I have been reading the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon since April. It seems like a long time, but it is 7 books and each book has about 700-900 pages; so with two kids, a hubby, a house and a life, that's the best I have done. I am more than half way through the final book - I know it doesn't end the way I want it to, but I am anxious to find out how it does end.
This is probably the best series I have read. It would be far too long a description to go over just what the books are about, but you can find out easily on line. There is, however, an element of time travel deeply involved in the books and I have pondered greatly this concept and how I might approach a similar situation.
I know it seems silly, but since beginning these books, they have taken over my thoughts, dreams and contemplations. If I were to travel back in time and knew I would arrive to a fairly specific time, what would I bring on my person? how would I dress? and would I try to disguise any modern day items that may be of use in this place?
I would obviously dress for the time period and wear lots of clothes (like Chandler on the 'Commando' episode of Friends) and maybe some waterproofing as well if I could easily disguise it. I would bring a few weapons appropriate for the time and ones I could hide in or under my clothes (a dagger or two). I would bring as much money as I could hide on my person for the time in my dress hems and secret pockets (common just a couple hundred years ago) and perhaps some valuable gems or something small to trade. Now the interesting part....would I bring some codes history texts, shorthand history cheat sheets and maybe some useful medicine (penicillin or other easily hidden types) and matches? I sure would get every vaccination available then some!
Like I said, I know it is silly, but fun to think about anyway - what do you all think? If you were to undertake such a journey, what would you bring and why?
Any you should check out these books if you have time...they are most likely at your local library (mine were) and they will get your brain moving! Let me know if you ever read any...
Friday, August 6, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Mother Knows Best
I have to say that I have never, ever read a parenting book and I think that it has been a blessing to myself and my kids. I guess I have never thought that I needed one. Some people swear by them....and it is not that I have never had 'problems' or 'concerns' about my children, I have just been able to navigate my way through these trials in another way; mostly by knowing what behavior I expect from my children and staying consistent in reinforcing that behavior. Truthfully, it hasn't been that hard...and if you know my adorable, loving, high-energy son, that's saying a lot.
I have sought advice from my mother-in-law. She provided so much guidance during newborn-hood and baby-hood. Through her knowledge of babies and children (she has 7 of them) I have had two children that slept through the night (at least 6 hours straight and not in my bedroom, thank God) from day 3 or 4 of life, had my babies on a 3 to 4 hour eating/nursing schedule from the day we came home from the hospital and can truthfully say that while my children have expressed their discontent with something, neither one of my kids has EVER had a temper tantrum. I am proud of these things.
Does this make me a good mom? Not by itself, of course, but it does help my sanity to focus on things that DO make me a good mom (like spending time with my kids in a positive and non-stressed way). Does it make me a better mom than others? No. The ways that I operated as a new mom worked for me for all the right reasons, but people that co-sleep with their kids, nurse on demand and turn the other cheek when their kids go off the deep end must find some value in those things or else they wouldn't enable them...I didn't find value in these things. My way was better for me, and it was easy.
So what value do these parenting books have? Well I guess they provide that guidance that is needed; like the help given to me by my mother-in-law. Maybe people think they will solve their parenting problems...although I am not sure they need a book to tell them that. Most people actually know the right thing to do but wont do it because it is too hard. I have to say that my ability to be a stay at home mom has aided in my job to shape my children the way I want to - I am not sure how working moms do it!!!
While I don't have all the answers, I do feel very proficient in my skills as a parent (so far). As my children grow older, I know I will see the world and the situations I find myself in differently and I pray that I will continue to have the positive resources I have now and also the strength of character to do what is right and not what is easy.
I have sought advice from my mother-in-law. She provided so much guidance during newborn-hood and baby-hood. Through her knowledge of babies and children (she has 7 of them) I have had two children that slept through the night (at least 6 hours straight and not in my bedroom, thank God) from day 3 or 4 of life, had my babies on a 3 to 4 hour eating/nursing schedule from the day we came home from the hospital and can truthfully say that while my children have expressed their discontent with something, neither one of my kids has EVER had a temper tantrum. I am proud of these things.
