Well, yes I have taken a big break from writing on my blog but everyone who follows me...I AM BACK..
Just wanted to add this quick post, but going to start a dialog regarding Christmas, the kids and PR..
Stay tuned :)..
We all have dreams and wishes of things we want to do with our lives, correct? Every time someone asks me what I would do instead of PR, my first thought goes to owning a flower store, I have always thought that would be a fun way to spend the day. However, actually, truthfully, I want to write a book. What kind of book? I really don’t know, I have thought of writing it about my mom…
My parent divorced when I was around 4 ½ years old and my sister was 6, my mom was a single parent at a time, when you didn’t divorce. My father had his own life, and he really didn’t bother being a parent. My mom raised my sister and alone, my grandparents helped, however, she raised us, put us through college and made us into the person we are today..
Why would I want to write about my mom? Well, think about the stereotype of divorced children, the thinking is they come from broken home but I didn’t..my mom was awesome and I think people should be aware that there are kids and families that are strong, even if there is only one parent…
Wow..it has been since January that I have touched my blog, that is really not good. I guess I haven't written because I just didn't feel like I had much to say..and today I just felt like I wanted to write. The Twilight Series has become an insane phenomena, it is almost to much. I read the books, loved them and recently saw the movie and enjoyed it all..however there are so many crazy things going on that you have to feel sorry for these young stars.
First, Nikki Reed get picked on for playing Rosalie, seriously people, give it a rest..
Second, Kristen Stewart seems to have something negative written about her weekly, why? She is a fabulous actress and seems to handle all the fame with a level head. Who really cares if she smokes, let it go people..
Finally, you can't ignore Robert Pattinson, and I think he has gotten the worst of the media beatings. From hygene, to pretty much everything about his hear..to acting..to a fans originally not wanting him to be Edward. Personally, I think he is very talented, saw him in Harry Potter, thought he was fantastic as Edward which seems like a hard character to play and am looking forward to seeing his newest movies.
The media need to leave the guy alone, it is nice to hear him in interviews, he sounds like a real person, not a PR doll saying what he has been trained.
I am in PR, I know what these folks sound like, I have trained many a CEO on what to say during a media interview, to answer all kinds of questions so I know what I am talking about.
However, he does need a publicist..not to train him but to help get him out of binds that the media are putting him in....where is his agent?
Robert Pattinson is trying to not let it all go to his head...leave him alone..
BTW..Yes I am a mom and yes, I enjoy reading these books and liked the movie..so there! Well, now I sound like a teenager :)
Dealing with the death of a loved one is very hard, but trying to explain it to a child can be even harder. My grandpa passed away last Friday, my children knew their great-grandpa very well, he was a big part of their lives. For the last few months they have know he was sick, he was in a home, couldn’t talk and had issuing remembering his family remembers.
He was in such bad condition that I didn’t let my children see him anymore, it was to hard and I wanted them to remember him the way he was at their birthday parties, holidays and other times as well. They heard me talk about how great-grandpa was sick and I talked openly with them that he wasn’t doing well, however I wasn’t ready for the death discussion.
Ashlee is six, she has never experienced death with regards to a loved one or even a pet. I tried to explain in the best I could, that great-grandpa was with great-grandma know and they were her guardian angles. She seemed to click with that, the biggest problem was when she asked me if I would ever see them again. I told her when I go to heaven, I didn’t think when I opened my mouth because she started to cry that she didn’t want me to go to heaven. We sat for a while and I tried to reassure her, she seems ok now but still asks about great-grandpa.
With regards to Jack, since he is three we have tried to keep it pretty simple. She has asked a few times if grandpa was going to be ok, would he walk again and when would he see him again. My husband and I have tried to help him understand but he is three, so that is harder.
We just keep telling the kids that great-grandpa will always love them and that they have their memories.
The last few months will be hard..not only to help them but for me to move on. My grandparents were a huge part of my life and I miss my grandma, she passed away 12 years ago, and I will miss my grandpa.
The Pink Chandelier made my day, she granted me with a Thank You award, I hope she knows how excited I was to read that she granted me this award. She is right, the mom blogger community is awesome, they offer help and are always willing to share information and feedback..
Thank you again!!!!
