In case you've somehow missed it. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the summer! The big question now is: IMAX or 3D? Or 3D IMAX? Decisions, decisions.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
See These Bags?
These are the signs that I have a toddler. A toddler who decided last night, after nearly 23 months, that rain and thunder were scary. The fact that I can't move my shoulder this morning? Proof that I spent many hours sleeping on the floor next to his crib with my hand on his head (we couldn't both fit very well in the crib and he wouldn't sleep on the floor with me).
Nothing like a shrieking chorus of "rannin! rannin! thunner! thunner!" to wake you from a peaceful slumber just after midnight. Even worse when you look at the clock and realize you have fewer than five hours of sleep left.
Caffeine drip, please. At least the Yankees won last night.
Nothing like a shrieking chorus of "rannin! rannin! thunner! thunner!" to wake you from a peaceful slumber just after midnight. Even worse when you look at the clock and realize you have fewer than five hours of sleep left.
Caffeine drip, please. At least the Yankees won last night.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday Fragments
Went for the zoo last night for a wine tasting party. It was the best evening out I've had in a looooong time. Yay for good wine, good food, and good friends!
After the wine tasting we visited our old college bar for a beer. It was fun to sit out on the deck again, reminiscing about how awesome it was to be in college and comparing crappy-apartment stories.
I think that as we get older we underestimate the importance of having close girlfriends. Especially close girlfriends who have kids, and bonus if the husbands get along well, too.
As much as I'd like to move far, far away some day, I like that we have such a great network of friends and that Charlie plays so well with their kids. To this day I'm friends with people I've known since I was a baby, and it's kind of fun to think about whether that could be the case with Charlie, too. We joke about it, but how funny would it be if he's already met his future prom date? She's a very cute little blonde girl :)
We started watching the Harry Potter movies again. We just finished Order of the Phoenix the other night. I can't believe I have to wait until November to see the first part of Deathly Hallows! I can't handle the anticipation. I'm not a very patient person.
We found season 3 of the X-Files on ebay super cheap, so that will have to hold me over.
Baby shower for one of my oldest friends tomorrow! I'm on the Party Planning Committee and it's going to be lots of fun.
Off to Dunkin and then to work! YAY FRIDAY!!
Office quote of the week
This is way back from the season 1 episode about Health Care. Thought it was fitting, given my new job and all, which I am still incredibly excited about :)
"In the wild, there is no healthcare. In the wild healthcare is 'Ow, I hurt my leg. I can't run. A lion eats me, and I'm dead.' Well, I'm not dead. I'm the lion. You're dead."
After the wine tasting we visited our old college bar for a beer. It was fun to sit out on the deck again, reminiscing about how awesome it was to be in college and comparing crappy-apartment stories.
I think that as we get older we underestimate the importance of having close girlfriends. Especially close girlfriends who have kids, and bonus if the husbands get along well, too.
As much as I'd like to move far, far away some day, I like that we have such a great network of friends and that Charlie plays so well with their kids. To this day I'm friends with people I've known since I was a baby, and it's kind of fun to think about whether that could be the case with Charlie, too. We joke about it, but how funny would it be if he's already met his future prom date? She's a very cute little blonde girl :)
We started watching the Harry Potter movies again. We just finished Order of the Phoenix the other night. I can't believe I have to wait until November to see the first part of Deathly Hallows! I can't handle the anticipation. I'm not a very patient person.
We found season 3 of the X-Files on ebay super cheap, so that will have to hold me over.
Baby shower for one of my oldest friends tomorrow! I'm on the Party Planning Committee and it's going to be lots of fun.
Off to Dunkin and then to work! YAY FRIDAY!!
Office quote of the week
This is way back from the season 1 episode about Health Care. Thought it was fitting, given my new job and all, which I am still incredibly excited about :)
"In the wild, there is no healthcare. In the wild healthcare is 'Ow, I hurt my leg. I can't run. A lion eats me, and I'm dead.' Well, I'm not dead. I'm the lion. You're dead."
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
It's Not OK
I've written about weight and body issues before, and it's somewhat of an ongoing issue for me. A recent comment on a mommy message board I frequent regarding the silliness of people complaining about gaining weight while pregnant really bothered me and I wanted to make some thoughts clear on the subject.
It is NEVER ok to say that someone has no right to complain about feeling fat, no matter how skinny they are or how stupid you think they are for complaining about it. While it's true that when I got pregnant I probably weighed less than a large percentage of the population, that doesn't mean that adding on those extra 25-30 pounds didn't have a psychological effect on me. It's an emotional enough time with the hormonal changes, and the physical changes are just the icing on the cake. I think that anyone, regardless of starting weight, is prone to a little bit of mental distress when the numbers start flipping past you. If someone had told me to my face that I had no room to complain about feeling fat and blobby because I just wasn't "that big" I would have shoved my foot up their ass.
