Someone asked me what the cost of cloth diapering is compared to the cloth of disposables. So, I finally sat down and figured it out. I was floored. Here's what I told her:
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The price can vary depending upon what system you want to use. There are various ways of cloth diapering, from cheap (but not as easy) to easy (but not as cheap). It all depends upon how much you want to spend. :o)
Prefolds - these are the cheapest cloth diapers to use. You'd need 3 dozen preemie, 2 dozen infant, and 2 dozen premium diapers. However, for the first 4-6 months you only need the preemie and infant. The preemies run about $11-$12 a dozen, and the infants about $18-$25 a dozen. You'll need about 6-8 covers per size, newborn (NB), Small (SM), Medium (MD), and Large (LG). But, again, the NB and SM will get you to about 4-6 months, giving you time to buy the next size (Premium prefolds and medium covers). You can get ProRaps for about $4.50 each if you call the 800 number in the FAQ section of the link in my siggy. You're also going to want about 3-4 snappi's (these are used instead of diaper pins, and are a one-time investment). They run about $2.50 each. So, to start, you're looking at:
Preemie Prefolds - $33
NB Covers - $18
Snappis - $10
This will get you through the first 4-6 weeks, so you'll want to order these first and order the infant and SM asap.
2 Dozen Infant - $40-$50
SM Covers - $10
The easiest method is to use all AIOs or the very popular Fuzzi Bunz (a pocket diaper). These are pricey, running $20 each. Again, you'll want 3 dozen smalls, and 2-3 dozen medium and larges. The thing about the mediums is they stay in the forever. My 2.5 yr old only started to fit into the Larges about a month ago, and he still wears the mediums. You can also find packages online where they have sets of 1-2-3 dozen and the price per diaper is discounted a little. You can also buy packages of seconds (they have some small flaw but are perfectly functional) discounted even further. For instance, www.abbyslane.com has 24 fuzzi bunz for $430. However, if you join her Yahoo! email group you can get a discount code for 5% off of your purchase, bringing the 24 diapers down to $409.26 However, you'd need to spend this for each size, bringing it up to about $1300 total. You can recover a lot of this (half or more) by selling off each size as your baby outgrows them, as they hold their value and are highly sought after. www.diaperswappers.com is a good place to buy and sell used diapers.
There is a method that is between the two above methods: BumGenius One-Size diapers. They fit from birth to 35 lbs (yes, my 2.5 yr old can still wear them, as can my 4 yr old...yes she's potty trained, she just wanted one on one day, LOL) Again, you can buy them at www.abbyslane.com You'd want 3 dozen of these (to prevent too much wear and tear over the years and because a newborn will need closer to 3 dozen diaper to get through 2 days between washings). They run $613.20 before her discount for 36 diapers (ordering a set of 30 and a set of 6) and $582.54 after the discount.
Compared to disposables, that run about $0.25 - $0.35 per diaper. A newborn will use about 15-18 diapers a day the first 2 months, averaging 960 diapers in the first 2 months for a cost of: $288 (at $0.30 per diaper in the current economy). From 8 weeks to about 9 months baby will use about 9-12 diapers per day, and the diaper packages go down to about 32 diapers per package. So, about $823 for those 7 months. From 9 months to 24 months they'll use about 6-9 diapers a day (depending upon how often baby pees)so about $882 for those 15 months. IF your child potty learns at 2, you're looking at a total of: $1993 for two years.
If your child doesn't potty learn until 3 then you're looking at an additional $705 bringing the total up to: $2698 for 3 years of diapers that end up in a land fill for 500 years.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
100th Blog!!!
This is my 100th blog!!! WOW! Hard to believe I posted 100 blogs on my random musings, thoughts, and sometimes complete nothingness. LOL
So, to celebrate, I'd like to hear from everyone as to what blogs stood out or impacted you the most. Maybe my political rants rub you the wrong way, or you disagree with them? I wanna hear it! If you love the advice I've given on wearing your baby, then tell me! :o)
So, to YOU...my blog readers...I want to say thank you for reading my thoughts. :o) You all are great!
So, to celebrate, I'd like to hear from everyone as to what blogs stood out or impacted you the most. Maybe my political rants rub you the wrong way, or you disagree with them? I wanna hear it! If you love the advice I've given on wearing your baby, then tell me! :o)
So, to YOU...my blog readers...I want to say thank you for reading my thoughts. :o) You all are great!
