ASAP so I can focus on other things before going back for my MA in August.

2) I have a cold.

3) I have this quasi chronic neck pain that flares up when I'm on the computer too long.

4) My sister-in-law and I are planning a ginormously awesome Twilight giveaway thing and have been putting much effort into that.

5) I'm a mom, so I have to spend SOME time with my kids each day!

6) My dog just had puppies and I have to mother hen over that as well.

So, my cup runneth over and I'm running a million miles a day on a half a tank of gas. So, I apologize once again and hope you'll bear with me! I promise to try to crank some good stuff out!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Bizarre Mommy News!!!: Chimpanzee Edition


Okay, so this isn't technically mommy news, but pets can feel like children, so there is my justification of why this qualifies.

It also isn't completely new of a story, as it happened Monday. The story is about a 14 year old chimp named Travis (pictured) who attacked his owner's friend and almost killed her. The otherwise friendly chimp had been raised by his owner, Sandra Harold, and they were very closely bonded. Travis seemed extremely intelligent and had even appeared in commercials before.

It is a sad story because it just shows that despite all the love that you are giving your pets, some animals are just not meant to be domestic. Their brains don't function as ours do and at some point their instincts kick in and they resort to their primal behaviors.

Travis ended up being shot and killed by police after a stand-off situation. Bad news all around and the victim is still in critical condition.

Check out the full story of Fox News!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

No More I Love Yous?


Have you ever thought about the simple phrase, "I love you?"

Parents generally say it to their children, spouses, significant others, partners say it to each other, grandparents and so on.

But why do people STOP saying it? Is there some magic number that some parents feel it is time to stop telling their children? I try to tell my children more than once a day. Affection doesn't come naturally to me, so I had to make it become a habit because I wanted my kids to grow up in a very nurturing environment. I can't recall when my own parents stopped saying it to me, but they did. Am I any worse for it? I don't feel so, but who doesn't like hearing that they are loved?

On the other hand, what about the parents who tell their children they love them all the time, but have funny ways of showing it. Do their words count for more than their actions? As an adult, the awkward feeling of hearing a parent whom you have lost all trust for tell you that they love you, feels almost painful.

And then there are spouses. My husband and I were those crazy gaga people when we first met that thought that love conquered all and that poo smelled more like roses just because we were in love. Well, we've long since passed that phase! The "I love yous" get fewer and more far between with each year that passes. I often listen to the end of people's phone calls to their partners and wait to hear the closing. You can always tell whether it's a new relationship or not by how exuberantly the closing is stated. And it always seems as though you don't hear "I love you" at the end if it's a couple whose been together awhile.

It's a sad state of affairs when people just assume that someone else knows they love them and that it is no longer necessary to say it. And who doesn't like hearing those words? So, as you're kissing your children goodbye or tucking them in at night, or as you're waving to your spouse before work in the morning, perhaps take the time to say "I love you." And if you say it enough, it just might become a habit.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Dear Dish Network

Dear Dish Network,

All right, I'm putting my foot down. The frustration pot in the pit of my stomach has been slowly simmering for over a year now, but is starting to boil over and if my complaint is not remedied soon, it is going to turn into a molten lava of anger burning to the bottom and the sides and leaving a nasty roasted aluminum smell throughout the countryside.

You stole ABC from me. I understand, it was a law, you were no longer able to offer distant networks. But, here is what I know- there is a local affiliate that carries ABC and says that they are waiting for you to put them in your line-up. Touche, Dish Network! What is the hold up? I can not get a waiver and I have been void of my precious Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives for far too long.

Sure, I could watch them on the computer, but who wants to break their neck in an uncomfortable chair when they can be lounging languidly in the the luxury of their glorious rocker recliner?

Not I, Dish Network. Thankfully SoapNet has spared me the horror of being without General Hospital, but you have successfully got my goad.

Here is your ultimatum, Dish, if that is indeed your real name: I have remained silent, but now learning who the new cast of the next season of Dancing With the Stars is, I can wait no longer. Ty Murray and Jewel will be the first married couple. The train wreck that is Denise Richards has me mesmerized.

You, Dish Network, shall get me my precious ABC before the new season of DWTS begins or I will start mailing stinky sardines in poorly insulated envelopes to your head offices until this atrocity is remedied.

The gauntlet has been cast. My pot is a'boil. Get 'er done, ye nasty villains!!

Sincerely,

hamsterkitten

Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Morality of Dog Breeding


There are many taboos about dog breeding and breeders. I feel as though I am in an awkward situation at times because I know that there are people on both sides of the fence that feel passionately either way.