Even when it comes to non-pregnant women, it's not your business to tell someone that they aren't allowed to feel fat because they don't meet your definition of the word. We all have our struggles, and you don't know where that person has been - maybe they've struggled with maintaining a healthy weight, maybe they've lost a ton of weight and are afraid of gaining it back, maybe they've managed eating disorders or body image issues and are struggling to find a good place. Or maybe they're just feeling bloated and crappy for some other random reason, like the arrival of their monthly visitor. Either way, no one has the right to invalidate someone's feelings like that. The way we feel about ourselves isn't always rational, and it isn't fair to act as if it is.
It is NEVER ok to say that someone has no right to complain about feeling fat, no matter how skinny they are or how stupid you think they are for complaining about it. While it's true that when I got pregnant I probably weighed less than a large percentage of the population, that doesn't mean that adding on those extra 25-30 pounds didn't have a psychological effect on me. It's an emotional enough time with the hormonal changes, and the physical changes are just the icing on the cake. I think that anyone, regardless of starting weight, is prone to a little bit of mental distress when the numbers start flipping past you. If someone had told me to my face that I had no room to complain about feeling fat and blobby because I just wasn't "that big" I would have shoved my foot up their ass.
Even when it comes to non-pregnant women, it's not your business to tell someone that they aren't allowed to feel fat because they don't meet your definition of the word. We all have our struggles, and you don't know where that person has been - maybe they've struggled with maintaining a healthy weight, maybe they've lost a ton of weight and are afraid of gaining it back, maybe they've managed eating disorders or body image issues and are struggling to find a good place. Or maybe they're just feeling bloated and crappy for some other random reason, like the arrival of their monthly visitor. Either way, no one has the right to invalidate someone's feelings like that. The way we feel about ourselves isn't always rational, and it isn't fair to act as if it is.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Sometimes I Feel Old
My baby sister called last week to tell me that she got engaged! She had to turn away from the phone for a second and I heard her ordering two glasses of champagne. It sounds silly, but that's just such an "adult thing" to do. She just turned 25 on Sunday, and I can't believe how grown up she is. In addition to that, my 16-year-old cousin just got her driver's license. I remember when she was born! It feels like so long ago.
Then of course I heard this song that always makes me all teary, that "I Can Tell that We Are Gonna Be Friends" song, and I started thinking about how Charlie is going to be TWO in a few weeks, and OMFG where did the time go?
Sometimes I can't believe that I'm actually a functioning adult member of society. I remember looking at my parents when they were my age and thinking that they were so old and so grown up. I guess now I know that they really had no idea what they were doing, because none of us really do. I don't feel like I should be an adult, sometimes I feel like I'm just bumbling along pretending to be one. I get dressed in adult clothes and go to an adult job and do adult things like pay bills and own a home. But maybe that's how a lot of people feel?
It's just funny how when you're little you spend so much time wishing that you were older, and once you're older you just want time to slow down. I guess it was just one of those days, when the speed of time and your own mortality are just too much to contemplate.
Then of course I heard this song that always makes me all teary, that "I Can Tell that We Are Gonna Be Friends" song, and I started thinking about how Charlie is going to be TWO in a few weeks, and OMFG where did the time go?
Sometimes I can't believe that I'm actually a functioning adult member of society. I remember looking at my parents when they were my age and thinking that they were so old and so grown up. I guess now I know that they really had no idea what they were doing, because none of us really do. I don't feel like I should be an adult, sometimes I feel like I'm just bumbling along pretending to be one. I get dressed in adult clothes and go to an adult job and do adult things like pay bills and own a home. But maybe that's how a lot of people feel?
It's just funny how when you're little you spend so much time wishing that you were older, and once you're older you just want time to slow down. I guess it was just one of those days, when the speed of time and your own mortality are just too much to contemplate.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Toddler Bed
Charlie had a successful move into his toddler bed last week! Two weekends ago I went in to find him straddling the crib rail, so it was definitely time to move on. It's been just over a full week now and he's doing great. I only found him on the floor once.
I love how he tapped his Yankee sign before he got into bed, the same way that Jeter taps the Joe DiMaggio sign in the tunnel at Yankee Stadium every time he takes the field. Can't you just see the resemblance?
I have a super cute toddler.
I love how he tapped his Yankee sign before he got into bed, the same way that Jeter taps the Joe DiMaggio sign in the tunnel at Yankee Stadium every time he takes the field. Can't you just see the resemblance?
