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

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Don't You Hate Being Wrong?


I will admit when I'm wrong. And I'm not one of those people who is above it. But, if I don't feel like I'm wrong, I'm not gonna make an apology for it or try to make you think that you're right.

The worst feeling in the world is feeling like a fool. You get this numbness all over that makes you want to crawl in a hole and and bury your face in the layers of muck and mud, never to have to face the world again- especially not the person that made you feel so foolish!

And why as humans do we hate being wrong so much? It's not like we think we're perfect and not susceptible to failure and flaws. Why are the words, "I was wrong" so hard to spit out.

Whether we feel foolish for a choice we made, something we said, a relationship gone wrong or a slight error, being wrong has that little nibble of shame that can turn into a flesh eating disease.

Perhaps, with therapy, we'll one day be able to admit our errors without turning red in the face.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The CP Chronicles: Chapter One (Sal)


Sal was one of my favorites. He was a man in his early 70s and he was bipolar. I got to be the one to take Sal to his doctor appointments because we got on so well. And I was one of the few who was able to calm him down when he found out that the doctor was all out of pens.

Sal had a nighttime routine where he counted out his click pens. They were the fat round ones that would have a business name or a pharmaceutical name on them. He was fascinated by them and got a kick out of collecting new ones. And when the doctor's office was out, stand back! Cover your ears! Sal was on the war path!

I have never heard such profanity in my life. If people cuss like sailors, Sal cussed like the pirate captain on the most dreaded ship in the sea!

But when he was in a good mood, he was a hoot. He was like a teddy bear, wearing a union suit with every pocket stuffed full of useless goodies, be it a baseball card, a toothbrush, or a packet of Sweet N Low.

One day, I was working on the unit by myself and Sal was back in his room (he had one of the individual rooms, Mr. Moneybags! I was filling out charts and Sal kept yelling my name, "Caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaara!" (He was one of the few that got it right.) "Caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaara!" I knew I had just checked on him and he probably had some scheme in his mind, but finally, I started walking down the hall and asked, "Yes, Sal?"

Sal quickly screamed, "Have you ever been to New York?!" And slammed the heavy metal door to his room. I just stood in the hall shaking my head and then chuckled as I went back to my charts.

The CP Chronicles: Prologue



Inspired by a Twitter conversation, I decided to share some stories about the best job I ever had! When I was 19, I got hired as a residential aide at our county's mental health institution. It was divided up where the mentally ill residents were on the right, the mentally retarded residents were on the left, and upstairs were the higher functioning folks that needed the stability and structure of the institution. People were either court committed or voluntary residents.

I remember the very first shift flew by and I couldn't believe that I got paid to be there! It was the best job ever! I love psychology, so the atmosphere made my mind melt with eager learning experience anticipation.

My goal is to share some stories from the time I spent there and a little about some of the people I worked with, both the residents and my co-workers. I by no means intend to mock people with mental illnesses or mental retardation and I will not give real names in order to protect identities.

Each story will be designated as a Chapter and will focus on one incident or person in particular.

It was a sad day when the facility closed down. It was around the time that people were pushing for deinstitutionalization and trying to promote more normal living experiences. I thought this was ridiculous because some of the residents welcomed the structure and would have been too afraid to venture out on their own. But, as things in life go, it was not in my hands.

Chapter one will be coming soon! I hope you enjoy and get a little psychology enthusiasm in your blood from reading!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

My Thoughts On: Monogamy


As you know, I'm a free thinker. I don't expect to have hoards of people who agree with me, and I definitely don't think I'll find too many with this one, but it would be great to be pleasantly surprised!

People always talk about how penguins and humans are notoriously known for being monogamous. I DO NOT think that humans are meant to be monogamous, I just think that because we have high levels of thought function, we have convinced ourselves as a society that we are supposed to be monogamous. People use the words "soulmate" and "love of my life" to describe "the one." I think this is bunk!