Here's why I breed: I bought my first dog ever as an adult on my own in 2003. I saw a couple breeds that I thought were cute and then researched the personalities until I found the one that suited me best: pekingese. One of the big sellers for me was that they are referred to as very catlike in personality- and I love cats! So, my husband and I found one we liked and met the breeder in Indiana (she was from Ohio). We fell in love at first site! Pookie was adorable! We treated her like our child and she couldn't have been more spoiled. We were so excited about how great she was that we thought we should get a couple more, breed and share the pekingese with the rest of the world!

So, we are small potatoes. We currently have 2 females and one male that breed, but also have two spayed females as pets, along with our adopt-a-dog Aidan. We have a fenced in yard, doggie door and the dogs are like family.

Now, I abhor puppy mills. Dogs were not meant to live in cages and to be used for nothing but baby making machines. And it also frustrates me when people claim that their dogs are "raised in their homes" like I do, then come to find out the puppies are kept in cages.

Case in point: our last peke that we got was from a breeder in Missouri. I asked all kinds of questions and saw that he was licensed and everything. When I went to his home, the kennel is in a building off to the side of his giant house. All the dogs were in cages! Sure, some had runs, but they were not on the ground and were wire bottom cages! It is unfair to say that these dogs have any quality of life.

So, I am behind rescue organizations, I love the ambition of no-kill shelters, but I also know that there are people out there who will only buy pure-bred and as we know, pet stores tend to buy from puppy mills, so I want to provide good representation of breeders who do right by their dogs.

I have posted a picture of our current litter of puppies that was born Friday, Feb. 13. These puppies will not see a cage as long as they are in my care!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all (5) of my readers! As you have probably guessed, I am not the lovey dovey sappy type, so I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day with my husband. There was that one year he proposed to me on Valentine's Day, but that was it. We see it as a waste of money. Sure, flowers are pretty, but not the ones that will die in a vase. And I don't wear jewelry or like chocolate or alcohol, so what is left? I do get my kids a little treat and tell them about it, but that's where it ends.

But to all you romantics out there, enjoy your day! I'd like to think that I share the love every day of the year, lol.

Happy Valentine's Day!!! (the picture is from my son's daycare- CUTE!)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Frustrated Friday

Not sure if I will do this every Friday, but I feel like ranting today, so I'm going to blog about all the things I'm currently frustrated about:

1) Turn Signals: Why can't everyone use their turn signal? It's not that hard. It only takes a couple muscles in your pinky finger to reach the turn signal, yet people are willing to **** off the person behind them by not slowing down, barely breaking and then making a turn. Or what about when you're at a stop light and I'm just supposed to know you're turning... doesn't work that way!! ARGH!

2) Grad school: I got accepted a month ago and haven't heard hide nor hair from the school since... am I supposed to just know what to do next? So, I thought I'd apply at my current school and bite the bullet and drive farther... but found out I missed the fall deadline! GRRRRR!!! I can't to nondegree credit because I'd have to pay out of pocket and I don't want to wait a semester and be that much further behind. So, I guess I will just have to start harassing people from the original school on the phone until they give me more info.

3) Why is there never enough time in the day?! I'm tired cause I don't get enough sleep, yet it seems like there's not enough time to get everything done that I need to do! My kids go to daycare 2 days a week and those days FLY! I feel like I get less done the days they are there than when they aren't.

Okay, that's enough for today... don't want people thinking I'm crabby!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Oh, No You Didn't!

Parents often get judged for the decisions they make regarding parenting. It can be something as simple as buying the wrong brand of diaper to those controversial topics like breastfeeding.

In my short run as a parent, I have been judged for things such as letting my daughter wear flip flops in the fall, not having a hat on their heads when it is 50 degrees out or when I should wean them off pacifiers. I usually just roll my eyes or brush it off.

I think the most annoying one was on the issue of being a stay at home mom. I would love to go out and work, but with trying to finish school and not making a ton of money, it isn't really feasible. Well, someone tried to tell me that working moms were selfish and that if I loved my children, I should stay home and raise them, not let a stranger raise them. That offended me because not only do I intend to be a working mom at some point, but my own mother was a working mom and I do not feel like I was less of a person for her having done so. I made sure to tell her that my mom was an excellent mother and I never faulted her for working!

I anticipate lots of dirty looks and raised eyebrows in my child rearing future, but hopefully my kids will turn out to be happy, healthy citizens!

And I'd like to thank Care.com for the opportunity to blog about this topic. Care.com is a website that is dedicated to helping people find qualified help for things such as babysitting, petsitting, etc. If you've been looking for any of these things, I recommend you visit their website ASAP!

And if you are interested in this conversation/discussion/contest, visit TwitterMoms.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Finding Joy in the Little Things

You know, I've often asked myself over the last few months: why am I not depressed? Should I be bawling my eyes out on a regular basis? But, I'm not. And it's because I'm a "make lemons outta lemonade" kinda gal. I take pleasure in the little things.

