I have always considered myself to be fairly open-minded and accepting of my children. While I grew up in a home where it was expected that I would go to college after high school, I have decided that it doesn't matter to me if my children go or not. If they find a job they love that doesn't require a college degree, then I will be happy for them. If they spend 4+ years in college pursuing a degree to get them in a job they want, then that is fine too. My main goal is their happiness.
I've recently discovered that I'm not as open-minded as I thought. My oldest daughter, Peanut, is very shy. She interacts with others in class, sports, etc, but won't play with others if given the option. She'd much prefer to just play alone. When I see her play alone, I assume she must be lonely. I assume that she'd be happier if she was playing with others. She loves to play with her sister, so she must want to play with these other children too, right? Well, I have spent the past month trying to "fix" her so that she will play with others, only to come to the realization that I might be wrong. Perhaps she does just enjoy playing by herself. Just because I enjoy interacting with others more often than not doesn't mean that she is the same. So, now I must try to change all that I previously believed - to accept my daughter as she is. She is a beautiful, intelligent, fun, kind, sensitive child that enjoys some time to herself. She is perfect just the way she is.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Anyone having a baby?
http://www.momcentral.com/reviews/stokke-tripp-trapp-highchair-giveaway-and-review.html
Okay, I don't know if you all have ever seen the Tripp Trapp before, but I must say that it is a must see! If you are having a baby then you have to get over to momcentral to try to win one. I'm not even having another baby and I want once (hence - this post). I'm getting ready to repaint my kitchen (yellow, I think) and guess what?!?!? It comes in yellow! Check out the cool colors and you'll want one for yourself. If you don't want one, even better. Go enter and if you win you can give it to me! :o)
Okay, I don't know if you all have ever seen the Tripp Trapp before, but I must say that it is a must see! If you are having a baby then you have to get over to momcentral to try to win one. I'm not even having another baby and I want once (hence - this post). I'm getting ready to repaint my kitchen (yellow, I think) and guess what?!?!? It comes in yellow! Check out the cool colors and you'll want one for yourself. If you don't want one, even better. Go enter and if you win you can give it to me! :o)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Staying Fit Together
http://www.juicyjuice.com/Tools/Activities/Staying-Fit-Together.aspx
Disclaimer: I am a member of the Juicy Bunch and may receive points for posting about this article.
In December of 2008 I decided that I really needed to lose weight. I was getting ready for my cousin's wedding and nothing (literally nothing) in my closet that was wedding appropriate fit me. I hadn't realized that I had put on so much weight until that moment. I tend to wear loose fitting and baggy clothes since staying home with my kiddos, so it was easy to just add weight slowly without paying attention. After the wedding I came home and researched exercise/fitness programs that might work and be financially and logistically feasible. I ended up choosing Power 90 and was happy that I did. I lost weight, dropped two dress sizes, and just felt better all around. After I had finished my 90 day cycle though I was bored with the program. I just didn't want to do the same exercises anymore. At that point I decided to just try to maintain the weight loss on my own through diet and exercise. The diet is fairly easy (but would be easier if my kids would eat all their food and I didn't still hear my mom's voice telling me "there are starving children in Ethiopia"). The exercise was more of a challenge. Every time I put a DVD in the player one of my kids undoubtedly needs a drink, a snack, to go potty, etc. Finally I decided that if I want to exercise then I need to include the kids in on it too. Now, we bike together, walk together, play tag outside together and more. The girls love it and so do I! What a great way to take care of both myself and my girls! If you need some tips and ideas, the article from juicy juice has some good ones on how to get started.
Disclaimer: I am a member of the Juicy Bunch and may receive points for posting about this article.
In December of 2008 I decided that I really needed to lose weight. I was getting ready for my cousin's wedding and nothing (literally nothing) in my closet that was wedding appropriate fit me. I hadn't realized that I had put on so much weight until that moment. I tend to wear loose fitting and baggy clothes since staying home with my kiddos, so it was easy to just add weight slowly without paying attention. After the wedding I came home and researched exercise/fitness programs that might work and be financially and logistically feasible. I ended up choosing Power 90 and was happy that I did. I lost weight, dropped two dress sizes, and just felt better all around. After I had finished my 90 day cycle though I was bored with the program. I just didn't want to do the same exercises anymore. At that point I decided to just try to maintain the weight loss on my own through diet and exercise. The diet is fairly easy (but would be easier if my kids would eat all their food and I didn't still hear my mom's voice telling me "there are starving children in Ethiopia"). The exercise was more of a challenge. Every time I put a DVD in the player one of my kids undoubtedly needs a drink, a snack, to go potty, etc. Finally I decided that if I want to exercise then I need to include the kids in on it too. Now, we bike together, walk together, play tag outside together and more. The girls love it and so do I! What a great way to take care of both myself and my girls! If you need some tips and ideas, the article from juicy juice has some good ones on how to get started.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Back to school . . . Tears or Cheers?
