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Thursday, February 26, 2015
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
When Is It OK to Discipline Another's Child??
I grew up knowing that if I did something I shouldn't have done at my friend's home, that that parent was going to be placing a phone call to my mother. It wasn't often that happened but I'd run home as fast as I could if it did.
I have similar expectations that when I'm a mom and I will make that known to my kids and their friends, that if you do something you know would be unacceptable in your own home, you won't be welcomed in mine and a phone call will be placed to your parent(s).
Obviously, I am not going to discipline a child who is not mine the same way I would discipline my own. However, if you're dropping your kid off at my home for a play date, I would think that you expect me to be the adult/parent in your stead and make sure nothing happens to your baby. That would extend into time-outs or even what I like to refer to as "__ minutes in space". Adjusting the time spent based on the age of the child. I will then explain what is acceptable in MY house and that a conversation will be had with said kid's parent(s).
It's far too often that we talk the talk when it comes to consequences but don't follow through with them. If my kid hits yours and you don't separate the two and call me, then you're enabling that behavior. Now my kid feels he or she can get away with things in your house.
What is your take on this?
Read this article! =)
The Chris Kyle Trial and Some Knowledge About PTSD
Many of you by now are well aware of the attention the trial for the murders of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield are getting. Just to bring you up to speed, the jury has convicted Eddie Routh of Capital Murder and he will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
It is such a shame that this has occured, but it has shed some light on PTSD and how to help survivors of trauma.
It is unfortunate that as a society, we have labeled and put a stigma on people who suffer from PTSD or other mental disabilities. We need to stop fearing those people and get them the help they require. It's so important that we take those tiny cries for help, seriously.
I'm going to site some information provided by the www.ptsd.va.gov
"The symptoms of PTSD can cause problems with trust, closeness, communication, and problem solving. These problems may affect the way the survivor acts with others. In turn, the way a loved one responds to him or her affects the trauma survivor. A circular pattern can develop that may sometimes harm relationships.
In the first weeks and months following a trauma, survivors may feel angry, detached, tense or worried in their relationships. In time, most are able to resume their prior level of closeness in relationships. Yet the 5% to 10% of survivors who develop PTSD may have lasting relationship problems."
Certain types of "man-made" traumas can have a more severe effect on relationships. These traumas include:
- Childhood sexual and physical abuse
- Rape
- Domestic violence
- Combat
- Terrorism
- Genocide
- Torture
- Kidnapping
- Prisoner of war
- Call 911
- Go to the nearest Emergency Room
- Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1 (text 838255) or Confidential Veterans Chat with a counselor
- Call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) to talk to another combat Veteran.
- DoD's Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) 24/7 Outreach Center for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury provides information and helps locate resources.
Call 1-866-966-1020 or email resources@dcoeoutreach.org - Military OneSource
Call 24/7 for counseling and many resources 1-800-342-9647.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Take On 'The Slap'
Let's just start with that no one has the right to hit another person's child. No one! Not your place at all!!!!
That being said, parent's, please parent your children. I am loving this mini-series and seeing a lot of things that parent's do in reality. No parent is perfect, but you can not be a relaxed parent during the young years. For instance the first episode, just before the slap, Harry suggests to Hugo's dad that he shouldn't swing that bat around. Hugo's dad turns around and casually says "hey, Hugo it's not your turn any more....blah blah", and low and behold the inevitable happens.
There's a lot of excuse making for this kid's behavior and I'm sure as the series continues we'll see more of it stemming from the parents.
I'll leave it at this tho, if we make excuses for our kids actions and never let them feel or understand the consequences, we give them a false sense of what is acceptable and unacceptable in society.
My New Best Travel Buddy!
I just have to share!!!!
Have you ever struggled with finding a place to stay that didn't cost as much as your airfare?
Yes?
Then visit Airbnb, and keep your budget down.
I will forever swear by Airbnb, as it's a great way to maintain my budget when traveling. After visiting the sight, I found out I could travel just about anywhere (with real funds, that I don't currently have) and stay in places that are pretty and don't cost the same as a hotel, motel, or resort.
Let's pick a place......hmmm.....Ah, ok, New York City and we'll stay for 7 days and use a mainstream hotel and for research sake, let's just stay downtown in the hub of it all or as close as possible....in August.
Airfare & Hotel: (by expedia.com)
So for, $3,067.30 I get a flight and hotel stay at the Marriott near Broadway and Times Square. EEEK!!
Now, let's try it my way...lol...
Flight (by Southwest.com)
$782.40 for a flight....that's ok.