Obama Has a Half-Brother
It has come to light, by the Italian version of Vanity Fair, that Sen. Obama has a half brother. The shocking part? This poor man is living in poverty in a squatters/shanty town in Nairobi...and Sen. Obama knows this.
I think the thing that gets me the most is how Sen. Obama claims to be a Christian. As Christians we are called to help those in need, to help our spiritual brothers...and he will not even help his biological brother. To me, this is disturbing.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/2590614/Barack-Obamas-lost-brother-found-in-Kenya.html
Barack Obama's 'lost' brother found in Kenya
Senator Barack Obama's long lost brother has been tracked down for the first time living in a shanty town in Kenya, reports claimed.
By Nick Pisa in Rome
Last Updated: 11:52AM BST 21 Aug 2008
George Hussein Onyango Obama
George Hussein Onyango Obama, Senator Barack Obama's long lost brother was tracked down living in a hut on the outskirts of Nairobi Photo: Guy Calaf, Vanity Fair, Italy
The Italian edition of Vanity Fair said that it had found George Hussein Onyango Obama living in a hut in a ramshackle town of Huruma on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Mr Obama, 26, the youngest of the presidential candidate's half-brothers, spoke for the first time about his life, which could not be more different than that of the Democratic contender.
"No-one knows who I am," he told the magazine, before claiming: "I live here on less than a dollar a month."
According to Italy's Vanity Fair his two metre by three metre shack is decorated with football posters of the Italian football giants AC Milan and Inter, as well as a calendar showing exotic beaches of the world.
Vanity Fair also noted that he had a front page newspaper picture of his famous brother - born of the same father as him, Barack Hussein Obama, but to a different mother, named only as Jael.
He told the magazine: "I live like a recluse, no-one knows I exist."
Embarrassed by his penury, he said that he does not does not mention his famous half-brother in conversation.
"If anyone says something about my surname, I say we are not related. I am ashamed," he said.
For ten years George Obama lived rough. However he now hopes to try to sort his life out by starting a course at a local technical college.
He has only met his famous older brother twice - once when he was just five and the last time in 2006 when Senator Obama was on a tour of East Africa and visited Nairobi.
The Illinois senator mentions his brother in his autobiography, describing him in just one passing paragraph as a "beautiful boy with a rounded head".
Of their second meeting, George Obama said: "It was very brief, we spoke for just a few minutes. It was like meeting a complete stranger."
George added he was no longer in contact with his mother and said:"I have had to learn to live and take what I need.
"Huruma is a tough place, last January during the elections there was rioting and six people were hacked to death. The police don't even arrest you they just shoot you.
"I have seen two of my friends killed. I have scars from defending myself with my fists. I am good with my fists."
I think the thing that gets me the most is how Sen. Obama claims to be a Christian. As Christians we are called to help those in need, to help our spiritual brothers...and he will not even help his biological brother. To me, this is disturbing.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/2590614/Barack-Obamas-lost-brother-found-in-Kenya.html
Barack Obama's 'lost' brother found in Kenya
Senator Barack Obama's long lost brother has been tracked down for the first time living in a shanty town in Kenya, reports claimed.
By Nick Pisa in Rome
Last Updated: 11:52AM BST 21 Aug 2008
George Hussein Onyango Obama
George Hussein Onyango Obama, Senator Barack Obama's long lost brother was tracked down living in a hut on the outskirts of Nairobi Photo: Guy Calaf, Vanity Fair, Italy
The Italian edition of Vanity Fair said that it had found George Hussein Onyango Obama living in a hut in a ramshackle town of Huruma on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Mr Obama, 26, the youngest of the presidential candidate's half-brothers, spoke for the first time about his life, which could not be more different than that of the Democratic contender.
"No-one knows who I am," he told the magazine, before claiming: "I live here on less than a dollar a month."
According to Italy's Vanity Fair his two metre by three metre shack is decorated with football posters of the Italian football giants AC Milan and Inter, as well as a calendar showing exotic beaches of the world.
Vanity Fair also noted that he had a front page newspaper picture of his famous brother - born of the same father as him, Barack Hussein Obama, but to a different mother, named only as Jael.
He told the magazine: "I live like a recluse, no-one knows I exist."
Embarrassed by his penury, he said that he does not does not mention his famous half-brother in conversation.
"If anyone says something about my surname, I say we are not related. I am ashamed," he said.
For ten years George Obama lived rough. However he now hopes to try to sort his life out by starting a course at a local technical college.
He has only met his famous older brother twice - once when he was just five and the last time in 2006 when Senator Obama was on a tour of East Africa and visited Nairobi.
