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Jammies and no makeup
See how honest I am in my blogs?

Soooo, how is any of this supposed to make me feel good about wanting to use it? You would think at this point I threw the damn thing out the window, right? Wrong. Actually, I wasn't very surprised by any of this. I know I'm fat. All of us big ladies always think that a scale is screaming on the inside when you step on it, so to have one really do it wasn't as startling as you would think. Also, my husband did no better. His little Mii is just as fat as mine (in fact, my BMI was better!). The other reason I didn't send it flying is my son.
My man in shock over his BMI

My son was on the "normal to underweight" side when he did it. He also came up +17 years older than his real age due to "imbalance." I wasn't surprised as his Aspergers Syndrome affects his muscle tone, balance and coordination. However, he loves it. The games (so far) are really fun and I actually think it's going to be a beneficial tool for our whole family.
GO SON GO! (Doing the ski jump)

You can make goals and track your own progress. My husband said "It's like our own Biggest Loser!" I agree. We're also both very competitive and you can rank your score on the activities against other family members. We also happen to be almost exactly the same weight, so I think we'll have a good time fighting each other to reach our goals.

I wouldn't buy Wii Fit for younger women (as it could really add to any size issues and self-esteem they may be dealing with), but for our family it will be a fun tool, if not a big slap in the face. However, sometimes those slaps are welcome.

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My 14^th wedding anniversary is right around the corner (October 1st), and I decided what I wanted most was to look sexy that day. You know, like I just stepped out of Sex in the City. All beautiful, confident and put together. We all know that when you look sexy and feel sexy then you ARE sexy. I don’t know about you, but it’s been a while since I felt sexy (since Las Vegas.) Unfortunately, you can’t usually feel sexy without spending a little money.

$180 later and I’m feeling sexy all right, and like I don’t want to tell my husband what I just spent. I thought about just waiting till he saw how good I looked, then springing it on him. Years of being together however have taught me not to put things like that off. I told him soon after he got home last night.

“I got some things on-line today.” “Oh! Really? What?” “Oh, I wanted a new dress for our anniversary. They were having a really good sale." "What did you get?" "I got a dress, tights, 2 pairs of shoes and a negligee.” “WHAT! HOW MUCH DID YOU SPEND!” (In his best Ricky Ricardo impression.) “They were having a good sale and I put it on the credit card!” “HOW MUCH!” “Ummm, about $180.” Now this is where I learned that I am far too cheap with my clothes for myself, because my husband says, “You didn’t get very much for $180!” Yes, he really said that.

I got… a new dress (Fall dress, not clearance dress), black tights, leather boots, leather mary janes and a negligee for $180. Am I nuts to think that’s a really good price? Yes, he wasn’t pleased. Yes, I got the budget talk. Yes, I swore to be good and stick to our budget. They didn’t show that part in Sex in the City, did they?

It was worth it. I’ll look smoking hot on my anniversary and have some much needed new Fall pieces. I can’t wait for my new boots! What makes you feel sexy?

(The picture is the dress and boots. The joy of on-line shopping, I can post pics! I'm going to wear them with the black tights and take lots of pics.)

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When was the last time you got to indulge in something you love? A pedicure? Some art? Write a poem? Go for a nature walk? For me, it’s been too long. It is SO easy to get caught up in your to-do list. Tangled up in those unchecked box’s or swallowed up by your ever growing pile of laundry that days turn into weeks and you find yourself asking “What is this FUN you speak of?”

I was remembering what fun used to be today. Taking my son to the park, letting him play, walking the dogs at our local nature area, playing games… you know, NOT constantly filling my head with everything that everyone needs to get done today. I realized that it’s been so long since I’ve had fun that I must frenzy and soak it up when it does come my way. Like a mom gone wild on a girls night out, I need to learn to bring fun back into my day.

My son is slowly developing a love of hiking. I actually used to love to hike as a kid as well. Something happened as an adult and I haven’t been in years. So, I googled some local hiking areas  and voila! I plan on taking him out as a surprise after school today. We'll get some fresh air, nature, exercise and just maybe we’ll both have some fun. I know, that’s just crazy talk.

