Beans and Rice

Civil War book

2009-05-19T19:36:00.002-04:00

My Father-in-law has written a book on the Civil War using football terminology. Check out his web page: http://civilwar.drlaw2007.com

23-months-old

2009-05-03T06:59:00.006-04:00

Charlie is 23-mos-old today! He is still a man of few words but he says about 20. His latest are Hiss (what a snake says), Cock-a-doodle-doo, Bubbles, and his girlfriend's name, Emmie.

He's started to want to do everything himself. We've given him little "chores" to give him the opportunity to do more on his own. He puts his clothes or PJ's in the hamper, put his shoes on the shoe rack, put his bowl in the sink when he is finished eating (he thought of this one on his own), and wash his hands after every meal. The hand washing is a treat in his eyes, lol! He also likes to help me with the compost. He carries the empty kitchen scraps jar from the compost bin to the kitchen and places it under the sink. It's a huge pretzel jar so it is funny to see him struggle up our little hill hugging it. When I've offered to help, he whines because he wants to do it by himself.

He's definitely an outdoor guy. Now that the weather is warmer he wants to be outside all day. He brings me his shoes and my shoes every morning. Quite the hint! He's into rolling his trucks down the driveway, pushing his lawnmower, coloring with chalk, and, to my dismay, throwing rocks. At least he usually throws them in the alley filled with trees and underbrush.

He is still a good eater. Yesterday he fell in love with a new tasty treat, turkey sausage dipped in grape jelly. His idea, not mine! Fruit is a guaranteed winner. I think he would eat fruit all day if I let him. I still don't know where he puts it all because he's only 26lbs!

Parenting

2009-04-22T13:51:00.006-04:00

When I first learned I was to be a parent, like many others, I was excited and nervous. To prepare myself, I absorbed books and videos on babies. I read about breastfeeding, nap schedules, colic, first aid and developmental milestones. I even went as far as to take courses offered by my hospital on baby care, breastfeeding, infant CPR, and labor and delivery. I had it covered, if I do say so myself. If I didn't know the answer then it could be found on my bookshelf or at the other end of a phone line.

I have come to realize recently that I had a narrow scope in my parenting education. Rightfully, I was concerned about my own abilities as a parent. I failed to consider the other aspects of parenthood: interacting with other parents and their children. In many cases it is a non-issue. However, I have stumbled across several outliers along the parenting distribution. One example that comes to mind is the Overly Competitive Mom (OCM).

The OCMs of the world are nuts. Yes, it is that simple. Just recently on a play date an OCM threatened her child with going home if he did not show off his latest word acquisition, or perform on command. According to her, this tactic is fine because she threatens him like this all the time. That did not seem to make sense to me but maybe that was because I was in shock. I was not prepared for her forceful parenting style nor for her need to feel superior through her child's accomplishments. I worried how this dialogue effected her son as well as my own. Will he think I may be this demanding? Will he think this is normal? How can I avoid this person... forever?

Perhaps I need to revisit the library. Hopefully, there will be a book or DVD entitled "How to Deal with Other Parents Who are Nuts" or "Keep the Crazies at Bay: Avoiding OCMs." In the meantime, I'm not answering my phone.

Dermatographia

2009-02-21T14:16:00.002-05:00

Several weeks ago I made an appoinment with an allergist because of itchy hives. I'd been taking an antihistamine everyday for about six months. Eventually I figured that it was silly to have to take a pill everyday and I ought to look into this.

After my follow-up appointment this week, it seems that I have the best case scenario of all the possible diagnoses: Dermatographia. The treatment? Take an antihistamine everyday. Hmmm, sounds strangly familiar. While it's nice to know I don't have Lupis or a thyroid problem, the thought of taking an antihistamine everyday indefinitely is annoying. On the plus side, at least now I know I'm not allergic to anyparticular foods and that I won't suffer anaphylactic shock (again).

Dermatographia: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/Dermatographia/DS00755

Hats

2009-02-02T15:13:00.003-05:00

I would like to see more men wear hats. No, not stocking caps for cold weather or basball caps, though these have their place, sometimes that place is in the trash. I would like men to wear hats that look like they paused a moment, pondered, and selected a particular hat for a reason other than covering bed head or to support their favorite sports teams.