Does this make me a good mom? Not by itself, of course, but it does help my sanity to focus on things that DO make me a good mom (like spending time with my kids in a positive and non-stressed way). Does it make me a better mom than others? No. The ways that I operated as a new mom worked for me for all the right reasons, but people that co-sleep with their kids, nurse on demand and turn the other cheek when their kids go off the deep end must find some value in those things or else they wouldn't enable them...I didn't find value in these things. My way was better for me, and it was easy.
So what value do these parenting books have? Well I guess they provide that guidance that is needed; like the help given to me by my mother-in-law. Maybe people think they will solve their parenting problems...although I am not sure they need a book to tell them that. Most people actually know the right thing to do but wont do it because it is too hard. I have to say that my ability to be a stay at home mom has aided in my job to shape my children the way I want to - I am not sure how working moms do it!!!
While I don't have all the answers, I do feel very proficient in my skills as a parent (so far). As my children grow older, I know I will see the world and the situations I find myself in differently and I pray that I will continue to have the positive resources I have now and also the strength of character to do what is right and not what is easy.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Spying in America and Old Parents
Why is this new Russian Spy ring such news? Do people really think that because the Cold War is over, countries don't spy on each other anymore? I have news for those folks...Russia spys, Israel spys, France spys and the US is probably one of the biggest contributors in international and national spies....hello?
We are not just talking about military/intelligence spies; industrial espionage is huge, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and engineering secrets that are held by many countries. Spying isn't just done by governments either; corporations, schools and regular people who spy on the Internet are all around us. This shouldn't surprise people and if it does, you should really spend some time learning about what makes this world tick.
On another note, what is up with a 71 year old woman have a baby? On the news this morning, there was a story about woman older and older who are having babies....66 years old, 68 years old having triplets...what is wrong with people? Man, it takes so much to raise children; it is not just about HAVING the baby! The Indian doctor highlighted on the news story commented that what happens to these children when their parents die when these children are just toddlers was not his concern.....is he kidding? In my opinion, this should be the biggest concern!
A grown woman can make a decision herself about whether she wants to have a baby, right or wrong ethically. However, these children that are brought onto this earth by 60 year old parents are the ones who suffer and they don't get a choice. Pregnancy is tough on the body - add to that old people problems like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and fragile bones....(this is an example of some common geriatric issues). What is truly the motivation behind this ludicrous behavior?
I realize this is tough - some would say 50 years old is the top age to ethically have children (so that you can hopefully survive to see your child reach adulthood) and some would argue that children should be had as long as God is blessing them with children...however it should be noted that none of the people focused on for this news piece conceived 'naturally' but instead underwent IVF treatments - therefore at this age, their body would not have produced a baby without help. (Let me close this by saying that I think the advancements in science to help people have babies is a wonderful thing so this had nothing to do with IVF, but rather the unethical decision making that goes into allowing these old woman to have babies)
Anyway - what do you think?
We are not just talking about military/intelligence spies; industrial espionage is huge, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and engineering secrets that are held by many countries. Spying isn't just done by governments either; corporations, schools and regular people who spy on the Internet are all around us. This shouldn't surprise people and if it does, you should really spend some time learning about what makes this world tick.
On another note, what is up with a 71 year old woman have a baby? On the news this morning, there was a story about woman older and older who are having babies....66 years old, 68 years old having triplets...what is wrong with people? Man, it takes so much to raise children; it is not just about HAVING the baby! The Indian doctor highlighted on the news story commented that what happens to these children when their parents die when these children are just toddlers was not his concern.....is he kidding? In my opinion, this should be the biggest concern!
A grown woman can make a decision herself about whether she wants to have a baby, right or wrong ethically. However, these children that are brought onto this earth by 60 year old parents are the ones who suffer and they don't get a choice. Pregnancy is tough on the body - add to that old people problems like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and fragile bones....(this is an example of some common geriatric issues). What is truly the motivation behind this ludicrous behavior?