I have a super cute toddler.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Bye Bye Big Butter Jesus
I don't even know where to go with this one! For those of you not familiar with this Cincinnati landmark, a church up the road put up a massive, 60 foot statue of jesus a few years back. Since it's unveiling, parody songs and blogs have sprung up everywhere and people come from all over the country to gawk at Big Butter, or Touchdown, Jesus. True story! When my sister brought her friends to visit from NYC, BBJ was one of the highlights of their trip. People posed in front of it, photoshopped accessories onto it, and came together over the hilarity of it all.
Alas, Jeeebus is no more. It was struck by lighting during a storm last night. An act of god. If there is a god, apparently she thought it was an ugly statue, too. All that remains is a Terminator-like skeleton.
How creepy is that? And so, in tribute to the Jeeebus that once towered over Interstate 75, leaving people wondering WTF is wrong with Cincinnatians, I leave you with one last chorus of Big Butter Jesus. Take it away.
Alas, Jeeebus is no more. It was struck by lighting during a storm last night. An act of god. If there is a god, apparently she thought it was an ugly statue, too. All that remains is a Terminator-like skeleton.
How creepy is that? And so, in tribute to the Jeeebus that once towered over Interstate 75, leaving people wondering WTF is wrong with Cincinnatians, I leave you with one last chorus of Big Butter Jesus. Take it away.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Recipe - Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
Technically this recipe is for chicken or steak fajitas, but sometimes I get lazy and don't feel like rolling out a hundred eight round taco shells, so I make four giant ones and call them quesedillas, instead. Charlie ripped off this fajita spice rub from Steven Raichlen a few years back. While his grilling phase is mostly over at this point, he still mixes up a big jar of this one every so often. We also make our shells from scratch, and this is the recipe that we settled on after quite a few iterations. I can't remember where it came from, but it's written on a 1" x 2" scrap of paper that's paper clipped into my recipe book.
Dry Fajita Rub
1/4 cup paprika
3 tablespoons coarse salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried coriander
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork. Transfer to a jar, cover, and store away from heat and light. The rub will keep for several months. Makes 1 cup.
To make this into a wet rub, add 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and 3 tablespoons olive oil to the rub and stir to make a thick paste. Spread this mixture on the meat and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour before grilling (note: we didn't grill the chicken, just cooked it up in a cast-iron skillet. And by "we," I mean "Charlie").
Taco/Fajita/Quesedilla Shells
2 cups AP flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vegetable oil (I've also used olive oil)
3/4 cups warm milk
Mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, and rest 20 minutes. This dough is pretty sticky, so you're going to need a lot of flour when you roll them out. One batch will make 8 taco shells or 4 quesedilla shells. Divide dough and roll into flat circles. Cook on a skillet for 30ish seconds on each side.
When we make quesedillas we fill them with the chicken, green peppers, onions, roasted jalapenos, and cheddar and queso cheese. Not swiss. Never swiss cheese. Fill the shells and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melty.
Dry Fajita Rub
1/4 cup paprika
3 tablespoons coarse salt
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried coriander
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix with a fork. Transfer to a jar, cover, and store away from heat and light. The rub will keep for several months. Makes 1 cup.
To make this into a wet rub, add 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and 3 tablespoons olive oil to the rub and stir to make a thick paste. Spread this mixture on the meat and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour before grilling (note: we didn't grill the chicken, just cooked it up in a cast-iron skillet. And by "we," I mean "Charlie").
Taco/Fajita/Quesedilla Shells
2 cups AP flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vegetable oil (I've also used olive oil)
3/4 cups warm milk
Mix the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients, and rest 20 minutes. This dough is pretty sticky, so you're going to need a lot of flour when you roll them out. One batch will make 8 taco shells or 4 quesedilla shells. Divide dough and roll into flat circles. Cook on a skillet for 30ish seconds on each side.
When we make quesedillas we fill them with the chicken, green peppers, onions, roasted jalapenos, and cheddar and queso cheese. Not swiss. Never swiss cheese. Fill the shells and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melty.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Friday Fragments
Friday Fragments is brought to you by Mrs4444! You can visit her blog here.
I'm finally in my new office this week. My job so far has been awesome, awesome, awesome. It's so great to be working on something that I actually care about.
I'm thinking that I might want to go back into teaching again next fall. I'm really starting to miss it. I'm going to ask for one class a quarter at the community college branch and I'd like to propose a class on sociology and health. That or teach Sociology of the Family again. Either way. The sociological part of my brain is still just so amazed at the vintage sexist ads I posted the other day. If you didn't get a chance to see it, go there now. It will make you so happy that you're not stuck in that generation.
