Do you ever feel like you're just pretending to be an adult?
I've been feeling that way lately. Yes, I have a job, pay bills, take care of my kids.
But at times, deep down, I still feel like I'm the most immature person and question why on earth people trust me with anything much less the lives of precious little children.
I guess it doesn't help that I work in an industry where people pretend all the time, although I am on the other side of the industry. (i.e. I don't act; I work backstage.)
I love video games, and goofing off, and playing on the computer. And I can hardly wait for Elder Scrolls Online to come out next month.
But I guess I do have some rather adult hobbies, too. I love reading (especially mystery novels), crocheting & trying to knit, sewing, cooking (sometimes), writing this blog, writing a novel of my own (or at least researching to write one), genealogy and history in general.
But I still feel like someone, somewhere made a mistake and someone, one day, is going to realize it and take away my "You are an Adult" card.
Anyone else feel this way even once in a blue moon?
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
The Union for Contemporary Art
The Union for Contemporary Art is a uniquely amazing place founded by my friend Brigitte McQueen Shew. This amazing organization lives in this unassuming little building with a yellow front door.
I met Brigitte and was introduced to The Union in 2012 while I was working the Great Plains Theatre Conference. My friends, Jake, Elly, & I painted over an old mural (think 1980's with some of the people having the tall Bobby Brown hair) so that a new mural might be painted. The brilliant local artist, Wanda Ewing, then came in and painted the new mural which we used as a backdrop for a show that was done at the Union.
The Union for Contemporary Art is a small, non-profit organization that is dedicated to using art as a way to bring about social change and directly support local artists.
They offer six month studio fellowships to artists which offer studio space, monetary compensation for supplies, among other benefits. In exchange, the artists pay it forward with community service.
The Union also offers many community programs including mentorship programs for youth, programs for children and their parents, the North Omaha Tool Library, the Abundance Garden Project, and neighborhood clean up days.
This great organization is, of course, always in need of money. And they would be more than pleased to accept your donations. But they also have a wish list of equipment and services that they would love to have filled. You can find it here.
Please, please donate to this amazing, sensational, effulgent, and completely worthwhile organization. They'll appreciate it. I'll appreciate it. The community will appreciate it. (No to mention, you'll just feel good.)
I met Brigitte and was introduced to The Union in 2012 while I was working the Great Plains Theatre Conference. My friends, Jake, Elly, & I painted over an old mural (think 1980's with some of the people having the tall Bobby Brown hair) so that a new mural might be painted. The brilliant local artist, Wanda Ewing, then came in and painted the new mural which we used as a backdrop for a show that was done at the Union.
The Union for Contemporary Art is a small, non-profit organization that is dedicated to using art as a way to bring about social change and directly support local artists.
They offer six month studio fellowships to artists which offer studio space, monetary compensation for supplies, among other benefits. In exchange, the artists pay it forward with community service.
The Union also offers many community programs including mentorship programs for youth, programs for children and their parents, the North Omaha Tool Library, the Abundance Garden Project, and neighborhood clean up days.
This great organization is, of course, always in need of money. And they would be more than pleased to accept your donations. But they also have a wish list of equipment and services that they would love to have filled. You can find it here.
Please, please donate to this amazing, sensational, effulgent, and completely worthwhile organization. They'll appreciate it. I'll appreciate it. The community will appreciate it. (No to mention, you'll just feel good.)
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Advice for New Moms?
Ok, well someone I know thinks I might know something about this parenting thing and has asked me for advice for new moms. (She shall remain nameless to protect the innocent lol.)
And it has given me much to think about. Of course, there's the stuff everyone knows. Don't drop the baby. Feed the baby. Change the baby. Bathe the baby. Repeat.
Then there's the stuff that I hope everyone knows by now. You can't spoil a baby. Don't give babies cold medicine. (Believe me, I fought my doctor on that on at first, too.) Don't put the baby to sleep on its tummy. Use car seats every time and use them properly.
But what is left?
Swaddle the baby or don't swaddle the baby? Well, it depends on the baby. I've had babies that liked it. And babies that didn't. Babies that liked being swaddled as long as their hands were free. Babies that loved being a little baby burrito. Work with your baby and figure out what makes them happy.
Put baby on a schedule or not? Personally, I don't. If the baby is hungry, feed the baby! If the baby has a wet diaper, change the baby! But realize that if you desperately need a shower and you're about to step in when the baby wakes up early from their nap, it's ok if you go ahead and take that quick shower. (I'm not saying spend an hour in there while baby screams. But a 2 minute shower to make you feel human again is fine as long as baby isn't hurting or in danger.
Let your spouse, mother, father, or any other responsible adult help. They can hold the baby, change the baby, feed the baby while you get a nap, or make something to eat besides a sandwich or take out.