What could you do with your kids today that’s fun? Make some play dough together? Go to the park? Turn on your sprinklers and pretend you’re two with your two year old? Buy a dry-erase board and draw silly scribbles in beautiful colors together? Find something and DO IT!

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Yes, the truth does hurt. Especially coming from your dear little offspring. If you still have yet to know the joy of your youngster giving it to you “like it is,” let me help you… it hurts. You will laugh, gasp, sting, but you can’t deny when they hit it on the head.

My own little “progeny” (what he prefers to be called over man-cub. I still like man-cub) came up with a doozy for me on Saturday. I was sick (yes, again! Thank you preschoolers) and in bed watching the Biggest Loser. I found that show last season and really love it. The new season just started and I’ve been looking forward to it. Man-cub snuggles up in bed with me (I think he wanted to catch my bug so he could miss school) and starts to watch it. Suddenly I hear the words, “You and dad should go on that show!” HUH! WHAT! “I am NOT as big as the people on that show!” I snap back at him. “Oh yes you are! You’re as big as that girl!” He says pointing to a young blonde. (Actually, I weigh more than her, but I am 6’0!!!)

This made me think and we started a discussion. “Does it bother you that dad and I are big and you’re thin?” “No, I’m used to it.” (Somehow I’m not feeling better yet.) “Do your friends ever say anything or tease you?” “One kid who’s a jerk said something about dad once, but he’s a jerk.” (Ok, that’s good, nothing about his Orca mom.) Not surprisingly I haven’t had much of an appetite since this conversation.

I told my husband about it, looking for solace. I should have known… “Well, I don’t think we’re QUITE THAT FAT!” He says. Now you know how women hear differently from what men say. What I heard was, “I’m not that fat, but you sure are!” Being together for 16years, I knew I was hearing with my sensitive ears and didn’t impale him in the bagel slicer like I wanted. Instead I took stock of the situation.

1) I’m still about 40lbs less than I was at this time last year.

2) My arms are actually starting to really look toned and good (thanks to the kids at work.)

3) We’re eating WAY healthier than we were even just a year ago as a family. Much more fresh fruits and vege and buying more local produce.

4) I’m not eating nearly as much junk or fast food as I was.

YES! There’s still massive amounts of room for improvement. Yes, I’m still overweight. No, I don’t like it and yeah, I need to get off my spreading butt and out the door more. There’s always room for improvement however, and it’s really easy to focus more on your kid telling you you’re fat over the accomplishments you’ve made.

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No, not the diapers! Fall is in the air. The mornings have been wonderfully crisp, my lawn has a thin coating of fallen leaves (not quite as beautiful as the ones in this pictures, but still…) and the stores are filling with Fall and Halloween delights. This is hands-down my favorite time of year (and not just because the kids are back in school.)

The days will grow shorter and darker and we will find some relief from this searing Sacramento heat. The store will fill with delicious Fall harvest foods (who’s ready for turkey and stuffing!) and our families will gather closer together. This also means, it’s never to early to get a jump on holiday shopping.

How many of you just moaned out loud? I got you all relaxed and then throw that into the mix. Did I make you tense? Sorry, not my intent, and you don’t have to be.

I LOVE on-line shopping for gifts. I avoid the post office AND malls (win-win in my book) and they get unique things. Hands-down my favorite way to do this is on a site called Etsy. Think Amazon, but everything on it is hand-made by an artist. GREAT site. Of course there’s Amazon, but their shipping can be really slow. If you are going to do in-person shopping, take advantage of it being so early and the economic slump. There are AMAZING deals to be had right now. If you stumble across the perfect gift for someone, snap it up! Check the Sunday sales pages.

It doesn’t have to be new. I got my refurbished digital camera on-line through Sony.com and saved about $50 over the best retail price. Same for iPods, iPhones and other tech gear. Refurbished is the way to go.