Speaking of stereotyping female behavior, last night I was cleaning up the kitchen and Charlie was playing with some spoons. Suddenly things got quiet. You know, that toddler quiet when you just know that nothing good is going on? Well, I turned around to find him drinking water out of the cat bowl. With a spoon. At least he uses a utensil, right? Ew.
Charlie said his first full sentence the other day. "Big truck says 'honk.'" He's talking up a storm these days, unless someone is on the phone wanting to hear it.
Ben & Jerry's have a new flavor called Bonnaroo Buzz. It sounds absofreakinglutely amazing, but it's another one of those "Scoop Shop Only" flavors. Why do all of the good ones have to be 60+ miles away?
Still no pull-ups. They look deceptively easy. I went down to the basement the other day and really thought I would be able to do one. Not so much. Maybe soon, I feel like I'm getting closer.
I have become re-addicted to reruns of The Office. Our local rerun channel just started over at the pilot episode last week. I forgot how awesome those early episodes were and how cheesy the Michael Scott character started out, with the slicked back hair and everything.
One of my favorite quotes from the pilot episode was courtesy of Michael Scott.
People I respect... heroes of mine would be, Bob Hope. Umm, Abraham Lincoln definitely. Bono... and probably God would be the fourth one. And I just think, all those people helped, the world in so many ways that it's umm really beyond words. It's incalcucable.
Oh, and I had somehow forgotten what a hottie Jim was in the early episodes! Not that he's still pretty awesome, but something about younger Jim.... Sigh.
I'm finally in my new office this week. My job so far has been awesome, awesome, awesome. It's so great to be working on something that I actually care about.
I'm thinking that I might want to go back into teaching again next fall. I'm really starting to miss it. I'm going to ask for one class a quarter at the community college branch and I'd like to propose a class on sociology and health. That or teach Sociology of the Family again. Either way. The sociological part of my brain is still just so amazed at the vintage sexist ads I posted the other day. If you didn't get a chance to see it, go there now. It will make you so happy that you're not stuck in that generation.
Speaking of stereotyping female behavior, last night I was cleaning up the kitchen and Charlie was playing with some spoons. Suddenly things got quiet. You know, that toddler quiet when you just know that nothing good is going on? Well, I turned around to find him drinking water out of the cat bowl. With a spoon. At least he uses a utensil, right? Ew.
Charlie said his first full sentence the other day. "Big truck says 'honk.'" He's talking up a storm these days, unless someone is on the phone wanting to hear it.
Ben & Jerry's have a new flavor called Bonnaroo Buzz. It sounds absofreakinglutely amazing, but it's another one of those "Scoop Shop Only" flavors. Why do all of the good ones have to be 60+ miles away?
Still no pull-ups. They look deceptively easy. I went down to the basement the other day and really thought I would be able to do one. Not so much. Maybe soon, I feel like I'm getting closer.
I have become re-addicted to reruns of The Office. Our local rerun channel just started over at the pilot episode last week. I forgot how awesome those early episodes were and how cheesy the Michael Scott character started out, with the slicked back hair and everything.
One of my favorite quotes from the pilot episode was courtesy of Michael Scott.
People I respect... heroes of mine would be, Bob Hope. Umm, Abraham Lincoln definitely. Bono... and probably God would be the fourth one. And I just think, all those people helped, the world in so many ways that it's umm really beyond words. It's incalcucable.
Oh, and I had somehow forgotten what a hottie Jim was in the early episodes! Not that he's still pretty awesome, but something about younger Jim.... Sigh.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Another One for the Archives - Ben & Jerry's Creme Brulee
First of all, where has this dessert been all my life? I guess I've never gravitated toward creme brulee as a dessert option because I've always been much more of a chocolate girl. I tend to choose the most chocolate-filled selection when we're out at a fancy restaurant and ordering dessert. The Pam Sturkey chocolate cheesecake, the Boca chocolate torte, and the dark chocolate and raspberry Melting Pot fondue come to mind, and suddenly I'm drooling at my desk (Incidentally, the fall meal we enjoyed at Boca still remains the best meal I've ever had in my entire life). Last time we went to Boca Charlie ordered the Creme Brulee, while I stuck with my chocolate standby. I had a bite of his dessert and it was all over. Not to worry, the chocolate torte didn't go to waste - it came home with me and served as a lovely breakfast.
Anyway, on to the ice cream.
Sweet Custard Ice Cream with a Caramelized Sugar Swirl: This flavor captures a true "crème brûlée" experience with a custard ice cream recipe & a crunchy caramelized sugar swirl.