Room (by Airbnb.com)
Daily rate $89 for a room in downtown NYC costs $598 for the entire stay.
You do the math.lol. $3067.30 or $1380.40 hmm.
From me to you, $25 travel credit with Airbnb. Get it now!
From me to you, $25 travel credit with Airbnb. Get it now!
Vacation Planning Is Ineviatable...Sshhh, Let It Happen.
I'm just going to thank God and Mother Nature for not bringing so much snow to the Midwest. (I'll regret that later.) For us, it's been a mild winter. The killer is the wind tho. Living in the flat-no-trees-just-fields-of-stupid-corn Midwest, allows us to be bombarded by winds from Canada (Oh, Canada!) and Alaska. The temperatures don't help either.... -5 with a 10mph wind, or even 19 but the wind chill makes it closer to 2 below. So to pass our wintery time here in the Midwest, I've opted for planning a vacation (or more than one) that may or may not happen....but there's no one to stop me from dreaming! :insert evil laugh here: Muahahahahahaha!!!!
I'm thinking the Puerto Vallarta! Yes! Where the current weather situation is, oh wait for it....75 Degrees and nothing but sunshine!!
A drink in my hand, my toes digging into the soft sand...yes that is the life for me. I just want to be warm!!!!!
Where are you off to today?? Share!
A Pokey Puppy
Alright, most of you know that I don't have kids, but do have dogs, and I treat those dogs like they are my kids. I feel it a must, as a fur parent to share a funny story or moment that I share with the girls.
I threw a snowball at Piper and she jumped up and missed it....mid jump I caught her facial expression and snapped a decent pic of it. It should probably be a meme or a gif, but either way it's funny on it's own!
I threw a snowball at Piper and she jumped up and missed it....mid jump I caught her facial expression and snapped a decent pic of it. It should probably be a meme or a gif, but either way it's funny on it's own!
Let's Talk About It!!! Vaccinations.
Today's 'Let's Talk About It' post is going to be on vaccinations.
I know there has been a lot of controversy back and forth on vaccinations, since the measle outbreak at Disneyland. Honestly, there really shouldn't be any controversy about it. Just do it. (that's my opinion)
It is so important for the structure of a community to have parent's vaccinate their children from contagious diseases. However, it's absolutely true that there are some situations where a child or an adult can't be vaccinated, such as going through cancer treatment. Sometimes a kid's immune system is not strong enough to take on an additional shot because it's already fighting with the cancer or another disease. This is where 'Community Immunity or Herd Immunity' comes into play. Here's the best way to explain it...
From www.vaccines.gov
"When a critical portion of a community is immunized against a contagious disease, most members of the community are protected against that disease because there is little opportunity for an outbreak. Even those who are not eligible for certain vaccines—such as infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals—get some protection because the spread of contagious disease is contained. This is known as "community immunity." In the illustration below, the top box depicts a community in which no one is immunized and an outbreak occurs. In the middle box, some of the population is immunized but not enough to confer community immunity. In the bottom box, a critical portion of the population is immunized, protecting most community members. The principle of community immunity applies to control of a variety of contagious diseases, including influenza, measles, mumps, rotavirus, and pneumococcal disease."
I know there has been a lot of controversy back and forth on vaccinations, since the measle outbreak at Disneyland. Honestly, there really shouldn't be any controversy about it. Just do it. (that's my opinion)
It is so important for the structure of a community to have parent's vaccinate their children from contagious diseases. However, it's absolutely true that there are some situations where a child or an adult can't be vaccinated, such as going through cancer treatment. Sometimes a kid's immune system is not strong enough to take on an additional shot because it's already fighting with the cancer or another disease. This is where 'Community Immunity or Herd Immunity' comes into play. Here's the best way to explain it...
From www.vaccines.gov
"When a critical portion of a community is immunized against a contagious disease, most members of the community are protected against that disease because there is little opportunity for an outbreak. Even those who are not eligible for certain vaccines—such as infants, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals—get some protection because the spread of contagious disease is contained. This is known as "community immunity." In the illustration below, the top box depicts a community in which no one is immunized and an outbreak occurs. In the middle box, some of the population is immunized but not enough to confer community immunity. In the bottom box, a critical portion of the population is immunized, protecting most community members. The principle of community immunity applies to control of a variety of contagious diseases, including influenza, measles, mumps, rotavirus, and pneumococcal disease."
As a human race, we need to protect those who are unable to get vaccinations. Some may say "the strong will survive", and while that may be true, IN THE MEANTIME, we need to protect those who cannot protect themselves for various reasons.
