Have you committed a Random Act of Kindness lately? If not, i invite you to join me in my RAOK Challenge starting now and ending (maybe) on Christmas.
There was a food drive being held outside of my local grocery store today. A young man gave me a flier with a wish list of pantry items on it, asking if I wouldn't mind shopping for something to donate so I donated 2 boxes of instant oatmeal and a can of pasta.
There's also a blood drive being held at my DS's school next month. I've never donated blood because of my fear of needles but I feel compelled to donate blood so I can in some way help my friend's son fight Black Diamond Anemia.
These are such small acts of kindness but I'm setting a personal goal for myself to commit one random act of kindness each day until Christmas. One person's contribution may not make a huge difference in the world but when joined by thousands of others, there may just be hope for mankind.
How will YOU help someone else?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Could it be?
Could it be that I've made a couple of very cool new friends in real life? Has Christmas come early this year?
I've had a couple of playdates recently with two other moms, whom also happen to have only children. The first one was nice but still a bit awkward, not unlike a first date, with the getting to know all about you deal. I kept thinking "Please don't let me say something stupid." and "I hope she likes me for me and not just because our kids are playing together.". Sounds stupid, huh?
The second playdate was with a different mom today. My son and her daughter are in the same class (apparently they're boyfriend and girlfriend already!). We chatted for two and a half hours about everything. The time just flew by. Before we knew it, the playdate was over.
How are these moms so cool? They're down to earth, friendly, not fussy about their appearance and sociable. The fact that they have only children also is a huge plus in my book. It's nice having a commonality.
We've been invited to a birthday party and many more playdates in the future as a result. I'd say those first time encounters are working out quite well already. Now, will she or won't she call me????
I've had a couple of playdates recently with two other moms, whom also happen to have only children. The first one was nice but still a bit awkward, not unlike a first date, with the getting to know all about you deal. I kept thinking "Please don't let me say something stupid." and "I hope she likes me for me and not just because our kids are playing together.". Sounds stupid, huh?
The second playdate was with a different mom today. My son and her daughter are in the same class (apparently they're boyfriend and girlfriend already!). We chatted for two and a half hours about everything. The time just flew by. Before we knew it, the playdate was over.
How are these moms so cool? They're down to earth, friendly, not fussy about their appearance and sociable. The fact that they have only children also is a huge plus in my book. It's nice having a commonality.
We've been invited to a birthday party and many more playdates in the future as a result. I'd say those first time encounters are working out quite well already. Now, will she or won't she call me????
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Circle Game
The Potato Head Family recently enjoyed a 3 day family vacation together at one of our favorite beach places. There were old favorites revisited and new ones discovered. Gorgeous pictures were taken as timeless depictions of our "happy place." Remembering my ride on the Ferris Wheel with Tater Tot, it seems the Joni Mitchell song "The Circle Game" is so poignant and apt in its entirety but the refrain is especially so even if it does describe a carousel instead of a Ferris Wheel.
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Every fall, we revisit the same happy place as a family. It was my husband's favorite childhood summer tradition and now together, we're creating the same for Tater Tot. Life changes, sometimes rapidly in the blink of an eye and sometimes gradually, so slow you barely even notice, but there will always be constants like the rhythmic crashing of the waves in the ocean, the tang of the salty breezes coming from them, the taste of fresh seafood and seeing the joy on childrens' faces (and adults too).
Perhaps I was more nostalgic during this year's vacation due to the loss of some people I knew - good guys who were taken in the prime of their life. One was more gradual and one was sudden. They left behind wives and children who will forever mourn their husbands and fathers. The circle game only stops for those who were taken from us in death yet we remember them as we continue with our own circle game. There's something about a loss that makes me more cognizant and ever more grateful for the blessings I do have. For all the minor grumbling I do, I'm deeply appreciative of the life I have, a life I would not want to trade for with anyone else.
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We're captive on the carousel of time
We can't return we can only look
Behind from where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game
Every fall, we revisit the same happy place as a family. It was my husband's favorite childhood summer tradition and now together, we're creating the same for Tater Tot. Life changes, sometimes rapidly in the blink of an eye and sometimes gradually, so slow you barely even notice, but there will always be constants like the rhythmic crashing of the waves in the ocean, the tang of the salty breezes coming from them, the taste of fresh seafood and seeing the joy on childrens' faces (and adults too).