I realize this is tough - some would say 50 years old is the top age to ethically have children (so that you can hopefully survive to see your child reach adulthood) and some would argue that children should be had as long as God is blessing them with children...however it should be noted that none of the people focused on for this news piece conceived 'naturally' but instead underwent IVF treatments - therefore at this age, their body would not have produced a baby without help. (Let me close this by saying that I think the advancements in science to help people have babies is a wonderful thing so this had nothing to do with IVF, but rather the unethical decision making that goes into allowing these old woman to have babies)
Anyway - what do you think?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Well - I am going to dive right in.....
Why on Earth are convicted or admitted murderers wearing Kevlar in transport? Do I care if they get shot and killed on their way to their new, posh living quarters while millions of Americans (and other members of this world) suffer on the streets, are unable to pay their bills, and their children starve? NO!
Am I being too insensitive here? I mean, how many rapists, murderers, drug dealers and child predators do we need to keep trying to rehabilitate and provide a warm (albeit not cozy) bed, three square meals, TVs, recreational time and the potential to get a college education? Seriously - and don't throw the book at them unless it is covered in poison dipped spikes and guaranteed to cause a slow and painful death! Now you know how I really feel and I see my political career washed away....;)
Of course this is very blunt, but I am so tired of hearing about some sexual predator being released and not being properly monitored and he (usually a man but I am not ignorant of the fact that woman can be just as sexually deviant) goes out and does the same thing again. That enrages me beyond expression.
So let me also note that I am aware of the power of forgiveness. I have forgiven the person who wronged me and that hasn't come easy and I am not sure if there is some dichotomy here in all this, but I propose that if our penal system were more like some of the other harsher ones in the world (I am thinking Hammurabi's Code glistening Middle Eastern nations) that maybe criminals would think twice before acting...maybe not if they are genetically predisposed or environmentally programmed to be axe murderers and rapists (what a cowardly way to not take responsibility for you actions), but that is a whole other topic that I may get to someday.
Where it stands right now, this is my opinion. I have known people in prison, people who have been innocent and acquitted of serious crimes, and have been a victim of a crime myself...I have never been the parent of a criminal offender and I pray I never will be. Time and experience alters views. Right now, this is mine.
On a lighter and more amusing note, my bikini wax is done and all I can say is OH MY GOODNESS! I am not sure I am woman enough to have it done again, but I am trying to stay open to the idea. So far I am pleased with the outcome, so we'll see how long it lasts and whether or not I can sum up the courage to do it again!
Why on Earth are convicted or admitted murderers wearing Kevlar in transport? Do I care if they get shot and killed on their way to their new, posh living quarters while millions of Americans (and other members of this world) suffer on the streets, are unable to pay their bills, and their children starve? NO!
Am I being too insensitive here? I mean, how many rapists, murderers, drug dealers and child predators do we need to keep trying to rehabilitate and provide a warm (albeit not cozy) bed, three square meals, TVs, recreational time and the potential to get a college education? Seriously - and don't throw the book at them unless it is covered in poison dipped spikes and guaranteed to cause a slow and painful death! Now you know how I really feel and I see my political career washed away....;)
Of course this is very blunt, but I am so tired of hearing about some sexual predator being released and not being properly monitored and he (usually a man but I am not ignorant of the fact that woman can be just as sexually deviant) goes out and does the same thing again. That enrages me beyond expression.
So let me also note that I am aware of the power of forgiveness. I have forgiven the person who wronged me and that hasn't come easy and I am not sure if there is some dichotomy here in all this, but I propose that if our penal system were more like some of the other harsher ones in the world (I am thinking Hammurabi's Code glistening Middle Eastern nations) that maybe criminals would think twice before acting...maybe not if they are genetically predisposed or environmentally programmed to be axe murderers and rapists (what a cowardly way to not take responsibility for you actions), but that is a whole other topic that I may get to someday.