I also love making gifts. It can seem a little time consuming and pricy if you wait too close to the holiday, so I like to think ahead. Do you have rose bushes on your property? Keep the petals when you dead-head them and make popouri. Enjoy beading? Give some jewelry making a try. Baby's hand prints in baked clay make great wall hanging gifts. Get creative! Click here for some more ideas.

So, get the cider ready, break out the Duriflame log and start making a list. The gift-giving holidays will be here before you know it.

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Ahhh yes, welcome to the 9^th grade. Our school year is off to a nail biting start. Of course, this is the first year man-cub’s grades count for college. So yeah, we’re a little tense. He can be a little…um… how shall I put it? LAZY from time to time, so that’s always a concern.

We had a really nice family meeting this past Sunday. I was feeling like I had to nag him about everything or he’d do nothing. He was feeling like all I do is nag at him and he doesn’t have any freedom of choice. Dad just felt like he needed to suck it up, be more adult, and get his stuff done (I know, I laughed at that one too!) I think we came up with a good compromise.

There are things he needs to get done every day that he “forgets” or just slacks off and doesn’t do (apparently unless I either nag or threaten him.) I told him “I will make you a daily list. The things on that list need to be finished before you go to bed. We will give it 1 week and see how it goes. I promise not to bring up anything on this list and let you just complete it on your own.”

Then magically everything was wonderful once more. Hahahah! I know, good one. Ah no. The first day with “the list” went slow. He was procrastinating everything and left it all till the last minute. Apparently I didn’t communicate what would happen should he not finish the list. When he was down to 2hrs left in the day (and about 10 things un-checked) I told him, “If you don’t finish your list before bed, I will yell at you (he HATES that, always has) and there will be no TV or computer tomorrow!” “WHAT!” He yells “You didn’t tell me that!”

Rrrrrggg.

He finishes the list.

Each day has gone a little better. I’ve learned to separate the list into morning (do before school) and evening (do before bed.) It’s definitely better than me nagging at him and getting that lovely teenage attitude back, plus he feels more in control of his time and day. I call that win-win!

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Well, it's been a year since I've been here and SacMomsClub has been around.
So when's the party?!

Thanks for actually READING my blog. You all make my day with each and every comment.

~Creatress~

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Something interesting happened at the preschool I work at today that I would like to share. It went something like this…

I’m in the bathroom changing diapers, we also keep some special toys in cabinets there. A little boy comes in (2 years old) and wants a tub of space toys. On top of this tub is a HUGE tub of blocks. He can’t get the one he wants out. He asks me for help. Of course, I have my hands full (of poop) and can’t. There are two other teachers in the room chatting right outside the door. I tell him “I see you need help getting that out, go tell teacher Amy* that you need help."

He goes over and tries to tell them he needs help. For about 5minutes I can hear him trying to tell them (through their chatting) that he needs help. Finally one of them notices him, but doesn’t listen. Instead she tells him “You need to find something to do” and goes right back to talking with the other teacher.

He comes back to me and looks at me. I tell him “I hear they are talking. Try saying excuse me! I need help!” He goes and tries again. It’s at least another two minutes till they see him again. Before they listen to him the same teacher says, “NO! You need to FIND A TOY!” I then try to tell them (from the bathroom with my hands still full) “HE NEEDS HELP!” But they are so busy talking they don’t even hear me. I tell the boy that I’ll take care of it. I finish the diaper and go out and tell them “HEY! He’s been trying to tell you he needs help! He can’t get the tub out by himself and I’m doing diapers. You need to help him!” They look at me like I’m speaking French, but help. I was so shocked.

Sadly I find this happens all the time. These aren’t bad teachers, they just weren’t taking the time to listen. I see it with parents, teachers and adults all the time; not listening to what the kids are trying to say. Kids pick up on that kind of thing. If you don’t listen to them, why should they listen to you? It does no favors to turn your brain on “auto pilot” and service their needs. They need interaction and example.

Ask yourself “What are they learning from my actions right now?” How to be a good friend? How to clean up after themselves? How to treat other people nicely and with respect? Most importantly, we all must take the time to listen.