As a lot of folks do, I spend a significant amount of time on Facebook, not only with current friends and co-workers but reconnecting with people of the past. And..as a mom of two, I do have to watch the amount of time not only that I am on Facebook but the computer in general. It can be hard not to let any “hobby” conflict with my time with the kids but its all with how we manage our time, you need to know when to walk away.
Why am I talking about this, well a video from a Boston Globe reporter who mentioned how Facebook was making her a bad mom because of the time she spent surfing it..
Seriously, can she really blame Facebook, it is all how we manage our time. I understand you can get sucked in, I am guilty of being sucked in but I know when to walk away and pay attention to my life. I love being on Facebook, it has really helped me reconnect with some of my closest friends throughout the years…
Does Facebook make a bad mom, no…but again, everything in moderation…
Holy crap I have not blogged since December 12th, talk about taking a break..
Anyway, lets talk about New Years resolutions, do we have any? Will we keep them? Every year I make the usual resolutions but very rarely do I actually stick to them and make them happen, this time one of the resolutions was to actually do it...
There are actually a few things I want to accomplish this year and I plan to actually stick with it in 09.
My husband asked me what my resolutions were and I told him they were a secret..he made fun and said it isn't like I am making a birthday wish. However, I still believe that resolutions are private, it really isn't necessary to share your thoughts, goals and feelings with folks, even if you are married to the person.
So thoughts? Did you make a resolutions or two? Are they a secret???
Last year we heard about Elf on a Shelf, I had no idea about this holiday tradition but everyone swore that is was awesome and that my kids would love it. I went to every Hallmark store in my area and finally found the kit…
What is Elf on the Shelf, well it is a book and a Elf. You read the book to child/children and then the Elf magically appears. Once the Elf appears for the first time, the family is to name it, my children named ours Sparkle.
The purpose, well the Elf on the Shelf helps Santa know if your children have been naughty or nice. Every night the Elf “magically” returns to the North Pole to provide Santa with a report of the day, and every morning he/she returns and is in a different spot in the house. The kids typically run around the house first thing in the morning looking for our Elf, he has appeared everywhere from appliances, to frames and window shelves…
Every family looks to start their own holiday tradition and I love this one..here is a link to Elf on the Shelf..I hope your children enjoy it as much as mine do..
Elf on the Shelf..
Yes 2008 was a hard year for pretty much everyone but do we have things to be thankful for as we head into 2009. Some may argue that we don’t however I beg to differ..
Yes, the economy is in the “toilet” to put it lightly but there is more to the world than the economy. When I look at myself and my own life I think of a quote that has motivates me daily…”Constantly imagine the life you truly want.” I received that quote via a text message from The Secret web site..
When I received that quote I wrote it on a piece of paper and have it on my nightstand, I look at it every morning and every night before I close my eyes. I thought a lot about that quote since I first read it..and I do have the life I want..
I always wanted to be a mom and I am..not only am I a mom but my kids are amazing. Ashlee is my buddy, my six year old little girl that warms my heart every time she smiles and Jack, my three year old little guy who has an amazing imagination and lives with zero fear.
So, as 2008 comes to an end I ask everyone not to look back on the year with sadness but look ahead to what 2009 can bring for everyone. Also, take a hard look at your laugh and be grateful for the wonderful things that we all have and possibly take for granitite daily…
Want more good reads regarding the economy, check out Silicon Valley Moms a lot of great posts!
Lets talk about Twitter for a bit, how many folks use it..raise your hands. How many know how to use it? How many enjoy it or see it as another PITA of a social networking tool?
About a year ago I sat in a lunch meeting with Guy Kawasaki and he talked about Twitter, and I thought he was nuts. Why the heck would I waste my time using Twitter, do I really care that someone walked into their kitchen for a glass of water. Do folks really care what I am doing during the day..
Anyway, since in PR the world is turning to online I decided to sign up for Twitter and barely used it for six months. Then about 3-4 months ago something clicked..I started following companies and not just people. Companies such as BestBuy, Walmart, Zappos (love him) and a few others ..in addition some of the people that I believe influence the world of social media and journalists that I read and pitch regularly.