I believe in compatibility. You could "fall in love" with a lot of people, if you find people that are compatible with you and you are in the mindset that you're available.

But, there's a huge flaw in the monogamy theory. Two words: adultery & divorce. That gives me an inkling that human beings are not meant to be monogamous. How many people stay in a miserable marriage for years (or life) just because they think that they are "in love" with the person they are with or that the Bible doesn't go for divorce. I'm pretty sure that Jesus didn't die for our sins so that people could blame him for the reason they are staying in a miserable marriage.

Okay, so just because I don't believe that monogamy is really meant to be part of the human condition, that does not mean that there should be promiscuity running rampant in society. That would be what separates us from the monkeys. We should have the intelligence not to put disease and ickiness out there.

So, if you're in a beautifully, wonderful, fun filled, happy, monogamous relationship, more power to you! It's a rarity! But, if you think like me and realize that life's about compatibility and that some people change and are not compatible for ever, then kudos to your free thinking attitude!

What do you guys think about this? Anyone think I'm stupid and want to yell at me? Anyone want to marry me cause they love my attitude (sorry, I'm not biting!) Tell me what you think!

POST ADD:

I wanted to point out because I realized it might sound like I condone cheating. I totally don't! Cheating on someone is the ultimate form of disrespect. That's why if you realize that monogamy is unrealistic, you don't tell someone you're committed to them if you're not.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Dear Starburst


Please pardon any typos as I pick the delicious nectar that are your fruit chews out of my teeth.

I don't really have a sweet tooth. I haven't since my youth, when I made the stupid mistake of thinking that if you can put sugar on cereal and it tasted good, perhaps it would taste even better to just eat sugar and milk.

Chocolate and I do not like each other. Fruit and I, however, are quite good friends.

And this is where you come in. On the rare occasion that I feel like indulging in something sweet, I turn to you, Starburst, to fill this void in my palate.

But here is my beef:

I do not like the green. I do not like the yellow. I do not like the orange. I DO like the pink. And I DO like the red. Now, jumping into my math hat, I see that this is 2/5 of your flavors. So, when I purchase a bag, I find myself wasting 3/5 of the money that I spent on your delightful, mouthwatering, tongue pleasers.

And although I appreciate your "tropical" flavor packaging for those who want something different, it's just not my cup of tea.

So I query thee, could you consider making bags that have either new flavors and ousting the old lemon,lime routine and perhaps throw in apple or banana instead? Or, if you were feeling inspired by my plight, make some bags of just red, or just pink, or even *dare I hope* RED AND PINK?

In an economy such as ours, I just can't bring myself to spend full price on a bag of candy that I will only eat 2/5 of. There is no stimulus package to cover guilty pleasures.

Sincerely,
hamsterkitten

Sunday, April 19, 2009

MOTR Mini Rant


We interrupt these posts for a Mom on the Random mini rant.

Today's topic: blinds.

Okay, blinds are so ridiculous! First, I'd rather use shades. Second, I'd rather use curtains. Third, who dusts those things? I am not a big fan of le dusting and when you put dust on a blind, that's just wrong in every way!

So, it was with this animosity that I removed all blinds from my house this weekend and burned them. They were here when we moved in, so I don't feel that I lost money. I did, however, gain a sinus infection from inhaling all the dust and having my allergies go berserk!

Mini rant over. You may now resume your normal business.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Kids & Computers


I may be in the minority, but I don't really like the idea of small children using computers.

I was recently offered the opportunity to review a new website geared towards toddlers. It reminded me of this issue. Aren't we supposed to try to avoid having our kids glued to the television? Wouldn't it be about the same if they were glued to the computer?

I believe in these things called books. They have a two covers and pages in between. They help kids learn to read, they have bright, vibrant pictures. They create a quality bonding experience between the parent reading them and the child listening. Now, I'm no saint, my kids watch TV, but mostly use it for background noise while they're playing.