(*Not her real name)

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I don’t know about you, but I need a little extra help with my smile today. A little boost to get to a laugh. If you do too, I have some great websites to keep in mind (in all your free time, I know!)

Go Fug Yourself

Funny commentaries on bad celebrity sightings and photos. This one makes me laugh every time I read it.

Get Fuzzy

One of the funniest comic strips around (at least I think so)

The Mac vs. PC Pizza Box Commercial

Great ad campaign, but this one is the best in the series!

Deep Thoughts

Anyone remember "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy" on SNL? Those ALWAYS cracked me up.

Good Clean Jokes

Pretty cute site. I like the little strip they have up right now (with the kids in trouble)

I hope these make your day go by faster and happier!

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Have you been following the exiting developments happening with particle collision taking place in Geneva?! Anyone? Anyone? Hmmm, I think I may be alone in this thrilling moment.

Why do I care? What’s so interesting? Well, to quote an article from the Associate Press… “The experiments could reveal more about "dark matter," antimatter and possibly hidden dimensions of space and time.” Come on… how cool is that!? We’re talking full on Twilight Zone science.

Could they rip a hole in the space time continuum and bring to life our favorite TV shows? Who can say! Can they turn rude people into chocolate? Who knows. Can they alter the particles in your paycheck so it’s worth a million dollars? I’m just saying it’s possible.

Want to know why else I’m a nerd girl? As if this really wasn’t enough proof. The Monterey Bay Aquarium just successfully added their fourth Great White Shark to their famous Outer Bay exhibit. No one knows how long she’ll be visiting the aquarium for. If you judge my history, you’ll have a few months to get down and see her. I have seen all three in the past and for sure plan on making a trek to see this one. Even though I think my husband may be tiring of taking his squealing wife to look at sharks on his anniversary. Oh well. I’m a great white shark buff and wouldn’t miss it for the world. Besides, he can get me in with a student discount now.

How about you? What brings out your taped up glasses and snort laugh?

UPDATE: Ok, crap. I just saw that the aquarium released her. She wasn't feeding regularly and being that they are an amazing place, they let her go. BUT I MISSED IT!!! First one I missed seeing. Poop! My husband will be happy to be off the hook though (no pun intended.)

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Every day I learn something new from the little kids I work with. I took the job hoping they would learn from me, but was surprised to find that the learning goes both ways. Enjoy my list.

~ A compliment goes a long way.

A little boy in my class told me this morning “WOW! Your dress is really pretty!” I was so shocked by this compliment that I just gushed over him (and yes, he went up a few notches in my book). A little unexpected compliment can really make someone’s day.

~ What’s mine is yours.

This may not be the first thing you think of when you think “preschooler,” but for the most part they do really have good intentions. They mostly share really well and genuinely care for each other… which takes me to my third lesson.

~ If you see someone hurt, show concern.

This may seem like common sense, but how many of us really stop to ask another person if they’re ok? Not enough I think. I adore it when I see genuine concern coming from them for each other, no matter what the situation.

~ Anything can be funny.

Oh yeah, anything. When you see a little kid cracking up at something you normally wouldn’t find hilarious, you can’t help it… you’ll laugh too.

~ Anything can be a toy.

Your nose, toes, eyes, socks. ANYTHING can be entertaining and interesting. When does this self-entertainment go away and we suddenly need iPhones? I’m not sure, but I like it this way better.

~ Be your own band.

I love making crazy music with the kids out of anything and think it’s great what natural rhythm they all have. Who needs iTunes? Be your own band!

~ Art is a physical activity.

When was the last time you watched a small child do something artistic? I assure you, they don’t just use their hands. They may smell the tools, smear, smudge, pound, rip, tear… I never knew art was so physical before I started working with little ones. I think they have it right!

~ Naps are our friends.

Why do we stop napping?

~ It’s more fun with a friend

Now I hate to work in groups, but most kids naturally are inclined to work together. They learn for each other, help each other and just have fun together (well, most of the time). I don’t know when it happens that we tend to isolate ourselves, but I like their way of getting things done much better.