I first noticed this flavor a few weeks ago at Whole Foods. I let a few weeks go by before I picked up a pint. You know, P90X and all. It waited patiently in my freezer for a break in my diet. When I finally broke the seal, I was in heaven. Be forewarned: this isn't like the mainstream Ben & Jerry's flavors. There are no chunks to dig out, no hidden nuggets (like Heath bars or cookie dough or fudge chunks) to ferret around for, no mash-up of flavors. That doesn't mean it's boring, though. The caramelized sugar added a pleasant crunch to the custard ice cream. This might be the creamiest Ben & Jerry's flavor I've ever tried. It's rich and flavorful and pretty much everything that an ice cream marketing itself as "Creme Brulee" should be. Even if you're not a fan of the dessert itself, you should try this ice cream. It's pretty much all I can think about while I'm sitting here eating my salad for lunch.
Anyway, on to the ice cream.
Sweet Custard Ice Cream with a Caramelized Sugar Swirl: This flavor captures a true "crème brûlée" experience with a custard ice cream recipe & a crunchy caramelized sugar swirl.
I first noticed this flavor a few weeks ago at Whole Foods. I let a few weeks go by before I picked up a pint. You know, P90X and all. It waited patiently in my freezer for a break in my diet. When I finally broke the seal, I was in heaven. Be forewarned: this isn't like the mainstream Ben & Jerry's flavors. There are no chunks to dig out, no hidden nuggets (like Heath bars or cookie dough or fudge chunks) to ferret around for, no mash-up of flavors. That doesn't mean it's boring, though. The caramelized sugar added a pleasant crunch to the custard ice cream. This might be the creamiest Ben & Jerry's flavor I've ever tried. It's rich and flavorful and pretty much everything that an ice cream marketing itself as "Creme Brulee" should be. Even if you're not a fan of the dessert itself, you should try this ice cream. It's pretty much all I can think about while I'm sitting here eating my salad for lunch.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
P90X 90 Day Pictures!
The much-anticipated 90 day pictures are here! Like the 60 day pictures, I took them in the evening, but I think the pooch was minimized. I'm very happy with my results. Big thanks to Coach Lynn! Visit her blog for all of your health and fitness needs. She's pretty awesome when it comes to all things exercise-related and has been around the blocks of many fitness programs. I owe it all to her :)
(again, you can click on the pictures to enlarge them. this time you'll be amazed by my awesome farmer's tan rather than blinded by total whiteness.)
We started round 2 on Sunday because we'recrazy ready for more. I wish that I had seen more results in my "buttal area," but I think that might be partly due to the fact that we did the Lean version the first time around. This time we're going with the Classic, interspersed with P90X+ DVDs. Can't wait!
(again, you can click on the pictures to enlarge them. this time you'll be amazed by my awesome farmer's tan rather than blinded by total whiteness.)
We started round 2 on Sunday because we're
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
25 Horribly Sexist Vintage Ads
This is a few weeks old by now, but better late then never. Trust me when I say that. It's been sitting in a Firefox tab since May 27th, taunting me because I haven't had a chance to read it.
I'm glad that (for the most part) society no longer views women and mothers like this. Of course there are the sexist exceptions to every rule, and even women who wish that the old bullshit was still status quo, but we've come a long way and I'm thankful that feminism has given us the opportunity to choose our own paths.
25 Horribly Sexist Vintage Ads (via ICanHasInternets)
Click through to see the whole list, but first allow me to share my particular favorites.
Oh, you mean THAT'S why I don't thrive on cooking, cleaning, and dusting? Because I grew up on Lucky Charms and Trix? I'd rather drink my medicine, thank you very much.
Vodka does many things, but helping me cook and clean better isn't one of them. I speak from experience. I may have once cooked a frozen pizza and forgotten to take the cardboard circle off before I put it in the oven.
How do you like your eggs in the morning? Fertilized AND over-easy? In case you can't read the text on this one, it's an advertisement for a medication to relieve morning sickness in pregnant women. Because being pukey and hormonal and carrying your freaking child isn't a good enough excuse for not having the bacon and eggs ready.
Um, do you have any idea what I would do if I woke up on christmas morning to find a freaking VACUUM under my tree? Balls would be the first things to get sucked up, and I don't mean the kind that hang on the tree.
Go check out the rest of them, and marvel in the discovery of a use for Lysol that will make you shudder. I'll never look at it the same way again.
I'm glad that (for the most part) society no longer views women and mothers like this. Of course there are the sexist exceptions to every rule, and even women who wish that the old bullshit was still status quo, but we've come a long way and I'm thankful that feminism has given us the opportunity to choose our own paths.
25 Horribly Sexist Vintage Ads (via ICanHasInternets)
Click through to see the whole list, but first allow me to share my particular favorites.