It just seems to me that there's no need for another electronic device in a small child's life. Sure, computers are great when they're older and I want my kids to know how to type, etc, but as a toddler? No thank you. The last thing I need is my daughter asking me every 5 minutes if she can use the computer.

And I know that there is good material out there that promotes learning, I guess I'm just old fashioned and believe that I should be teaching them and that it should be interactive. Handheld toys, books, things you can touch and manipulate: I'll take those over a computer anyday! (for my kids, that is)

Am I just old fashioned? What do you guys think? Do any moms let their toddlers use the computer?

Friday, April 17, 2009

Friday Randomness


My mind is a jubblyjoo of things I want to say, but are brief, so I'm throwing them in one blog as a stew. Enjoy and hopefully your brain doesn't explode.

1) So, the UPS guy has come TWO DAYS IN A ROW. I am super stoked about this and think that means good things. Because life is sad when UPS doesn't come around for weeks.

2) I need to thank Annette at Fairy Blog Mother Blog for giving me a "Let's Be Friends" award. How sweet! Apparently (according to my husband) no one wants to be my friend, so it's always nice to prove him wrong, lol. Much love to her!

3) Twitter: I love twitter. If you're not on twitter, you're a dinosaur. And people who give "tips on how to succeed at twitter" annoy me. Guy Kawasaki annoys me. Ashton Kutcher (on twitter) annoys me. Just enjoy it and people will come.

4) Online friends: I'm one of those "friends when I feel like it" kinda people- I know, sad, but true. I do have a handful of friends in real life, but only for the occasional instances when I feel like going out. I've got a few friends that I used to be friends with IRL, and am now reconnecting with online and enjoy that bond. Then there's new online friends who I enjoy. So, it's like they're there when I want cause I only talk to them on the computer, lol. Okay, maybe not the best friend ideals, but I want to give them a shout out! (Nellie, Crystal, Misty, more to follow.)

5) I AM DONE WITH MY UNDERGRAD!!! Thursday I took my final test and I am DONE! I don't officially graduate until May (who knows when they'll mail my diploma), but I have nothing left to do in order to graduate but twiddle my thumbs! I'm so excited, because off and on, I've been in college (3 different ones) for NINE stinkin' years! I've never taken more than a semester off and never taken less than 6 hours when I was enrolled. Hallelujah and way to go, me!

6) I have come to the realization that my favorite food is mashed potatoes and gravy. I should have known this awhile ago, but only have since realized it as the truth. I used to say my dad's chili or tacos. Sorry to my dad's chilis and tacos, but you have been bounced from the number one spot!

7) Am I forgetting anything? I don't think so. I have more giveaways coming up, like dvds and what not. Some of the Twilight sponsors would like another go of it and I'm more than happy to oblige! I'm hoping to be inspired by some more original content soon. I have one brewing in my mind, but have to think about how to approach it so as not to draw mass hate mail.

Hope you are enjoying your spring! (Not that it will affect me in any way.) Keep the comments coming and don't forget to check out my sponsors listed to the left because that makes them like me.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Nose Knows


If you're already a mom, you may have experienced this. If you've never been pregnant before, I believe this is a little known fact.

When women are pregnant, they can experience quite the variety of odd things with their changing body. One of the craziest ones for me was that when I was pregnant with A, I had a heightened sense of smell. I checked the baby books, and sure enough, that was a side effect of pregnancy. Don't ask me why, and I'm not going to look it up because this isn't a science lesson.

So, after A was born, the smell thing left. But when I was pregnant with L, it came back even stronger! And the weirdest thing is that it has yet to go away and L is 15 months old. So, I am blessed/cursed with a schnoz that smells EVERYTHING. Sometimes this is good, like walking around flowers, but other times not so fun.

The story I wanted to relate with this interesting tidbit is quite uncanny and to some perhaps gross. My kids go to daycare twice a week. On a couple of occasions, I will go to pick them up and I walk into the "baby house" and am hit by the smell of MY SON'S poopy diaper. I've been in there before and it smells, but then there's the familiar smell of my own kid's present. So, I'll check the form that tells about his diaper changes and sure enough, he'll have had a poopy diaper less than half an hour earlier!