As a mom of two little girls, 3 and 5. I have been looking forward to back to school time most of the summer. The girls have been fighting like crazy and I thought they just needed a break from eachother (not to mention the break I kept asking for!). Well, today was my oldest daughter's first day of Kindergarten and I am shocked to say that I couldn't have been more sad. :o( I missed her, I worried about her, I cried when I dropped her off, and I kept staring at the clock hoping it was time to pick her up. Her sister missed her like crazy too. She kept asking when E would be home. She said how lonely she was. She really just moped around the house all day. Instead of cheers, it was definitely tears at our house. Now I've already started dreading the day 2 years from now when "S" will be going to school all day every day too. It almost makes me want to have another baby . . . ALMOST!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What is wrong with people?
On a recent trip to Pat Catans I became very disheartened by an interaction I saw between a customer and associate and actually wrote a letter to the company. (Though it has been almost a month and I have not gotten any response from them.) Here is the summary (though names have been changed to protect their identity):
"As a regular shopper at your store I have always been pleased with the excellent customer service I have received both in store and over the phone. Your associates have been kind, friendly, and willing to help me resolve any questions I have had. Unfortunately, yesterday I found myself at a crossroads in determining whether or not I should continue to shop at your store. This was not due to the actions of an associate, but the actions of "JOE", their boss. Due to the liquidation of the store, people were able to purchase a "cartload" of merchandise for the set price of $25. Customers and associates were all told that the cart had to be level with the brim to receive that price. Any merchandise above the rim would be purchased separately at 75% off. Many people grumbled a little, rearranged their stuff, or left merchandise at the counter when it wouldn't fit, but all complied with this rule. As my daughters (3 and 4) and I were bagging our own items, a couple in their 50s or 60s came to the front of the line. The associate politely told them that they would have to remove the items above the rim and pay for them separately OR get another cart and fill that for an additional $25. The man began yelling at her and telling her that "JIM" said it was okay. She replied by telling him that she was only doing what her boss told her, and that Jim wasn't her superior so unfortunately, she couldn't do anything with what he said. He then went into a horrible rant and began insulting and degrading her. He called her stupid and said that she hadn't worked there long enough to know what she was talking about. She said that she would ask her boss, but that they would have to wait because he was on an important phone call. The entire time they waited he continued to insult and berate her as she just stood there. It was very uncomfortable. JOE came in after a while and must have heard the end of that rant because he immediately walked over to that register . . . and told the associate that he was fine and to just ring him up for $25 because he knew him! While you might think I am upset because of the inequity in pricing, that is not my concern. I know that I got a good deal and am happy with my price regardless of the fact that someone may have gotten a "better" deal. I am livid because I then had to go outside and try to explain to my young children why anyone would treat someone else like that and not be held accountable in any way. I have worked in customer service and have managed other people as well. As a manager, I feel it is your job to reprimand your associates if they do something wrong, but it is also your job to protect and defend them if they are mistreated simply for following YOUR rules. The idea that "The customer is always right" has long passed and while you should do your best to make a customer happy, if someone behaves in that manner then they would not be welcome in my store. So, my question is this . . . Is this the norm in managerial policy at Pat Catans? If so, then I unfortunately can't continue to support a store that allows its employees to be treated so badly. When I looked at that young girl I could only think of my daughters. While I know that they will be exposed to rude and uncivilized people throughout their lives, I expect them to be supported and backed up by their bosses (when they are in the right).
If you do nothing else as a result of my comments, please at least find out who the girl was and let her know that I apologize for not saying something to the gentleman or at least expressing support of her when I had the opportunity. I should have! I would have wanted someone to do something for my children."
So, my question is this . . . Why hasn't Pat Catans responded to my concern? Also, when did people begin to think it was their right to insult another human being for doing their job. I am not completely naive and innocent. I have gotten upset with customer service at various locations. I have asked to speak to a manager. I have raised my voice. I have NOT berated and insulted the person standing in front of me doing their job and upholding a policy that they've been given.
Sorry Pat Catan - you have lost my business. Not simply for hiring people that might have made a mistake in judgment (since that happens to us all), but for not even having the decency to respond to my concerns.