Now, on the other hand, I believe as a parent you have to do what's in the best of interest of your child. You can pick and choose, which vaccinations you actually want your child to have. Your best pick, will be all of the ones that cover contagious diseases. If you're not choosing to vaccinate, be responsible then. Don't bring your child around others when they are sick, as you are risking other's from getting sick. If I can't send my child to school with peanut butter because someone else's kid may have an allergic reaction; then please don't take your's out and about while he or she are sick. We need to work together to keep our kids, and others safe. Trust me, noone enjoys being sick.
What are your thoughts??
Monday, February 23, 2015
How About Those Oscars?!
Let me just first say that, I LOVE NPH! He's funny and talented. I mean the guy can sing, act, and dance....A triple threat!!! Hosting is just one of the many things he can add to his resume! He cracked a lot of jokes that were my tempo (Whiplash reference) and gave a nod to that fact that all the nominees were "the best and the whitest, I mean brightest.".
Aside, from winning a coveted prize, there's the fashion. I love the fashion and there were plenty of hits and misses this year, but overall everyone dressed as expected. It's Hollywood's glamorous night and the stars did not disappoint....well most didn't. haha!!
I am really surprised that Selma, American Sniper, and Whiplash did not receive more nominations and wins. Altho, we have another year of great movies upon us, and another round of voting for the Academy for 2016 Oscars.
A few upsets, Bradley Cooper and Miles Teller. Bradley while in the Best Actor category, his performance did not hold up well against the other's. That's ok tho, as a veteran's wife, I am so supportive of the work that Bradley did to bring Chris Kyle's journey to life. I believe the military community is completely supportive of Bradley's work. Bradley has done some great work in the past few years. He's come along way from The Hangover and has made a name for himself as a diversified actor with incredible range and depth. Perhaps, the Academy will get over their hangover and put him in for a win. I definitely see "Oscar Winner, Bradley Cooper..." being a top billing on a movie in the future.
Oh Miles Teller....if you haven't watched Whiplash, please do. Miles, plays a young jazz drummer who is itching to be taught by the best and be remembered alongside the best. I cannot believe that he wasn't nominated, but this kid is going places. He's an exceptional actor and there's no doubt in my mind that we'll see him nominated for an Oscar in the future.
Just to recap the night...
Best Picture: Birdman Now, I have not seen Birdman but I hear great things. It's fantastic to see Michael Keaton back in the spotlight for amazing work. I look forward to watching this star-studded cast.
Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything" Completely, 100% true! Eddie delivered a performance that didn't just come from spoken words but body language as well. He took his take on Stephen Hawking to a whole new level and really dedicated himself to delivering a performance that displayed Hawking's brillance and resilience as a human being. Huge congrats to Eddie on this career win and delivering a wonderful performance.
Best Actress: Julianne Moore, "Still Alice" The hottest natural red-head, according to my husband. Neither of us have seen Still Alice and it's on our list. That being said there are actors and actresses that get overlooked too often and it's refreshing to see someone as talented as Julianne take the prize!
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash" I loved Whiplash!!! If you haven't seen it, please do!! I still can't believe Miles Teller did not get a nomination for his own performance, but that conversation is for another time. "Not my f***ing tempo!!!!" J.K. Simmons is everyone's tempo! The actor exceeded his role's description and brought a crazed perfectionist to the screen. I can't say more than his performance was superb!
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, "Boyhood" After watching Boyhood, I saw the reason Patricia was nominated. Did I like the movie? Not really, but I definitely see the uniqueness in the fact it took director, Richard Linklater twelve years to make it. Patricia was the mom who did the best she could for her kids as they went through those awkward teen years. Congrats to Patricia for not only winning, but taking a stance on equal pay for women during her acceptance speech.
Best Director: Alejandro G. Inarritu, "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" Again, I'll have to sit down and watch this to see the greatness in this director's work.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Graham Moore, "The Imitation Game"
Best Original Screenplay: Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Armando Bo, "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)"
Best Costume Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Makeup & Hairstyling: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Foreign Language Film: Ida
Best Documentary(short subject): Crisis Hotline, Veterans Press 1
Best Live Action Short Film: The Phone Call
Best Visual Effects: Interstellar
Best Animated Short film: Feast
Best Animated Feature Film: Big Hero 6
Best Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki for Birdman
Best Film Editing: Tom Cross for Whiplash
Best Documentary Feature: Citizenfour
Best Original Song: Glory from Selma
Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat for The Grand Budapest Hotel
Until next year, movie on!!