Is this bizarre to anyone else? I feel like an animal that can detect my own offspring's unique scent. Also, similarly, when he is running a temp, his pee smells different to me.

Okay, I'm sure I've just successfully managed to gross out quite a few of you, but this phenomenon interests me quite a bit and I'd be curious to know if any of you mom's have experienced this and if any of you eventual moms knew that this could happen!

Monday, April 13, 2009

My Daughter's Personal Style: The Children's Place Blog


As you may remember, my daughter, A, is three. She has quite the big personality and amazes me with the things she says every day.

One of the most recent things she said that blew my mind was when she told me that her clothes didn't match. (She was just playing around the house, so I wasn't too worried about matching her clothes.) She actually understands the concept of clothes matching!

And she has ideas on what she will and won't wear as well! I thought it would be cute to dress her in an Iowa Hawkeyes track suit since that was her mommy's school. She had other plans and informed me that the outfit was not cute enough. She has no qualms about informing me when clothes to not meet up to her standards.

We are not into dressing her in frills and bows and she is quite okay with that. The one time I bought her a semi-frilly dress, she complained about it itching all day. For Thanksgiving, she looked ADORABLE in a corduroy floral button down dress. She can wear dresses and loves it, but doesn't need all the ruffle and lace.

And on any other given day, she's a tee shirt and jeans kinda gal. (Or leggings, sweats, etc.)

I look forward to shopping with her as she gets older and seeing what kind of things she picks out for herself!

What is your child's style? If you're curious about the latest fashions or need a new spring wardrobe for your youngsters, check out The Children's Place and dress your kids in style! The Children's Place offers quality clothing and accessories at unmatched value for girls and boys sizes 0-14.

Friday, April 10, 2009

10 Reason Why Gay Marriage is "Wrong"


I found this on facebook and wanted to post it here. I DID NOT WRITE IT- not sure who did, but don't want to get credit for writing it. I am just pro gay marriage and wanted to let people read this because I think it gets old when people can't come up with new excuses for why gays shouldn't marry... enjoy! (Oh, and keep in mind the author of this is also pro gay marriage- it is very sarcastic!)

1) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Inspirational Women


As you've probably figured out from reading my previous blogs, I'm not a fan of women. They tend to annoy me and make lousy friends. But, that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate their value and achievements! Look at all the brilliant women authors out there whose writings have inspired a nation. Look at Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart and Rosa Parks. They inspired millions of people, especially women just by being themselves and doing what they wanted to do.

But, even being inspirational to one person makes your life great. If you can impact one person's life in a positive way, you are special.

I was thinking today about the women that have inspired me in my life and I wanted to point them out because they deserve recognition.

1) My mom: she was not your typical shackled to her children, slaving over a hot stove type of woman. She had ambitions in life, she had a wonderful career and people admire her. She is a great example of a mom who did not have to give up her identity in order to raise good children and let them know she cared. Sure, she could have said "go ask your dad" one less time, but I believe her to be an excellent role model. I would love to have one ounce of the respect that her employees and co-workers give to her. She's amazing.

2) My grandma: Louise was the sweetest lady I ever met. She was so unselfish, it was inspirational. That woman showed me so much unconditional love, that I was often floored. Everyone needs to know that they are loved and valued, and this was her role in my life. She was proud of every move I made and made me feel like I was extremely special. Plus she made the best cheeseburgers on earth!

3) Ms. Vets: one of my high school teachers. I'll tell why she inspired me, but don't think I'm cocky! I half assed a lot of my high school assignments because I could. I knew compared to some of the other students, my work was standout. So, when I started to slack and not do my best in her class, instead of letting me skate with it, she took me aside one day and told me she expected better because she knew I could do better. I was so moved that this woman cared enough to bring out the best in me. (She also had the greatest sarcastic sense of humor! I loved it!)