Where it stands right now, this is my opinion. I have known people in prison, people who have been innocent and acquitted of serious crimes, and have been a victim of a crime myself...I have never been the parent of a criminal offender and I pray I never will be. Time and experience alters views. Right now, this is mine.
On a lighter and more amusing note, my bikini wax is done and all I can say is OH MY GOODNESS! I am not sure I am woman enough to have it done again, but I am trying to stay open to the idea. So far I am pleased with the outcome, so we'll see how long it lasts and whether or not I can sum up the courage to do it again!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Where do I begin?
Well I feel compelled to write...but nothing is really calling my name...
Tomorrow I am going for my first bikini wax. I hope that is not TMI - I had a dream about it last night and needless to say, my subconscious must be concerned. My neighbor recommended this place so we'll see how it goes.
What is this obsession we women have with removing hair. Well, I guess the alternative grosses me out a bit, but I just can't bring myself to shave my forearms...I mean, are some women that hairy that they have to shave their forearms? I am sure someone will enlighten me.
I love Ice Road Truckers...and Deadliest Catch. If that makes me a red-neck, I am ok with that. But I don't watch NASCAR. Anyway...
Well, I hope to have something more spectacular to say tomorrow - maybe something will really get my goose; I have a few things running around in my brain, mainly some parenting stuff. Maybe I will start there tomorrow. And I'll report discretely about my first bikini wax experience.
Good night.
Tomorrow I am going for my first bikini wax. I hope that is not TMI - I had a dream about it last night and needless to say, my subconscious must be concerned. My neighbor recommended this place so we'll see how it goes.
What is this obsession we women have with removing hair. Well, I guess the alternative grosses me out a bit, but I just can't bring myself to shave my forearms...I mean, are some women that hairy that they have to shave their forearms? I am sure someone will enlighten me.
I love Ice Road Truckers...and Deadliest Catch. If that makes me a red-neck, I am ok with that. But I don't watch NASCAR. Anyway...
Well, I hope to have something more spectacular to say tomorrow - maybe something will really get my goose; I have a few things running around in my brain, mainly some parenting stuff. Maybe I will start there tomorrow. And I'll report discretely about my first bikini wax experience.
Good night.
WARNING:
This blog (as many other blogs) is meant to be a personal expression of joy, confusion, anger, dismay and a range of other emotions that may not be easy to explain in personal contact. This blog is not meant to offend, create enemies or otherwise cause mayhem.
In a world of political correctness, blogs are used to spew socially unacceptable information to the masses. I vow that my blog will not use foul or crude language, racial or religious slurs or any political messages that are inappropriate (meaning I reserve the right to vent about my political ideals, but will do so in a respectful manner). I would appreciate it if those that seek to respond to any of my posts respect the same criteria.
I vow to hopefully provide an outlet for those things that make you go hmmm......
I will often refer to people I know, but I will change their names, places of residence and any other personal information to protect their privacy and hopefully our friendship. If you are easily offended, paranoid (thinking I will always be talking about you) or otherwise think you are perfect, DO NOT READ MY BLOG. Since I am the author, I am the only perfect one featured here ;)
Seriously, though - I hope this blog provides a laugh for some, contemplation for others and inspires you to live with zeal.
In a world of political correctness, blogs are used to spew socially unacceptable information to the masses. I vow that my blog will not use foul or crude language, racial or religious slurs or any political messages that are inappropriate (meaning I reserve the right to vent about my political ideals, but will do so in a respectful manner). I would appreciate it if those that seek to respond to any of my posts respect the same criteria.
I vow to hopefully provide an outlet for those things that make you go hmmm......
I will often refer to people I know, but I will change their names, places of residence and any other personal information to protect their privacy and hopefully our friendship. If you are easily offended, paranoid (thinking I will always be talking about you) or otherwise think you are perfect, DO NOT READ MY BLOG. Since I am the author, I am the only perfect one featured here ;)
Seriously, though - I hope this blog provides a laugh for some, contemplation for others and inspires you to live with zeal.
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