Why don't men wear real hats anymore? Some say that the decline of the hat fashion began when President John F. Kennedy went to his inauguration hatless. However, maybe it has more to do with laziness. I do not think many men want to be bothered with the extra step of selecting a hat to match their clothes, coat, or style. Oh, and then there is the added step of removing the hat indoors, a step baseball caps do not seem to need anymore. Believe it or not, there is actually laziness beyond the baseball cap. Consider the frayed brim baseball cap (the ones you actually buy pre-frayed, perhaps a cousin to the pre-ripped jeans). Some men can not be bothered to put forth the dedication involved in wearing a baseball cap so much that the brim frays. Which is surprising since they tend to get a lot of wear indoors and out.

Hats used to define a man's status. What happened to the Fedora? That is a fine hat with some style. What does the Fedora say about a man's status compared the the frayed baseball cap, store frayed or otherwise? I am not going to say it, you can judge for yourself. However, I am going to urge men to wear Fedoras. Toss laziness aside and bring real hats back in style!

Review: This is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin

2009-01-25T10:45:00.003-05:00

The book is a hybrid of self-help book and scientific paper. It is refreshing to read about hard science’s role in a field typically described as a soft science. The author explains with the use of SPECT scans (brain imagining scans) each major section of the brain and its chief responsibilities concerning moods and emotions. His goal was to make the brain easy to understand for the average person. However, at times the ‘dumbing down” is more confusing because the author assigns more than one name to various brain sections, the scientific and the folksy term. It would have been less distracting if he had chosen one and just stuck with it.

Indeed, the author takes on a difficult task in covering all of the treatment options, medical and holistic, that are available today. For example, common prescription drugs, supplements, music, cinema therapy, physical exercises, and aromatherapy are all covered. In addition, the author provides famous quotations, Bible passages, and case histories to motivate and sooth those with the discussed problems. The treatments are in easy to navigate tables and categories.

Despite the positive components of the book, I have two main criticisms. Firstly, the author should regard supplements with the same caution as he does prescription medicines. Herbal medicines and supplements could have interactions with other medications, not just anti-depressants. Secondly, the author’s attempts at humor in various sections of the book are at best distracting. In some cases, they are obnoxious and ungrounded. For instance, more than once PMS is called Pre-Monster Syndrome and at one point is likened to bipolar disorder.

This is Your Brain on Joy
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=078522873X

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-02T14:43:00.005-05:00

As the new year approached I encountered more people than I would have liked who did not make resolutions for the new year. Their reasons differed slightly but mostly could placed into a category I will call what's-the-point? Some people do not make resolutions because they admit they never keep them or because they can not think of any "good" ones. In a few cases people proclaimed that they did not bother because they did not want to change a thing about themselves. But enough about these new year's resolutions scrooges, I want to focus on what is great about new year's resolutions.

It doesn't matter if you keep your resolution all the way until December 31st or whether is gets the quality stamp of approval from everyone you meet. It can be lofty or simple, personal or communal, unique or common. Mostly, it can be a time to put your best foot forward. Making a resolution is a good way to be introspective, organize your goals, and motivate yourself to be a little better in some way or a little closer to the person you would like to be. In doing so, you simultaneously acknowledge humility and hope. That hope is what is, dare I say, beautiful about a new year's resolution. However, in failing to embrace the process of resolution making, you recognize their opposites: arrogance and defeat, an odd couple to say the least. There is hardly anything worth being arrogant about regarding giving up and calling it quits. It certainly does not sound like a good way to approach life regardless of the date.

Kudos to those who have set their standards for themselves a little higher this year and have not given up on themselves or ther world! And, to those who have yet to create a resolution, set cynicism aside and permit yourself to be optimistic for once; make a resolution ...even if it is the same as last year's.

The American Patriot's Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T. E. Cribb

2008-12-16T22:19:00.006-05:00

The seasoned historian and the newcomer to American history are bound to find this book both interesting and useful. The American Patriot's Almanac has a unique layout. Each day of the year, except February 29, is chronicled by a historical event. These entries are brief, seldom more than a few paragraphs. Then a timeline with 4-7 bullet points follows with just a sentence on more events that occurred on the same day. The format reminds me of a “history lesson a day” calendar, only more thorough and interesting.