"As a regular shopper at your store I have always been pleased with the excellent customer service I have received both in store and over the phone. Your associates have been kind, friendly, and willing to help me resolve any questions I have had. Unfortunately, yesterday I found myself at a crossroads in determining whether or not I should continue to shop at your store. This was not due to the actions of an associate, but the actions of "JOE", their boss. Due to the liquidation of the store, people were able to purchase a "cartload" of merchandise for the set price of $25. Customers and associates were all told that the cart had to be level with the brim to receive that price. Any merchandise above the rim would be purchased separately at 75% off. Many people grumbled a little, rearranged their stuff, or left merchandise at the counter when it wouldn't fit, but all complied with this rule. As my daughters (3 and 4) and I were bagging our own items, a couple in their 50s or 60s came to the front of the line. The associate politely told them that they would have to remove the items above the rim and pay for them separately OR get another cart and fill that for an additional $25. The man began yelling at her and telling her that "JIM" said it was okay. She replied by telling him that she was only doing what her boss told her, and that Jim wasn't her superior so unfortunately, she couldn't do anything with what he said. He then went into a horrible rant and began insulting and degrading her. He called her stupid and said that she hadn't worked there long enough to know what she was talking about. She said that she would ask her boss, but that they would have to wait because he was on an important phone call. The entire time they waited he continued to insult and berate her as she just stood there. It was very uncomfortable. JOE came in after a while and must have heard the end of that rant because he immediately walked over to that register . . . and told the associate that he was fine and to just ring him up for $25 because he knew him! While you might think I am upset because of the inequity in pricing, that is not my concern. I know that I got a good deal and am happy with my price regardless of the fact that someone may have gotten a "better" deal. I am livid because I then had to go outside and try to explain to my young children why anyone would treat someone else like that and not be held accountable in any way. I have worked in customer service and have managed other people as well. As a manager, I feel it is your job to reprimand your associates if they do something wrong, but it is also your job to protect and defend them if they are mistreated simply for following YOUR rules. The idea that "The customer is always right" has long passed and while you should do your best to make a customer happy, if someone behaves in that manner then they would not be welcome in my store. So, my question is this . . . Is this the norm in managerial policy at Pat Catans? If so, then I unfortunately can't continue to support a store that allows its employees to be treated so badly. When I looked at that young girl I could only think of my daughters. While I know that they will be exposed to rude and uncivilized people throughout their lives, I expect them to be supported and backed up by their bosses (when they are in the right).
If you do nothing else as a result of my comments, please at least find out who the girl was and let her know that I apologize for not saying something to the gentleman or at least expressing support of her when I had the opportunity. I should have! I would have wanted someone to do something for my children."
So, my question is this . . . Why hasn't Pat Catans responded to my concern? Also, when did people begin to think it was their right to insult another human being for doing their job. I am not completely naive and innocent. I have gotten upset with customer service at various locations. I have asked to speak to a manager. I have raised my voice. I have NOT berated and insulted the person standing in front of me doing their job and upholding a policy that they've been given.
Sorry Pat Catan - you have lost my business. Not simply for hiring people that might have made a mistake in judgment (since that happens to us all), but for not even having the decency to respond to my concerns.
Monday, March 23, 2009
First Trip to PIB
http://www.ohio-put-in-bay.com/
The ferries are running, so we took our first trip to PIB this past weekend and had a blast. The sun wasn't shinning as brightly as we had hoped, but the girls still really enjoyed the park and seeing their Granny. They continue to ask about Mona the turtle though I doubt we'll see her again this year - the budget cuts prevented her from appearing at the hatchery last year and I expect the same this year. Not much is open yet, but we're looking forward to more visits and more fun in 2009! Maybe they'll even catch another fish! (My avatar is a modified pic of their first!)
The ferries are running, so we took our first trip to PIB this past weekend and had a blast. The sun wasn't shinning as brightly as we had hoped, but the girls still really enjoyed the park and seeing their Granny. They continue to ask about Mona the turtle though I doubt we'll see her again this year - the budget cuts prevented her from appearing at the hatchery last year and I expect the same this year. Not much is open yet, but we're looking forward to more visits and more fun in 2009! Maybe they'll even catch another fish! (My avatar is a modified pic of their first!)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Recent Calorie Counter
As a recent calorie counter I am finding myself a little obsessed. Who knew so many foods had so many calories? You know those cute little "fruit slices" . . . I know you know the candy I'm talking about. It looks like fruit so you can convince yourself it is okay to eat, but in reality there is not one fruity thing about it. Did you know that just one of those little fruit slices has 50 calories!?!?! Yikes! No wonder I wasn't losing any of my baby weight . . . nevermind that my baby is now 3 years old.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
New Year New You
After a long crazy holiday season I am back. I have been on a mission lately to get back in shape and live a healthier life (like so many others during this "resolution" time). However, I feel different this time. I am not just doing it for me . . . I am doing it for my kids. They really like healthy food and to get out and exercise. I feel like I'm holding them back and teaching them the wrong way to live by having junk in the house and sitting on the computer too much. So, 15 days down for my new lifestyle and I think I might just make it. Losing weight would be a great benefit, but the main goal is to live healthy, be healthy and teach my kids that taking care of themselves is one of the most important things they can do for themselves and those they love!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Perfect Holiday Find
With all the toy (and now chocolate!) recalls what a perfect time to find a great list for safer kids toys. Cool Mom Picks (one of my favorite sites) has a wonderful list. From babies to preschoolers this list of adorable toys should help you to find the ideal gift for all kiddos on your list. Be sure to check it out and see if you love it as much as I do!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)