January Reading List

A couple years back I tracked the books I read each month. I liked having a record like that, so I'm starting back up. While it looks like I didn't read much this month, I actually read a ton while researching a writing project I completed and doing more research for another project. This month, for fun, I read:

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls. I read this one on Alexa's suggestion (thanks, Alexa!) It was an interesting story, and I liked the fact that it was non-fiction. The author clearly had a great love for her parents, even though they were selfish and mentally unbalanced. I did like that it showed sometimes people choose a certain way to live, but I also wondered about all the early memories she shared. She seemed to remember way too much about her toddler years, which left me with a bit of disbelief about her story.

Bread Alone: A Novel I really wanted to like this book, but I didn't. The story wasn't new in any way, and I found myself skipping ahead and skimming just to get finished with it.

Hidden Kitchens: Stories, Recipes and More from NPR's The Kitchen Sisters This was very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the stories I read. I never thought about how useful George Foreman's grills were for the homeless population, or how they cooked at the racetrack during NASCAR events. My complaint about this book? They printed a lot of the text in yellow . . . which was extremely difficult to read. Maybe this was an issue only with the hardcover edition, but it was distracting and disappointing to me. I struggled to read the yellow text, but my old eyes just couldn't manage much of it, so I know I missed chunks of the book. Not sure why a decision like that was made?

Stay on Testing Requirements for CPSIA

I love handmade goods and items made by small, US based companies. I have been fighting against the CPSIA since I heard about it, and am so happy to announce that there has been a one year stay on the legislation.

I want my kids to be safe, but I don't want to force companies out of business for ridiculous reasons. I hope that the next year is spent fine-tuning this legislation so that it protects our children without destroying small businesses.

My Small Successes

Danielle Bean over at Faith and Family is hosting small successes--an opportunity for Moms to identify the little things they have accomplished in the craziness of daily life. Here are mine:

1. I completed a piece of paperwork that needed to be done!

2. I snuggled with my oldest as he was recovering from surgery. He's a snuggler, but things have been busy and I haven't snuggled him as much as I should. I'm reminded to make the time!

3. I spent time alone with my 6yo this week. It's fun to talk with him one-on-one and listen to him chatter away without being interrupted by his older brother. I love to hear how his mind works and the things he wonders about.

Kellogg's Plant a Seed Program

Sports are important in our family. Throughout the year, my boys play baseball, flag football and soccer. (In fact, N just started soccer season!) I feel very grateful that we live near a city that has affordable and fun leagues for my boys to join. They learn about playing on a team, sportsmanship, and the rules of the game.

Mom Central asked if I would write about Kellogg's "Plant a Seed" program where individuals from around the country can nominate their local outdoor fields for repair and/or renovation. This program will renovate 50 fields this year! You can visit the website to nominate a local field, vote on fields, and watch the fields get renovated.

Watch for their ad during Sunday's Superbowl and visit the site to nominate a field in your area. Kids need outdoor sports and they need decent fields to play on. Help more kids enjoy the thrill of outdoor games by nominating your field today.

Stimulate What?

In case you haven't noticed, I don't blog politics on this blog. There are plenty that do, and I believe that everyone always believes they're right when it comes to politics . . . and I am not up for confrontation on that front.

But, this new stimulus bill? Are you kidding me? 647 pages -- mostly of pet projects. I don't see anything in there that's going to help my family. or boost our economy.

I went out and opened a Chase checking account last week because they're offering $100 if you do so. I figure that's the only way I'm going to see any of the stimulus money . . . but really? That's how they're spending the previous stimulus package? Handing away $100 bills and handing their executives big fat bonuses. That $100 went towards my son's surgery.

We're struggling. What else is new, I know. I feel like a broken record. My husband and I are at each other because we're not sure how we're going to pay the mortgage anymore. I'm scrambling to find work, and I'm grateful for what I have, but it's not enough. My husband (100% commission job) is doing whatever he can as well, but it's not enough. It's just not enough.

And the government wants to give $1 billion to Amtrak . . . who hasn't turned a profit in 40 years.

It's overwhelming.