The author reveals details uncommon to popular knowledge like the words President Lincoln spoke before signing the Emancipation Proclamation, the connection between Candlemas Day and Groundhog Day, or the original honor of the Purple Heart medal. In addition, each month is separated with more lengthy historical information that is not tied to a specific date, such as flag etiquette, poems, the lyrics to patriotic songs, and the Constitution of the United States.

The writing is clear and to the point. The historical topics are more than just battles and presidents. Indeed music, population censuses, and inventions are included. Females and minorities are not left out of America’s history in this book either. Occasionally, an entry includes a sketch or picture.

http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595552677

Hot Dogs Made Easy

2008-12-10T21:42:00.005-05:00

The other day while shopping in the grocery store my husband and I stumbled upon the epitome of meal laziness. Now, keep in mind that we can be pressed for time just as much as the next family. We have Morning Star Grillers at the ready and have been known to rely a little too much on nachos as a dinner option. However, Oscar Mayer Fast Franks go one step further by eliminating one of the overwhelming two steps involved in making a hot dog. These hot dogs come packaged individually nestled in their own bun. That's right, you can now save yourself 20 seconds of time by eliminating that pesky task of opening a package of hot dog buns. Whew! A time saver indeed.

On a serious note, this highlights a concept that I was reading about regarding the food industry's ability to make profits. The main point was that food companies make more money by providing a service than by actually selling foods. For example, cut lettuce or onions cost more than a head of lettuce or an individual onion. Likewise, when you buy Fast Franks, you are not just paying for a hot dog and bun, you are also paying for the service of having the hot dog already placed inside the bun. I'm impressed that Oscar Mayer could actually come up with a way to insert service into a meal that requires such little effort and, thus, has little room for service. Perhaps next they will be offering us individually wrapped slices of toast.

Review: My Little Girl by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas

2008-12-03T22:19:00.002-05:00

In this story. a father and daughter enjoy activities together which are refreshing for two reasons. First, they are not stereotypical “little girl” activities, like tea parties or playing with dolls. Instead the pair head off to see animals at the local co-op, play on a swing, watch clouds, and more. The activities could easily have been a part of a book entitled “My Little Boy.” Secondly, the activities are not based on expensive outings. Instead, the premise is to just spend time together. The daughter says it best when she tells her father that her favorite part of the day was, “Being with you!” While the storyline is choppy in places, the message is clear. The story would be excellent for bedtime as it ends with a bedtime routine: brushing teeth, story, prayers, and goodnight kiss.

The illustrations resemble water-color art and proponents of marriage will be pleased to see that the father wears a wedding ring in several pictures. The book also has a spot on the last page for a father to write down a special shared moment with his daughter. Having that special moment in writing will likely be a treasure to the daughter when she is no longer a little girl.

Publisher's Link:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/custom/top20/My_Little_Girl_Tim_McGraw_Tom_Douglas.asp

Smiley

2008-12-02T22:37:00.003-05:00

When we discovered I was pregnant for the first time, we nicknamed our growing baby Roswell. Later, of course, we named him Charlie. When we found out I was pregnant again we felt it only fair that the new baby would have a fun nickname, too. We chose Smiley. Perhaps it was because I liked to think of our baby being happy as he/she grew and hoped that upon being born, he/she would smile as much as baby Charlie does. Or, maybe Smiley felt right because of the smiles this new pregnancy brought to our faces. In any case, the name stuck.

We buried the remains of Smiley today. We decided upon a spot beneath a birch tree. I've always liked birth trees in part because they are unique with their white bark and in part because of Robert Frost's poem, Birches. I read this poem before we placed our Smiley into the ground and marked the spot with a large white quartz rock.

While I had no say in the loss of this pregnancy, I feel fortunate to have had a say in how we handled our lost baby's remains. I know many people who suffer miscarriages have procedures in hospitals where they never see the remains of their developing baby. Many times the embryo and surrounding tissue is compiled with other medical waste and incinerated. Something doesn't feel quite right about that to me. Of course, nothing seems quite right about a miscarriage. But, I like that we could decide to place Smiley under the birch and say a few words that give us comfort as well as closure.