4) Senora Kirchner: my high school Spanish teacher. In a sea of miserable faces, she stood out as one of the teachers who actually wanted to be there! Her daily "hola chicatitos" was a breath of fresh air. She made me want to learn, she made me love to learn and she is a wonderful person to boot. Leaving school was so exciting, but I actually got choked up thinking about not seeing her every day. She made me feel like a good person at a time when so many people felt as though I had let them down. I will never forget her as long as I live.

Okay, that is my list, lol. I don't mean to offend that people might not have made the list, my point is that these four women impacted my life in such a positive way that it has shaped who I am. And that is monumental in my book.

That is why it is so important to think about the way we treat other people and how we react. You never know whose life you might change.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

The Itch That Won't Go Away


So, for a few months I've had this itch. It's a full body itch and will just happen periodically, sometimes I even break out into hives! And of course I have not seen the doctor, because I don't want to pay for it.

I've been researching it quite a bit and I believe it to be stress related. I found this on healthy-skincare.com:

"The effect of stress or anxiety on the skin is often overlooked. A stress rash, which appears as hives or welts on the skin, is a negative product of stress. Many people break out into a rash when under even minor amounts of it. Often the result is the appearance of itchy hives or welts on the stomach, back, arms, and face. Why this occurs is a difficult question to answer. Some experts suspect that the problem is the effect that anxiety has on the immune system. Factors acting on the immune system cause the release of histamine and this results in vessel dilatation, itching, hives, or a stress rash. However, in many cases the exact cause and explanation for the stress rash cannot be specified."

Their solution is a stress management plan. This is much easier said than done.

Anyway, I thought I'd share this, because I found it to be fascinating that my stress has managed to manifest itself as a physiological problem. I usually don't get outwardly stressed, so my body has internalized it and made me itchy.

Thank you, Body. You won't be getting a Christmas present this year!

Have this problem? Here's the info I found most useful.

Monday, April 6, 2009

What is the Deal, World?


It's nothing new, but lately it seems like more and more in the news, people are killing each other and taking away innocent lives.

What is the deal?

Has evolution not completely turned us into humans? Do some people still have that base animal sensibility that renders them incapable of having morals and makes them think that they have the right to take another life?

It scares me. To think that my family could just be walking down the street and someone could start shooting. I understand we're in a recession. I understand life is hard for some people. But what makes one person think that it is okay to take another person's life?

And what about all the people who kill their families or their spouses? Have they not heard of divorce? What's worse, having your family think less of you because you moved off to another state and left your wife and kids alone or for them to not speak to you because you murdered them?

It's senseless and stupid and idiocy annoys me! I can't imagine what these other countries think of us... sitting here, gluttonous, money hungry and indulgent, with nothing better to do than murder each other for no reason.

Okay, rant over. Please resume your normal daily functions.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

My Bucket List


You know what a bucket list is: a list of things you want to do before you die.

Well, I've had a couple things on my bucket list for awhile and I've shared them with friend/family before. I figured I'd share them with the rest of the world. Cause maybe some rich person will look at this and want to fund the things I can't afford to do right now, lol.

Okay, so here is my list to date:

1) Take a cruise.
2) Go on a haunted tour of England.
3) Get arrested.
4) Save a pig from being slaughtered.
5) Save a cow from being slaughtered.

Exciting, I know, lol. Anyone want to share their bucket list with me?

Good Article About Pekingese

Is a Pekingese the Dog for You?
If you want to get a Pekingese, you should really do your research.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/22852/is_a_pekingese_the_dog_for_you.html

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Ode to UPS


I am empty
when
you
forget me.

I lie in wait
listening
for the rumble
on the pavement
outside my door.

It has been days
and
no
package
from you.

Why do you torture me so?
Do you not
know the high that you bring to me
when you bring me
those
little
brown labeled
bubble mailers?

I adore you
and
you
ignore
me.

Darn you, UPS!