Remind yourself, daily, or hourly if necessary. "THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION." Do what you feel is the best thing for you and your baby. Don't get into the arguments about co-sleeping, sleep training, bottle or breast feeding. It drains your energy and spends your time arguing when you could spend that time with your precious baby. Just do what's best for you.
And it has given me much to think about. Of course, there's the stuff everyone knows. Don't drop the baby. Feed the baby. Change the baby. Bathe the baby. Repeat.
Then there's the stuff that I hope everyone knows by now. You can't spoil a baby. Don't give babies cold medicine. (Believe me, I fought my doctor on that on at first, too.) Don't put the baby to sleep on its tummy. Use car seats every time and use them properly.
But what is left?
Swaddle the baby or don't swaddle the baby? Well, it depends on the baby. I've had babies that liked it. And babies that didn't. Babies that liked being swaddled as long as their hands were free. Babies that loved being a little baby burrito. Work with your baby and figure out what makes them happy.
Put baby on a schedule or not? Personally, I don't. If the baby is hungry, feed the baby! If the baby has a wet diaper, change the baby! But realize that if you desperately need a shower and you're about to step in when the baby wakes up early from their nap, it's ok if you go ahead and take that quick shower. (I'm not saying spend an hour in there while baby screams. But a 2 minute shower to make you feel human again is fine as long as baby isn't hurting or in danger.
Let your spouse, mother, father, or any other responsible adult help. They can hold the baby, change the baby, feed the baby while you get a nap, or make something to eat besides a sandwich or take out.
Remind yourself, daily, or hourly if necessary. "THIS IS NOT A COMPETITION." Do what you feel is the best thing for you and your baby. Don't get into the arguments about co-sleeping, sleep training, bottle or breast feeding. It drains your energy and spends your time arguing when you could spend that time with your precious baby. Just do what's best for you.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Elder Scrolls Online
Ok, so I'm about to geek out. If you aren't into video games, my sincere apologies. But I sincerely request that you give this one a shot.
It doesn't come out until April 4th but I've been participating in beta tests for it for a little while now.
It is awesome! I've beta tested and played quite a few MMORPG's before and this one is right up there.
It has first person as well as third person playing views. (I prefer third person for the most part.)
There are only four classes but the skill trees make up for it. You can wield a sword, or a bow, or a staff no matter what class you sign up as. And any race can wear any armor or wield any weapon.
There are also morphing abilities. When a skill reaches rank 5 (and I think every 5 ranks thereafter) you have the option of morphing that ability into a new, stronger ability. Even summoned familiars can be morphed.
The quests are interesting and not the usual "go kill 10 rats." There is some of the typical, "go kill skeletons" but they are disguising it a little more with a bit of "investigate the temple." In other words, the writing of the script is better than I've seen in a while. Also, the voice overs are extraordinary.
The fights are more interesting, too. You won't be able to just hit your hot-keys. You'll have to actually use strategy against some of the antagonists.
The crafting is more interesting than most of the MMORPG's I've played, too. Even Dad likes it and, generally speaking, he hates crafting.
Please, give it a shot. And send me a message with your character name & we can group up and go questing!
It doesn't come out until April 4th but I've been participating in beta tests for it for a little while now.
It is awesome! I've beta tested and played quite a few MMORPG's before and this one is right up there.
It has first person as well as third person playing views. (I prefer third person for the most part.)
There are only four classes but the skill trees make up for it. You can wield a sword, or a bow, or a staff no matter what class you sign up as. And any race can wear any armor or wield any weapon.
There are also morphing abilities. When a skill reaches rank 5 (and I think every 5 ranks thereafter) you have the option of morphing that ability into a new, stronger ability. Even summoned familiars can be morphed.
The quests are interesting and not the usual "go kill 10 rats." There is some of the typical, "go kill skeletons" but they are disguising it a little more with a bit of "investigate the temple." In other words, the writing of the script is better than I've seen in a while. Also, the voice overs are extraordinary.
The fights are more interesting, too. You won't be able to just hit your hot-keys. You'll have to actually use strategy against some of the antagonists.
The crafting is more interesting than most of the MMORPG's I've played, too. Even Dad likes it and, generally speaking, he hates crafting.
Please, give it a shot. And send me a message with your character name & we can group up and go questing!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Shot day!
Poor Cookie got her 2 month shots today. I took the day off work. (Jalapeno has reactions to some immunizations, so, just in case, I felt it was better for me to be home today.)
They have started combining so many immunizations. Not that I'm complaining, fewer pokes is a good thing.
But holy cow! She got 3 shots and an oral vaccine. But she was vaccinated against 8 things. One shot had 5 vaccines in it.
And they no longer give polio vaccines orally. That's built into a shot now.
And they also don't want you to give them acetaminophen. They prefer to let them run a fever because they have discovered that babies develop a better immunity to the diseases when they run a fever.
Even in just a few years, things change so much!