Review: The Moon Shines Down by Margaret Wise Brown

2008-11-29T08:22:00.003-05:00

The Moon Shines Down explores countries and regions around the world as well as the oceans that connect them all. Holland, Switzerland, Mexico, and Australia are just a few of the many countries included in the rhyming verse. A koala bear guide and the moon are the common threads in the large brightly-colored illustrations that complement the verse. The pictures contain popular cultural elements of each country or region. For example, the stanzas covering France are illustrated with the Eiffel Tower, vineyards, and an artist.

While the book unifies many countries of the world with the theme that they are all under the same celestial body, less westernized cultures receive less attention. Although not mentioned by name, the United States of America is alluded to with a focus on Christmas. While the rhyme is nice with a valuable message, the focus on the religious holiday seems out of place with the rest of the book.

In general, the book is educational, artfully illustrated, and carries a positive message of unity. Children will love the rhythm of the poem and the familiar refrain of, “I see the Moon and the Moon sees me. God bless the Moon and God bless me.”

Link to The Moon Shines Down: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=140031299X

Snow Day

2008-11-21T13:03:00.005-05:00

Call me crazy, but I love snow! The three inches we received yesterday was a welcomed surprise. There are two main things that I like about snow: 1) The world seems a little brighter, literally and 2) the world gets a little more quiet. This morning I woke up to the the snow reflecting sunshine into my bed; it was beckoning me to get up and come outside. That is precisly what I did! Though it was after getting Charlie fed and changed, eating breakfast, dropping off big Charlie at work, finding my my snow pants, and bundling up Charlie in mobility-limiting snowsuit. Yes, then we hit the quiet street of Schuylkill Haven! It is a wonder that the snow was still there and hadn't melted.

I must say that I am impressed that a few of the usual park walkers were there at the park, commited to their health or perhaps, like me, just answering the call of the bright snow. So, there we were, Charlie and I, experienceing the snow together. I made him a snowball and in exchange he proudly handed me a few flakes in an attempt to give me what I imagine he thought was a snowball. His little feet, shuffling along as best as they could in his restrainment-suit, created tracks like cross-country skis. His little nose and cheeks were pink with cold, but he was too busy brushing snow from the picnic bench and watching it glitter as it settled to care. When it was time to go in, as indicated by wet gloves and a cold mommy, he, of course, did not want to leave.

Charlie's Extensive Vocabulary

2008-11-18T13:44:00.002-05:00

Charlie has added three new words to his vocabulary in just 2 short days. Thus, bringing the total number of words he knows to... eight. If you ask me, he learned the most important word just yesterday: mama. If you ask his father, he will likely say that Charlie learned the most important word last week: dada. I suppose if we were to ask Charlie, he would say he learned the most important word several months ago: cracker.

I digress. Yesterday, he caught on to moo and baa. Well, when you ask him what a cow says, he will reply "mmmmm." But, I think that is close enough. As a recap, he also knows duck and quack. You can imagine the conversations we have!

Getting settled

2008-11-13T13:18:00.001-05:00

Moving to a small town has its advantages but it requires a shift in pace. Life moves a little slower in a town of 5000, certainly slower than Houston. For example, the old-fashioned use of cash makes me pause to count and perhaps engage in a little conversation with the cashier at Bill's Market. Then there is that ever so slow form of transportation called walking. When a shop is less than 3/4 miles from my house I find it difficult to justify loading the baby into the car seat, finding my keys, and driving for 2 min. Instead, it is just less hastle to walk. Besides, everyone is doing it.

The main thing that requires patience in our new town is shopping. We do not have a Starbucks on every corner, in fact there is not a Starbucks for 30 miles. There is no craft store, Old Navy, Macy's, Nieman Marcus, or any other national chain store in Schuylkill Haven. If I want something a specific or out of the ordinary then it probably involves online shopping or at least a long ride down to Reading. Even there, there isn't too much.

In many ways this pace brings some charm with it. The extra chats, stopping to smell the flowers on a walk, and the added excitement of a special trip to the city have an aura that couldn't be found in Houston, a city that supposedly had everything.