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Since it’s Friday, (was it me? Or did this week go really fast!) I thought I’d leave you with the three little words that bring a thrill to any woman. “I’ll take him” (or) “I’ll do it” (or) “I’ll make dinner” (or) “I’ll clean up.” Yes, “I love you” is nice too, but I’d rather be shown just how much by my big helper.

I was fortunate enough to hear those magical words a lot this week. My man offered to make me dinner last night, do the dishes AND take our son to school this morning. Hands off ladies, he’s all mine.

It’s amazing how happy a little extra help can make you. I’d rather know my man is being responsive to my needs, going the extra mile to help me out, than have a new gift any day. Of course, both would be my first choice (as I’m really greedy). That’s why when my man brought me home a new Sigg cup to celebrate my first paycheck, that was the icing on the cake.

When will ALL men learn that the more they help you out, the nicer they are to you, the more you want to reciprocate and make them happy in return? Personally speaking it took my husband about eleven years of marriage to catch on to that clue (we’re closing in on fourteen years soon). For women it seems so obvious.

I don’t know about your weekend plans, but I plan on spoiling my man rotten so he keeps on jumping in with “I’ll do that!” Nothing like a little positive reinforcement!

I am attempting to do the un-thinkable this Fall. I’m working part time, working for myself, PLUS taking three ECE classes. (One on-line and two in Davis.) I happen to have the same teacher for my two face-to-face classes and I adore her. She’s funny, interesting, kind, thought provoking and she’s shoving me outside of my comfort zone.

I am not a team player. There may be no “I” in “Team” but there is in “WIN!” I don’t work well in a group and personally hate it. I’m comfortable in-charge, being a leader, a teacher rather than a student. I know… you’re all shocked by this revelation. (Hahaha!) My teacher is a HUGE team player. So far everything we’ve done has been in groups of 2-4 people. “Find some people and team up!” She’ll yell like a cheerleader on crack. I start to sweat and tensely smile at the person next to me (I’m sure they’re about as thrilled to be teamed up with a sweaty, grinning lady as I am to be “forced to share”)

Maybe it’s because I’m an only child? Maybe it’s because I like to be right all the time? I’m not really sure, but these two classes are causing me major discomfort. I’ll survive; it’s good for me to grow as a person. But I won’t like it.

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I wonder… will there ever be a time in my son’s life when I DON’T want to rush in and make it all better? I can’t imagine it ever being so.

He’s 14 ½ now, just starting the 9^th grade and I STILL want to rush in and save the day every time. Of course I don’t, I can’t and that would teach him nothing. Instead I must sit on my hands, gauge the situation and what kind of reaction it warrants. Can he handle it himself? Can I just give him pointers of what I think he should do? Or should the Mama Bear come roaring out of her cave and make it all better? Yes, those are usually my three choices.

There are some things however that even roaring Mama Bear can’t make go-away. My son asked me the other day “What is it like to talk without stuttering.” My heart sank to my stomach. He’s had a severe stutter that no amount of technology or therapy can help (trust me, we’ve had him in SLP since 3 years of age!) I told him “I think it’s like drinking water. You just do it and don’t think about it. I imagine that stuttering would be really hard and frustrating.” “Oooooh, you have no idea!” He said. He shared that it’s like getting water down the wrong pipe and you can’t stop coughing (spinning off my liquid analogy).

I want to make it all better for him. I want to take him to Hogwarts and have Hermione wave her wand and fix it. I want to give him a magic pill and make it all go away. I want the world to be perfect, and kind, and safe for him. Don’t we all? Then I have to stop, put Mama Bear back in her cave, and remember. It’s not just our strengths that make us who we are, but our weaknesses and struggles as well. If we all had everything done and perfect for us, it would totally change the person we are now. I personally adore my son just the way he is. So even though I wish I could make everything “All Better” for him, I know that if I did, he wouldn’t be the same person. So go take a nap mama bear, the little cub is just fine!