Also, in better news, Cookie bear seemed to really like our family doctor. She was making good eye contact and cooing at him almost the entire time.
They have started combining so many immunizations. Not that I'm complaining, fewer pokes is a good thing.
But holy cow! She got 3 shots and an oral vaccine. But she was vaccinated against 8 things. One shot had 5 vaccines in it.
And they no longer give polio vaccines orally. That's built into a shot now.
And they also don't want you to give them acetaminophen. They prefer to let them run a fever because they have discovered that babies develop a better immunity to the diseases when they run a fever.
Even in just a few years, things change so much!
Also, in better news, Cookie bear seemed to really like our family doctor. She was making good eye contact and cooing at him almost the entire time.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Books
So, yesterday was a book day for me.
First of all, Papaya goes to the library every couple of Saturday's. Yesterday, was that day. I asked him to see if they had a copy of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Well, he got a little overwhelmed with all the books about Benjamin Franklin. Instead, he brought me this other book on Benjamin Franklin. Considering it is the second book that comes up when you search Amazon for Benjamin Franklin and it's a New York Times Best Seller, I'm hoping it will be a good book.
I'll have to get the Autobiography on my kindle app on my phone and give it a try that way.
Also, my dear hubby took me out last night. We went and had dinner at our favorite restaurant in town, Thai Pepper. It's this little mom & pop place in a strip mall that is run by two Thai grandmothers. We love the place. We figured out last night that we have been going there for almost 9 years now. The waiter knows us by name. He knows what we order and doesn't bother bringing us menus anymore. The grandmothers come over to greet us and ask how we are. If you go, try the Thai Pepper Chicken (Dad's favorite) or the Red Curry Chicken (my favorite). And tell the waiter Lec, we said hi!
Anyway, after dinner, we went over to Barnes & Noble for a little book browsing. Well, being the bibliophile that I am, and the fact that he spoils me rotten, browsing turned to buying. I got a book on Tolkien Trivia, a book on reading body language, City of Dark Magic, The Witch of Little Italy, Aunt Dimity & the Family (I LOVE this series!), The Ultimate Diet Planner, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel, & Now Write Mysteries. And all but two were on the clearance racks! Score!
I've already finished the Tolkien trivia, but I guess I'd better give that Benjamin Franklin book a go before I dive into the rest... maybe not! I'll let you know what I think!
First of all, Papaya goes to the library every couple of Saturday's. Yesterday, was that day. I asked him to see if they had a copy of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Well, he got a little overwhelmed with all the books about Benjamin Franklin. Instead, he brought me this other book on Benjamin Franklin. Considering it is the second book that comes up when you search Amazon for Benjamin Franklin and it's a New York Times Best Seller, I'm hoping it will be a good book.
I'll have to get the Autobiography on my kindle app on my phone and give it a try that way.
Also, my dear hubby took me out last night. We went and had dinner at our favorite restaurant in town, Thai Pepper. It's this little mom & pop place in a strip mall that is run by two Thai grandmothers. We love the place. We figured out last night that we have been going there for almost 9 years now. The waiter knows us by name. He knows what we order and doesn't bother bringing us menus anymore. The grandmothers come over to greet us and ask how we are. If you go, try the Thai Pepper Chicken (Dad's favorite) or the Red Curry Chicken (my favorite). And tell the waiter Lec, we said hi!
Anyway, after dinner, we went over to Barnes & Noble for a little book browsing. Well, being the bibliophile that I am, and the fact that he spoils me rotten, browsing turned to buying. I got a book on Tolkien Trivia, a book on reading body language, City of Dark Magic, The Witch of Little Italy, Aunt Dimity & the Family (I LOVE this series!), The Ultimate Diet Planner, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing a Novel, & Now Write Mysteries. And all but two were on the clearance racks! Score!
I've already finished the Tolkien trivia, but I guess I'd better give that Benjamin Franklin book a go before I dive into the rest... maybe not! I'll let you know what I think!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
2 Weeks Back at Work
I'm sure I'm driving everyone at work nuts with baby pictures.
I still hate leaving in the morning.
And I count the hours (and minutes) until I can come home.
And once I get home, I don't want to cook dinner. Or for that matter, eat dinner.
I just want to hold my little Cookie and cuddle her.
I want to look at my precious little girl and see her smile.
I want to talk to her and hear her coo back.
I don't want to leave in the mornings.
Her cries break my heart every time.
I hate going to sleep at night because it's time away from her.
How does this get easier?
I still hate leaving in the morning.
And I count the hours (and minutes) until I can come home.
And once I get home, I don't want to cook dinner. Or for that matter, eat dinner.
I just want to hold my little Cookie and cuddle her.
I want to look at my precious little girl and see her smile.
I want to talk to her and hear her coo back.
I don't want to leave in the mornings.
Her cries break my heart every time.
I hate going to sleep at night because it's time away from her.
How does this get easier?
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