What I started to love about Twitter is that I felt it brought me closer to the reporters, what do I mean, I started to understand them better. I started to know a little more about them what they were reading, what they wanted to hear about from their voice and not a printed article about a product.
Additionally, what I got from following companies, I learned more about these companies. I follow the CMO of BestBuy, he actually helps customers and the CEO of Zappos asks for opinions on shoes and other things that make the company more successful..
I also follow bloggers, mostly mom bloggers but a few others as well..this has helped me with my own blog and again, I felt like I learned about these individuals which I believe has helped me grown in social networking and in PR as well..
So..if you wonder about using Twitter..do it..but follow those that get it and use it right…
With the holidays approaching and millions of people traveling via plane or car, including myself, I decided to put together a list to make our lives easier for what can definitely be a stress time…
Lets first think about the plane ride, no matter where you are flying, or how short the flight, the airport during the holidays is sure to be a nightmare. Dealing with the crowds and not so happy people can put a damper on any trip.
Not sure how many of you watch John and Kate Plus 8 but I saw an episode where they were suppose to take a 2-3 hour flight but due to issues it turned into an almost 8 hour adventure. I felt so horrible for them…
My goal is to plan ahead so that if I start to go crazy or the kids gets INSANE I am prepared to keep everything under control. Hopefully this happens but the one thing I have learning, sometimes no matter how much you plan…things can still go in the wrong direction..
Below are tips for all types of travel plane, train or automobile..we all need a little help to keep ourselves sane!
1) Planning – a few nights prior to travel, make a list of everything you need so none of the favorite toys or stuffed animal are forgotten. I have learned, if it doesn’t make the list, it doesn’t get packed..
2) Carry-On – waiting for luggage can be unbearable, if you have a family of four, remember you each get a carry on. Compact as much as you can so that no luggage needs to be checked. The worst case, it gets checked at the gate, that is fine because it will be hand delivered to you right AFTER you get off the plane..
3) Security – if you are flying try to make your life easy through security. At all airports you pretty much need to strip down to your skivvies to pass through..so instead of wearing shoes that take forever to get on and off, wear slip-ons or flip-flops..this can cut five minutes off your time in line. Don’t forget your quart sized baggy..if you liquids are packed, they get thrown away and you get pulled aside to be checked..
4) Portable DVD Player – nothing shortens the ride like a movie. My son is hooked on The Bee Movie, we have watched it more than 1k times…so pack your childrens favorite movies and let them watch …this is the great vacation companion no matter if you are driving or flying
5) Crayon/Coloring Books – my kids love to color..so pack a brand new box of crayons and new coloring books. Make it a contest to see who can color the most or the neatest. To keep the fighting to a minimum, buy each child their own box of crayons..
6) Travel Games – Connect Four, Uno, Checkers and many other traditional games have now been turned into ideal travel companions..
7) Books – pack those books and read. If you have a child learning to read, back the stage one books and use the plane ride as a chance to practice. Probably not a good idea if you are driving since reading in a car can cause car sickness and the last thing we want is a child throwing up in a car!
8) Flash Cards – I know doing homework or studying isn’t fun when we are on vacation, but what better way to practice than being stuck in a plane
9) Speaking of Homework - head over to LearningPage.com..great place to print out “homework” sheets for any child of any age..
10) Mad Libs – for older kids, this is a fun/entertaining activity..will definitely kill a few hours
11) Highlights – ok, how many of us remember these magazines from the waiting room at the doctor’s office? They are great, not only do they have some fun stories but there are games and activities for entertainment
12) Hand-Held – play games on a Sony PSP, Nintendo DS and Leapster..there are so many different games for all ages now days, this will definitely keep almost any child entertained
13) Snacks – liquids can’t get through security but food can..pack your child’s favorite snacks..
14) For additional tips..check out Momsminivan.com and Babysaway.com..both sites have great tips for any type of travel..
Hey..in the end..if none of these tips help my plane ride than I will drink and buy everyone around us a round!
The holidays are just around the corner, Ashlee has no school next week, Jack has preschool on Monday and Tuesday but then closed the rest of the week. We are catching a plane to visit Jeff’s sister and her family on Wednesday, I am really not looking forward to dealing with the airport and two kids..