Aside, from winning a coveted prize, there's the fashion. I love the fashion and there were plenty of hits and misses this year, but overall everyone dressed as expected. It's Hollywood's glamorous night and the stars did not disappoint....well most didn't. haha!!
I am really surprised that Selma, American Sniper, and Whiplash did not receive more nominations and wins. Altho, we have another year of great movies upon us, and another round of voting for the Academy for 2016 Oscars.
A few upsets, Bradley Cooper and Miles Teller. Bradley while in the Best Actor category, his performance did not hold up well against the other's. That's ok tho, as a veteran's wife, I am so supportive of the work that Bradley did to bring Chris Kyle's journey to life. I believe the military community is completely supportive of Bradley's work. Bradley has done some great work in the past few years. He's come along way from The Hangover and has made a name for himself as a diversified actor with incredible range and depth. Perhaps, the Academy will get over their hangover and put him in for a win. I definitely see "Oscar Winner, Bradley Cooper..." being a top billing on a movie in the future.
Oh Miles Teller....if you haven't watched Whiplash, please do. Miles, plays a young jazz drummer who is itching to be taught by the best and be remembered alongside the best. I cannot believe that he wasn't nominated, but this kid is going places. He's an exceptional actor and there's no doubt in my mind that we'll see him nominated for an Oscar in the future.
Just to recap the night...
Best Picture: Birdman Now, I have not seen Birdman but I hear great things. It's fantastic to see Michael Keaton back in the spotlight for amazing work. I look forward to watching this star-studded cast.
Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything" Completely, 100% true! Eddie delivered a performance that didn't just come from spoken words but body language as well. He took his take on Stephen Hawking to a whole new level and really dedicated himself to delivering a performance that displayed Hawking's brillance and resilience as a human being. Huge congrats to Eddie on this career win and delivering a wonderful performance.
Best Actress: Julianne Moore, "Still Alice" The hottest natural red-head, according to my husband. Neither of us have seen Still Alice and it's on our list. That being said there are actors and actresses that get overlooked too often and it's refreshing to see someone as talented as Julianne take the prize!
Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash" I loved Whiplash!!! If you haven't seen it, please do!! I still can't believe Miles Teller did not get a nomination for his own performance, but that conversation is for another time. "Not my f***ing tempo!!!!" J.K. Simmons is everyone's tempo! The actor exceeded his role's description and brought a crazed perfectionist to the screen. I can't say more than his performance was superb!
Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, "Boyhood" After watching Boyhood, I saw the reason Patricia was nominated. Did I like the movie? Not really, but I definitely see the uniqueness in the fact it took director, Richard Linklater twelve years to make it. Patricia was the mom who did the best she could for her kids as they went through those awkward teen years. Congrats to Patricia for not only winning, but taking a stance on equal pay for women during her acceptance speech.
Best Director: Alejandro G. Inarritu, "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" Again, I'll have to sit down and watch this to see the greatness in this director's work.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Graham Moore, "The Imitation Game"
Best Original Screenplay: Alejandro G. Inarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Armando Bo, "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)"
Best Costume Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Makeup & Hairstyling: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Foreign Language Film: Ida
Best Documentary(short subject): Crisis Hotline, Veterans Press 1
Best Live Action Short Film: The Phone Call
Best Visual Effects: Interstellar
Best Animated Short film: Feast
Best Animated Feature Film: Big Hero 6
Best Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki for Birdman
Best Film Editing: Tom Cross for Whiplash
Best Documentary Feature: Citizenfour
Best Original Song: Glory from Selma
Best Original Score: Alexandre Desplat for The Grand Budapest Hotel
Until next year, movie on!!
Thursday, February 19, 2015
I forgot I had a blog..haha.
Well, welcome back, me!!!
You know, I was just thinking to myself I should have a blog. An online journal to put my thoughts down, and if someone read's them, fantastic, if not, oh well. Either way a place for my thoughts to go would be beneficial.
Well, low and behold in my search for a good place to put them, I come across Blogger.com and decide 'why not'. I click the link and up pops my original blog, and I think to myself that my brain is that of Dory's from Finding Nemo.
So, hello again!!
You know, I was just thinking to myself I should have a blog. An online journal to put my thoughts down, and if someone read's them, fantastic, if not, oh well. Either way a place for my thoughts to go would be beneficial.
Well, low and behold in my search for a good place to put them, I come across Blogger.com and decide 'why not'. I click the link and up pops my original blog, and I think to myself that my brain is that of Dory's from Finding Nemo.
So, hello again!!
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