Oh, you mean THAT'S why I don't thrive on cooking, cleaning, and dusting? Because I grew up on Lucky Charms and Trix? I'd rather drink my medicine, thank you very much.
Vodka does many things, but helping me cook and clean better isn't one of them. I speak from experience. I may have once cooked a frozen pizza and forgotten to take the cardboard circle off before I put it in the oven.
How do you like your eggs in the morning? Fertilized AND over-easy? In case you can't read the text on this one, it's an advertisement for a medication to relieve morning sickness in pregnant women. Because being pukey and hormonal and carrying your freaking child isn't a good enough excuse for not having the bacon and eggs ready.
Um, do you have any idea what I would do if I woke up on christmas morning to find a freaking VACUUM under my tree? Balls would be the first things to get sucked up, and I don't mean the kind that hang on the tree.
Go check out the rest of them, and marvel in the discovery of a use for Lysol that will make you shudder. I'll never look at it the same way again.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Toddler Boredom? There’s an App for That
If you’re a mom (or a dad) then you’ve probably found yourself in the unenviable position of having a bored toddler in an inconvenient place. I’m talking about long road trips with no end in sight, grocery shopping, or the black hole that is the pediatrician’s exam room once you’ve been called back and away from the toys.
What is a mom to do when her toddler is losing their mind with boredom?
There’s an app for that!
My Droid just continues to ooze awesomeness. I discovered the wonder of Toddler-Friendly Apps. It all started before last week’s road trip when I went searching for a Yo Gabba Gabba app that included the Party in My Tummy song. I just can’t get enough. From there, I decided to see if there were other Apps that might help to keep Charlie occupied.
I came across a few gems and thought I’d share them with you for the next time you find yourself with a toddler who is pulling out every tissue from the box in the exam room because nothing you offer as a distraction is good enough. And then you’re forced to hide the now-overstuffed tissue box in a weird place, like behind the brochures on puberty and bed-wetting, and then forget to take it back out before you leave the office and remember it later after you’ve gotten back home. Not that I’ve ever done that, or anything.
So, on to the apps. All of these are free, as I’m too cheap to pay for something like this.
Charlie’s absolute favorite is an app called Touch!4Kids. It’s actually a timed game – it plays (mildly annoying) music and then pictures of animals fly across the screen and you have to point at them to make them disappear. There’s a toddler mode that removes the timer so there’s no way you can lose. This is the one that Charlie asks for the most - he'll bring me the phone and say "animals, please!" It’s wildly addicting, as I discovered firsthand.
Five Pumpkins has a series of flashcard apps that include images and sound. I downloaded the numbers, letters, shapes, and things-that-go versions, but there are a few others available, too. These are good because they have an educational component and I don’t feel guilty about letting him rot his brain. He really likes the “things-that-go” version because he’s into cars and planes right now.
Charlie likes the animal apps, but I like Toddler Lock, mostly because it actually locks the phone, you have to press the corners in a clockwise pattern to unlock it. No danger of him placing a random call to my co-workers or sending jibberish emails to my entire department. It's kind of like a magna doodle that lets them draw with their fingers, and then depending on where you touch the screen shapes appear. Charlie likes this one, too, because he likes to name the shapes.
So there you have it. Another miracle brought to you by modern technology. Much better than a few pieces of string and some rocks.
What is a mom to do when her toddler is losing their mind with boredom?
There’s an app for that!
My Droid just continues to ooze awesomeness. I discovered the wonder of Toddler-Friendly Apps. It all started before last week’s road trip when I went searching for a Yo Gabba Gabba app that included the Party in My Tummy song. I just can’t get enough. From there, I decided to see if there were other Apps that might help to keep Charlie occupied.
I came across a few gems and thought I’d share them with you for the next time you find yourself with a toddler who is pulling out every tissue from the box in the exam room because nothing you offer as a distraction is good enough. And then you’re forced to hide the now-overstuffed tissue box in a weird place, like behind the brochures on puberty and bed-wetting, and then forget to take it back out before you leave the office and remember it later after you’ve gotten back home. Not that I’ve ever done that, or anything.
So, on to the apps. All of these are free, as I’m too cheap to pay for something like this.
Charlie’s absolute favorite is an app called Touch!4Kids. It’s actually a timed game – it plays (mildly annoying) music and then pictures of animals fly across the screen and you have to point at them to make them disappear. There’s a toddler mode that removes the timer so there’s no way you can lose. This is the one that Charlie asks for the most - he'll bring me the phone and say "animals, please!" It’s wildly addicting, as I discovered firsthand.
Five Pumpkins has a series of flashcard apps that include images and sound. I downloaded the numbers, letters, shapes, and things-that-go versions, but there are a few others available, too. These are good because they have an educational component and I don’t feel guilty about letting him rot his brain. He really likes the “things-that-go” version because he’s into cars and planes right now.