I hope Jack likes the plane, Ashlee is excited..I am polling people for tips to make the flight enjoyable for the two kids..
If you have ideas..send them to me...
Keep watching for an update…
Was on the Mom’s Rising Web site today, they were asking folks to submit stories of why health care is important to you. It really didn’t take me long to think of a story, Jack..having my Jack alive is my story…
On a day that should have been amazing, I thought my world was falling apart. It started out like a typical day expect my five week old son Jack could not sleep and was extremely fussy. Jeff got up early and hung out with him on the couch, during the day we noticed that something seemed off, Jack just wasn’t acting right. We took his temperature under his arm and it only registered to about 99.9 therefore we really didn’t panic, we decided to give him a tiny bit of Baby Tylenol and see how the day played out. Well, as the day went on Jack seemed to get sicker and sicker, finally around 5pm I called the after hour care for his pediatrician.
The nurse on the line had me take his temperature rectally and it registered more than 102. With that reading, the nurse had me take Jack to the emergency room..
The ER took Jack immediately, they took X-rays and at first that Jack had a bowel obstruction and that it had ruptured. The doctors decided to air-lift Jack to Children’s Oakland, to make it easier on my five week year old, Jack was placed into a voluntary coma. That way he could sleep while his body worked to fight the infection.
Jeff and I drove to the hospital not knowing what to expect, we were informed at the hospital prior to leaving that there was a chance my son would not make it. Imagine being told you baby, your five week old baby might not live, it is the worst information a parent can ever receive..
To make a long story short..we got to Children’s Oakland to find out no bowl obstruction, however he was very sick. Jack had caught a virus and would be in the ICU for a few days, I slept at his bedside that night. We were put into the family housing for the time he was in the hospital but I didn’t sleep or each much during that five days…
To help Jack fight the virus/infection he was given a blood transfusion to jump start his immune system. Once he got that and the medication Jack started to get better and after five days we took him home..
Without insurance the amount of money I would have needed to pay would have broken my family. About five months after that incident my oldest Ashlee fell on Jack and broke his arm, again needing to rush him to the hospital.
Without insurance the bills would have been our of control and beyond our financial means..
See Jack go to the bathroom..
See Jack drop his pants to go potty
See Jack pee all over the toilet, walls and floor
See Jack laugh at his mess
See Jack do it all over again ONE HOUR AFTER I CLEANED UP THE FIRST MESS
It is interesting on how I get the question how do I juggle work and family, not only is my life hectic with two little ones (three and six) but I have a nasty commute. On a good day, it typically takes me about an hour to get from home to work, that doesn’t include additional time needed when I either drop or pick up my kids from school/day care. It is hard, especially since my daughter also takes dance class, thank goodness my mom helps or we couldn’t make that happen.
So, how do I juggle it all and not pull my hair out, here are some tips:
1) Planning..my life is about calendars and lists…on Sunday night think about ideas for dinner on Thursday night as well. Can you pre-cook chicken Sunday that can be used in a salad later in the week? What needs to be done for the week? Be realistic but always plan ahead. Every meeting, late night at work is marked on our calendar, that way my husband and I can tag team who picks up and who drops off…
2) Be firm…ultimately my life is about my kids..so when I come home at night I shut off until they go to sleep at night. There is the rare occasion where I might need to check email or do a few things while they are eating dinner, but mostly I am good about shutting off until later in the evening. If my cell rings at 6:30 pm, don’t expect me to answer, I will return the call but not until my kids are safely asleep..
3) Food…yes you want to eat healthy and yes you want your kids to eat healthy but this is still doable by pre-making meals. Such as lunch, don’t wait until the morning to make the school lunches, but them together the night before. I can’t say I do this all the time and when I don’t..my mornings are crazy..
4) Give yourself extra time…I rarely get out of bed later than 6:15 in the morning..this gives me plenty of time to get ready, spend time with the kids without running around like a chicken with my head cut off…and I get out the door on time.
5) Ask for Help…if you need help ask..I can’t do it all..neither can my husband and we rely on each other to make it work but there are times we are in a major pickle and need outside help. We have asked neighbors and family and they have always pitched in..
Trust me, these tidbits are not rocket science but it helps us work and be great parents!
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