C's bumps

If you want to see C's before and after pics, check out my picture blog dated yesterday :)

He's doing pretty good today! He's hanging out in bed, and his sister is driving him nuts, but he's doing pretty good with the pain.

We're home!

Quick note to let you know that we're home from C's surgery. It turned out to be more extensive than originally anticipated, but the results look good and he's recovering in the living room.

Work Expands

Years ago, when I was teaching project management software classes, I used to talk about the principle that states that work expands to fit the time available. Which basically meant, that sometimes you could put a 1 day task into a 3 day time frame, and it would suddenly take 3 days to complete it. My life hasn't been like that lately, as I feel like I've been trying to fit 3 days of work into 1 day!

Last week, a project I was working on finished up with about 1/3 less work than I was expecting, and then a class I was expecting to teach this week was canceled. Suddenly, I had free time that I wasn't expecting!! And, then, my sister became horribly, violently ill and I had to move her next door (my parents own the house, but live there only part-time) so I could care for her. And a surgery appointment opened up for Monday for C. It's like God knew that all these things were headed my way, so he freed up some time! Too bad we didn't need that money so much! But, at least I'm able to be more present and available to care for my family.

The doctor thought my sister had appendicitis, but it turned out to be a horribly nasty kidney infection. The poor thing is struggling and feels absolutely awful still . . . after 3 days on antibiotics.

C is having surgery tomorrow to remove his branchial cleft cysts. These are something that DH & I have taken a "wait and see" attitude about since his birth, but for various reasons decided it was time to remove them. I wasn't expecting surgery until March, but there was an opening and I didn't want to turn it down. It's an outpatient procedure, but he will be under general anesthesia.

Home life has been hectic and harried and I'm not happy with my behavior in many ways. Financial stress has to be some of the most insidious stress there is, making people behave in ways that aren't fair or even nice to those around them. Speaking of which, I need to work on some assignments right now . . .

I Need A Vacation

There's quite a bit going on in our house these days, and I could desperately use a vacation right about now. When Mom Central asked if I would help my readers learn more about Park City Mountain Resort, I had a great time searching around on their website.

One of the first things I checked out was the kids' program. They have a fantastic program called "Signature 5" and is geared for kids ages 6 to 14. They offer snowboard and ski lessons with time for plenty of individual attention and even provide lunch during the 6 hour lesson. I can just see N having an absolute ball learning how to snowboard! They also offer classes for the 3.5 to 5 year old set.

Did you know I love roller coasters? The Park City Mountain Resort has an Alpine Coaster that looks like it would be an absolute blast to ride! You climb into a toboggan style car and go whizzing down the mountain.

I've never skiied, but there are lessons for adults as well and equipment rentals available. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can also go snowmobiling, tubing or take a sleigh ride. There is a shuttle available to Park City where there are restaurants and shopping available.

I checked out their packages, and think I'd like the Presidential Package the most. It offers a two bedroom, luxury condo with private hot tub. Kids stay and ski free with 2 paid adults.

At this time in our life, Park City Mountain Resort is beyond our means, but it looks like something worth saving up for. I would love to go and learn how to ski, and give my kids the opportunity to learn as well. Visit their site for more information, and check out their blog for a personal look at all there is to do.

Super Bowl Giveaway Winner!

We were a little worried in the 4th quarter, but the Arizona Cardinals are headed to the Super Bowl!! WOOO HOOOO for the entire team, and especially for Kurt Warner!

This will be the Arizona Cardinals first trip to the Super Bowl and I imagine the excitement around here is going to be pretty high for the next couple weeks.

But, you all came to find out who the winner of my Pepsi Super Bowl Party is, didn't you? So, without further sports talk . . .



. . . the winner (thanks to random.org) is . . .

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

19 

Timestamp: 2009-01-18 23:27:56 UTC

Commentor #19 was Kraig!! Congratulations! Your package will be shipped to you before Super Bowl Sunday! Take pictures and let me see the awesome party you throw!!

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! I hope you all have wonderful Super Bowl parties and I expect you all to cheer on the Cardinals!