Charlie likes the animal apps, but I like Toddler Lock, mostly because it actually locks the phone, you have to press the corners in a clockwise pattern to unlock it. No danger of him placing a random call to my co-workers or sending jibberish emails to my entire department. It's kind of like a magna doodle that lets them draw with their fingers, and then depending on where you touch the screen shapes appear. Charlie likes this one, too, because he likes to name the shapes.
So there you have it. Another miracle brought to you by modern technology. Much better than a few pieces of string and some rocks.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Friday Fragments
Friday Fragments is brought to you by Mrs4444! You can visit her blog here.
I bought peaches and cherries at the grocery store yesterday. Hooray for summer produce! That's one of the best parts about this time of year.
They finally started playing Green Day's Last of the American Girls on the radio. It made me remember how much I loved that band. I can't believe I got my first Green Day CD 17 years ago. That's some staying power.
I wish American Idiot would come to Cincinnati. I'm freaking dying to see it. I searched for tickets to the Broadway show but there are none available while I'm out there next month. Sad :(
Today is National Donut Day! Just another great excuse for me to hit up Dunkin on the way to daycare.
I'm not a Tigers fan, but I'm still sad for that poor kid who threw a perfect game on Wednesday. I wish they would reverse the call, but I kind of understand why they won't. Either way, it's a great example of someone who is acting like an adult (Galarraga) and taking the high road rather than whining and stomping his feet about the injustices of the world. If we all acted like that, I wonder how that would look?
Even though The Office is on summer vacation there are still plenty of quotes from the reruns we enjoy watching! Back to the vaults for this one.
Angela: Kevin, you screwed this form up again. The amount owed goes at the top.
Kevin Malone: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was doing something wrong. If I had, I would've admitted it, and stopped right away.
Angela: That's enough.
Kevin Malone: Because I wouldn't want an innocent person, who doesn't know anything about the form... [Angela puts headphones on; Kevin looks at Oscar] What?
Oscar: That was good... It's just, at the end you weren't saying something that could also apply to the form.
Kevin Malone: How about, "I'm sorry I did such a whorish job filling out this form?"
Oscar: There you go.
Our house desperately needs to be cleaned before our company comes tomorrow. I got up early to mop the floors downstairs but here I sit, blogging and catching up on my Google Reader. Oh well. There's always tonight.
I bought peaches and cherries at the grocery store yesterday. Hooray for summer produce! That's one of the best parts about this time of year.
They finally started playing Green Day's Last of the American Girls on the radio. It made me remember how much I loved that band. I can't believe I got my first Green Day CD 17 years ago. That's some staying power.
I wish American Idiot would come to Cincinnati. I'm freaking dying to see it. I searched for tickets to the Broadway show but there are none available while I'm out there next month. Sad :(
Today is National Donut Day! Just another great excuse for me to hit up Dunkin on the way to daycare.
I'm not a Tigers fan, but I'm still sad for that poor kid who threw a perfect game on Wednesday. I wish they would reverse the call, but I kind of understand why they won't. Either way, it's a great example of someone who is acting like an adult (Galarraga) and taking the high road rather than whining and stomping his feet about the injustices of the world. If we all acted like that, I wonder how that would look?
Even though The Office is on summer vacation there are still plenty of quotes from the reruns we enjoy watching! Back to the vaults for this one.
Angela: Kevin, you screwed this form up again. The amount owed goes at the top.
Kevin Malone: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was doing something wrong. If I had, I would've admitted it, and stopped right away.
Angela: That's enough.
Kevin Malone: Because I wouldn't want an innocent person, who doesn't know anything about the form... [Angela puts headphones on; Kevin looks at Oscar] What?
Oscar: That was good... It's just, at the end you weren't saying something that could also apply to the form.
Kevin Malone: How about, "I'm sorry I did such a whorish job filling out this form?"
Oscar: There you go.
Our house desperately needs to be cleaned before our company comes tomorrow. I got up early to mop the floors downstairs but here I sit, blogging and catching up on my Google Reader. Oh well. There's always tonight.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Because I have zero time for original material this week, I'm stealing a blog meme from Steph at The Adventures of Goober Grape and Monkey Man.
Thankful Thursday
1. This morning I watched the proceedings from the launch of the Community Health Data Initiative that took place in Washington, DC yesterday. Not only did it remind me of the "Lunch Party" episode of The Office, but it made me even more thankful for my new job. I'm thrilled to be a part of something great that's going to help so many people, rather than worrying about the bottom line of big companies and how they can squeeze a few extra bucks out of their customers.