Perhaps I was more nostalgic during this year's vacation due to the loss of some people I knew - good guys who were taken in the prime of their life. One was more gradual and one was sudden. They left behind wives and children who will forever mourn their husbands and fathers. The circle game only stops for those who were taken from us in death yet we remember them as we continue with our own circle game. There's something about a loss that makes me more cognizant and ever more grateful for the blessings I do have. For all the minor grumbling I do, I'm deeply appreciative of the life I have, a life I would not want to trade for with anyone else.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What a crock!
Today, I used our crockpot for the first time this season (beef stew). Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm a big fan of the crockpot. It's so easy to use that even virtually inexperienced cooks can make it seem like they've slaved over a stove for hours. It's budget friendly in terms of cost and it often can be stretched out to 2 meals.
We have a couple of crockpot recipe cookbooks we occasionally peruse so Mr. Potato Head and I sometimes alternate picking out recipes we want to try. It's rather ironic, however, that the authors' last names are "Good" and "Ranck" so seeing those names together on the covers makes for a rather amusing thought.
We have a couple of crockpot recipe cookbooks we occasionally peruse so Mr. Potato Head and I sometimes alternate picking out recipes we want to try. It's rather ironic, however, that the authors' last names are "Good" and "Ranck" so seeing those names together on the covers makes for a rather amusing thought.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
She's the kind of mom I hate!
My husband was describing to a friend the Bento box lunches I make for Tater Tot. Her response was "She's the kind of mom I hate." Really? Why? Because I have a hidden agenda for making Tater Tot's lunches varied and exciting so he's not tempted to eat the cafeteria hot lunch? Because it usually takes no more than 15 minutes to make a lunch that looks like I spent more than that on it? Because I'm trying to be creative and fun with them?
I think it it as no more different than a creative hobby an adult has, whether it be painting, sewing, knitting, cooking, etc. They're all expressive outlets. According to some of the other Bento blogs I've seen, the lunches I make don't even compare to theirs in terms of style, presentation, variety and fun.
It's just a fun hobby with a hidden agenda. No more, no less.
I think it it as no more different than a creative hobby an adult has, whether it be painting, sewing, knitting, cooking, etc. They're all expressive outlets. According to some of the other Bento blogs I've seen, the lunches I make don't even compare to theirs in terms of style, presentation, variety and fun.
It's just a fun hobby with a hidden agenda. No more, no less.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Top 10 list of reasons to fall for Fall
10) Temperatures are dropping.
9) Time to decorate pumpkins.
8) Apple cider.
7) Crockpot recipes.
6) Freshly picked apples.
5) Halloween candy (for me, not Tater Tot).
4) Smell of smoke drifting from chimneys.
3) A riot of gorgeous leaf colors.
2) Snuggly warm sweaters.
1) The holidays are just around the corner!
9) Time to decorate pumpkins.
8) Apple cider.
7) Crockpot recipes.
6) Freshly picked apples.
5) Halloween candy (for me, not Tater Tot).
4) Smell of smoke drifting from chimneys.
3) A riot of gorgeous leaf colors.
2) Snuggly warm sweaters.
1) The holidays are just around the corner!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Say no to drama llamas on Babycenter!
Honestly, is it even worth it? Do people really get that much enjoyment out of posting anonymously on the internet? I realize it's great entertainment and all but it makes my ovaries ache knowing that some of these people have already procreated. It's a scary thought, so scary it makes me want to curl up in the fetal position sucking my thumb.
Whatever happened to good ole fashioned subtlety? Y'know, the kind that won't get you reported so you won't go crying to everyone else that you got banned. Yeesh.
Out of purely selfish reasons, please don't engage in it. This would make Group Owners so much happier.
Whatever happened to good ole fashioned subtlety? Y'know, the kind that won't get you reported so you won't go crying to everyone else that you got banned. Yeesh.