Case in point: today, I was getting kinda stressed because the kids were being uber clingy and I was trying to write a school paper. So, after finishing the paper, I rewarded myself with vacuuming and doing laundry (insert me laughing hysterically here). While I was vacuuming, I thought to myself, "self, this has to be one of the best sounds in the world- the plink plink of the vacuum picking up dirt off the floor." And indeed, it is! How often do you get to experience the SOUND of something being cleaned? I love it!

And there it was, me thinking about how I enjoy the little things in life and that is what gets me through the day and the hard times. I have a positive outlook on life that I wish I could share with the world. But, alas I can't. I can only tell you how I feel and hope that you can find your plink plink sounds as well!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

City of Procrastination: Population Me


Webster's describes procrastination as "to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done." This is me... and I hate it! Everyday I wake up thinking of all the things I need to do, but I'm lucky if I actually get one of those things done. My biggest procrastination right now is school work. Out of my five classes, only one has "difficult" assignments. The rest are just tedious. And so I put them off... and put them off... and then I will get stressed out that I'm running out of time.

Rarely will I get this kick that makes me get things done and it will last about a week. I'll be like a machine, cleaning, doing school work, blogging, keeping in touch with friends, you name it, it gets done! (okay, maybe not dusting, but who really does THAT?)

Funny enough, the one thing that gets done on a regular basis is laundry. I do loads of laundry all the time. Then I fold it... and it sits in the basket... because putting laundry away is tedious, lol.

So, does anyone have any suggestions on how to break the procrastination habit? I'd like to do some research on why people procrastinate. I'm gonna google it now and let you know what I found... *jeopardy theme*

(From the University of Cambridge Counselling Service)

Why do people procrastinate?

* poor time management, often associated with a distorted sense of the time available
* an inability to prioritize
* overload of tasks at a specific time
* anxiety about the task, so time is spent worrying rather than doing
* difficulty concentrating
* not knowing what is required
* feeling overwhelmed by the task(s)
* concern about failing or not meeting your own standards
* fear of success and its possible consequences
* perfectionism, often associated with unrealistic standards
* negative feelings - e.g. "I'm stupid", "nothing ever goes right for me"
* all-or-nothing thinking, where one setback is seen as a total catastrophe
* being bored by the task
* never having learned how to work or sort out problems while at school or living at home
* avoidance of things which are disliked or difficult.

Okay, well there we have it... that's why, now I just need to figure out how to change my procrastinating ways! Out of that list, it seems my problem is the "being bored by the task." Although, I'll also say to be funny that I'm afraid of success. Their website did have tips on how to overcome it, so maybe I'll try some of those.

What do you procrastinate about?

Thursday, February 5, 2009

The 7 Stages of Grief

My husband asked me last night what the seven stages of grief were. His family is going through sad times and it feels like the stages are blurring together. So, I thought I would share the stages with my readers, in case you were unaware of them. It is always good to learn new things! The seven stages are:

1. SHOCK & DENIAL-
You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.

2. PAIN & GUILT-
As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.

You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.

3. ANGER & BARGAINING-
Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.

You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back")

4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.

During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.

5. THE UPWARD TURN-
As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.

6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her.

7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-
During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Random Mommy Trivia!!!


I have decided to change Monday Mommy Trivia to Random Mommy Trivia as it is hard to commit to a certain day of the week- some days, I don't have the time to post.

So, rules again: give the email address you want your $5 winnings to be sent through paypal.

Good luck!

Today's Random Mommy Trivia is:

Give the first name of Angelina Jolie's children... yes, all 6 of them!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Super Bowl Schmooper Bowl

Do rabid football fans know what it feels like to NOT care about the Super Bowl? The only positive things I attribute to Super Bowl Sunday are funny commercials and yummy snack food. The funny commercials are a moot point because I have DVR and skip them anyway, but if there is enough buzz about one, I'll watch in on YouTube. And the food would on be enjoyed if I were invited to someone's house for a Super Bowl party.

Now, I understand that people have teams that they are willing to pitch a fit over, but if your team is not playing in the Super Bowl, what is the appeal? For that matter, why are sports so "fun" to watch when you don't even know the people playing? Is there something that is secretly being invested in the outcome of the game? Aren't sports just supposed to be a healthy past time?

Anyway, I know I'm in the minority, but I could care less about the Super Bowl. You won't catch me yelling at a ref who made a bad call (fyi, they can't hear you)and you won't hear me shouting "go, go, go" hoping that a first down is about to be had.

No, on this SB Sunday, which also happens to fall on my parents 40th wedding anniversary and my dog's 5th birthday, I will not be plopped in front of the television... oh, wait, I will.... just not watching the Super Bowl.