It's kind of a big deal. Huffington Post said so. Lots of data coming my way, and you all know how much I love data!
2. Even though I'm so excited to be starting a new job, I have to say how thankful I am that I was able to work with such amazing people at my old job. I'm really going to miss them, and I know that some of us will still be good friends even though we're no longer co-workers.
This is us. We ooze awesomeness.
You know you're jealous of our sweet matching shirts.
3. I'm thankful for a plethora of Office reruns. Watching older episodes (like the one where someone leaves "a package" on the floor of Michael's office) gives me hope that the writers will redeem themselves and the final season will be a hilarious return to their roots. After the disappointment of last season, I have to cling to something.
4. The Dunkin Donuts down the street. After spending a few days in Alabama with no Dunkin Donuts (and no liberals, and no heathens, but that's another story), I realize just how lucky I am to have a Dunkin so close to my house where I can get my caffeine fix.
5. Woodchuck Summer Cider. After the disappointment that was the pine-sol-like Spring Cider I was a little apprehensive, but it was all worry for nothing. My friend Alison told me it was safe to try, so I picked up a 6-pack when we got back into town on Monday. Had to stop at Kroger for the necessities after being away for so long. Of course, by necessities I mean Woodchuck and beer. Can't come home to an empty fridge, especially after having a shrieking toddler in the backseat for the last 2 hours of a 9 hour road trip. The website mentions that it includes hints of New England blueberries. Just another thing I miss about living in the Northeast Corridor. Sigh.
I'll have to snap a picture of the actual bottles in my fridge later.
Thankful Thursday
1. This morning I watched the proceedings from the launch of the Community Health Data Initiative that took place in Washington, DC yesterday. Not only did it remind me of the "Lunch Party" episode of The Office, but it made me even more thankful for my new job. I'm thrilled to be a part of something great that's going to help so many people, rather than worrying about the bottom line of big companies and how they can squeeze a few extra bucks out of their customers.
It's kind of a big deal. Huffington Post said so. Lots of data coming my way, and you all know how much I love data!
2. Even though I'm so excited to be starting a new job, I have to say how thankful I am that I was able to work with such amazing people at my old job. I'm really going to miss them, and I know that some of us will still be good friends even though we're no longer co-workers.
This is us. We ooze awesomeness.
You know you're jealous of our sweet matching shirts.
3. I'm thankful for a plethora of Office reruns. Watching older episodes (like the one where someone leaves "a package" on the floor of Michael's office) gives me hope that the writers will redeem themselves and the final season will be a hilarious return to their roots. After the disappointment of last season, I have to cling to something.
4. The Dunkin Donuts down the street. After spending a few days in Alabama with no Dunkin Donuts (and no liberals, and no heathens, but that's another story), I realize just how lucky I am to have a Dunkin so close to my house where I can get my caffeine fix.
5. Woodchuck Summer Cider. After the disappointment that was the pine-sol-like Spring Cider I was a little apprehensive, but it was all worry for nothing. My friend Alison told me it was safe to try, so I picked up a 6-pack when we got back into town on Monday. Had to stop at Kroger for the necessities after being away for so long. Of course, by necessities I mean Woodchuck and beer. Can't come home to an empty fridge, especially after having a shrieking toddler in the backseat for the last 2 hours of a 9 hour road trip. The website mentions that it includes hints of New England blueberries. Just another thing I miss about living in the Northeast Corridor. Sigh.
I'll have to snap a picture of the actual bottles in my fridge later.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Busy Busy!
Excuse my recent absence from blogland, I was down south for vacation over the weekend and am now working on settling in at my new place of employment. I got my new email address today, and I'm geekily excited about having a "dot-org" extension! I'm seriously excited about this opportunity and I can't wait to really get into things. More details to come, later.
Vacation was nice, it was good to visit with my dad and grandma.
It's good to be home, but Charlie really misses the trampoline.
Hot days always put me in the mood to listen to some NKOTB. In lieu of a blog post with actual content, I'll direct to you relive two of my NKOTB memories and hope that tomorrow I'll be back in the swing of things and ready to share my P90X 90 day pictures!
NKOTB Columbus (featuring old-school NKOTB-crazed 8-year-old Jene)
NKOTB Cincinnati
Vacation was nice, it was good to visit with my dad and grandma.
It's good to be home, but Charlie really misses the trampoline.
Hot days always put me in the mood to listen to some NKOTB. In lieu of a blog post with actual content, I'll direct to you relive two of my NKOTB memories and hope that tomorrow I'll be back in the swing of things and ready to share my P90X 90 day pictures!
NKOTB Columbus (featuring old-school NKOTB-crazed 8-year-old Jene)
NKOTB Cincinnati
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