Out of purely selfish reasons, please don't engage in it. This would make Group Owners so much happier.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Potato Head Family: I'm a senior citizen at heart
The Potato Head Family: I'm a senior citizen at heart: "Y'know how people say they're really a kid at heart? I'm not one of them. I'm a senior citizen at heart. Here are my reasons: 1) I love the..."
I'm a senior citizen at heart
Y'know how people say they're really a kid at heart? I'm not one of them. I'm a senior citizen at heart. Here are my reasons:
1) I love the early bird specials at restaurants. They appeal to my appetite and wallet.
2) I refer to rude young people as whippersnappers and mutter about them having no respect for their elders.
3) I rock out to oldies music. In fact, I did that today at Shop Rite.
4) I have gray hairs to prove it.
It's amazing I don't refer to Tater Tot as "Sonny Boy." Give it time though and I will.
1) I love the early bird specials at restaurants. They appeal to my appetite and wallet.
2) I refer to rude young people as whippersnappers and mutter about them having no respect for their elders.
3) I rock out to oldies music. In fact, I did that today at Shop Rite.
4) I have gray hairs to prove it.
It's amazing I don't refer to Tater Tot as "Sonny Boy." Give it time though and I will.
Monday, September 27, 2010
A rainy uncaffeinated morning, Rite Aid and a cocktail
Now you'd think the words in the title wouldn't seemingly go together but oh, they do.
Tater Tot and I got off to a late start this rainy uncaffeinated morning (no coffee for me yet). I drop him off at school and I pop into the Rite Aid. I don't know why I became confused (at this time I'll blame it on the no caffeine yet - easy excuse) but I managed to mess up how my coupons worked with Rite Aid's sales. After ringing me up twice and voiding me twice, the cashier curtly informed me I could not continue doing this. There seemed to be an tone of desperation in his voice but in the end, we (okay, I did) managed to sort things out. By the time I left the store at 9:00, I think we were both in need of a cocktail (or dozen). Oh and some caffeine for me.
By the way, I was able to procure 2 Pantene shampoos, 2 Gillette body washes and 1 Gillette deodorant for $10. Now I just have to remember to apply for the $2 single check rebate, making my shopping experience a total of $8 instead.
I'm sorry Mr. Rite Aid Cashier Guy. You should receive combat pay for dealing with me this morning.
Tater Tot and I got off to a late start this rainy uncaffeinated morning (no coffee for me yet). I drop him off at school and I pop into the Rite Aid. I don't know why I became confused (at this time I'll blame it on the no caffeine yet - easy excuse) but I managed to mess up how my coupons worked with Rite Aid's sales. After ringing me up twice and voiding me twice, the cashier curtly informed me I could not continue doing this. There seemed to be an tone of desperation in his voice but in the end, we (okay, I did) managed to sort things out. By the time I left the store at 9:00, I think we were both in need of a cocktail (or dozen). Oh and some caffeine for me.
By the way, I was able to procure 2 Pantene shampoos, 2 Gillette body washes and 1 Gillette deodorant for $10. Now I just have to remember to apply for the $2 single check rebate, making my shopping experience a total of $8 instead.
I'm sorry Mr. Rite Aid Cashier Guy. You should receive combat pay for dealing with me this morning.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Blah blah blogging
At the encouragement of several friends, I've decided to start a blog. Never mind the fact that I probably lead the most humdrum life, I have officially caved to peer pressure. Okay, so it wasn't exactly pressure. It was more "You should really do this. I'd totally follow your blog.". Hmmmmmm, time will tell.
Please forgive me in advance for being a virgin blogger. I never thought anybody would actually want to read the ramblings of a stay at home mom and her exciting adventures in couponing, Bento boxing and volunteering as a Group Owner on several Babycenter boards. I'd wanted to call this blog "Blah blah blog" but unfortunately, that name was unavailable. Whodathunkit?
Please forgive me in advance for being a virgin blogger. I never thought anybody would actually want to read the ramblings of a stay at home mom and her exciting adventures in couponing, Bento boxing and volunteering as a Group Owner on several Babycenter boards. I'd wanted to call this blog "Blah blah blog" but unfortunately, that name was unavailable. Whodathunkit?
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