The Illinois senator mentions his brother in his autobiography, describing him in just one passing paragraph as a "beautiful boy with a rounded head".
Of their second meeting, George Obama said: "It was very brief, we spoke for just a few minutes. It was like meeting a complete stranger."
George added he was no longer in contact with his mother and said:"I have had to learn to live and take what I need.
"Huruma is a tough place, last January during the elections there was rioting and six people were hacked to death. The police don't even arrest you they just shoot you.
"I have seen two of my friends killed. I have scars from defending myself with my fists. I am good with my fists."
Monday, August 18, 2008
Politics and Personal Responsibility
This time, every 4 years, is filled with politics. There's name calling, bashing, mud slinging, and even bandwagon riding. This year has been even more so because with our first African American candidate who is a real contender for the office of President of the United States has caused many heated arguments. If a person does not support him, they get the "You're just racist" comments thrown at them (Yes, I've even had them thrown at me...as I stand there with my BI-RACIAL children!!!). It's been nasty.
Here's where I stand. We live in a society that pushes "self." All that matters is that "I" feel good, nothing matters unless the individual is happy. That brings back to mind President J. F. Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." We live in an era where neighbors no longer help each other out (unless it is convenient), and people will do anything to climb higher than the other person. In short, the Christian principals that this country was founded upon (brotherly love, kindness, the fruits of the spirit) are gone, or fading fast. So much of our society would leave our founding fathers rolling in their graves. Our society lacks moral absolutes, and our founding fathers founded this country upon absolutes. Just reading the Declaration of Independence shows this.
"When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. "
They didn't say, "We think that..." or "We feel that...", they said "We hold these TRUTHS". A truth is an absolute, it's not open for interpretation. Our society is lacking these truths, the absolutes. It's all become "What ever you think is right is right." Fewer and fewer people are willing to stand up and say, "Enough is enough...this is WRONG and there is no negotiating this fact."
I watched a Presidential Candidate discussion led by the pastor of Saddleback Church in CA (he is also the author of "The Purpose Driven Life"). He had a list of questions for both candidates (Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain) on morals, religious faith, and their personal character.
I will admit, that I was impressed by some of what Sen. Obama had to say, but there was still far too much that had me leery. For instance, one question was "Do you believe evil exists and what should we do about it." His response was that yes, he does believe evil exists (yay there) but (uh-oh...buts are never good) he doesn't believe that we should eradicate it, that it is something best left for God, and also that evil is subjective. I have issues with this. Why are we called to be spiritual warriors if we are to just sit back, negotiate with evil, and wait for God to do something? No, I'm not saying that God doesn't do anything...I am saying that God himself says that we are to be warriors, we are to fight evil. Even regarding war, God says there is a time for war and a time for peace. So, while people who believe in more of a pacifist way would like this answer, it did not sit well with me.
Sen. McCain, without hesitation, said that Evil DOES exist and we are not to tolerate it. We are not to tolerate the evil that was done on September 11, 2001 and that we are to stop this evil before any more people are harmed. This answer, I liked.
The questioning continued, and everything Sen. McCain said kept coming back to emphasizing how people need to stop thinking of themselves and start thinking of others. He criticized the government for telling people to go shopping, or go on vacation, after September 11 happened, and said that it should have encouraged people to join the Peace Corps or the military to help stop these people who killed thousands of our innocent people. I literally applauded this (as did my sweet little son who was sitting on my bed next to me).
So, the foundation of Sen. McCains views (and not all of them I agree with) seems to be simple: stop serving self, and start serving others. So, in the end of it all, after much research on my part, this man will get my vote come election day (which, ironically, is also my due date).
Here's where I stand. We live in a society that pushes "self." All that matters is that "I" feel good, nothing matters unless the individual is happy. That brings back to mind President J. F. Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." We live in an era where neighbors no longer help each other out (unless it is convenient), and people will do anything to climb higher than the other person. In short, the Christian principals that this country was founded upon (brotherly love, kindness, the fruits of the spirit) are gone, or fading fast. So much of our society would leave our founding fathers rolling in their graves. Our society lacks moral absolutes, and our founding fathers founded this country upon absolutes. Just reading the Declaration of Independence shows this.
"When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. "
They didn't say, "We think that..." or "We feel that...", they said "We hold these TRUTHS". A truth is an absolute, it's not open for interpretation. Our society is lacking these truths, the absolutes. It's all become "What ever you think is right is right." Fewer and fewer people are willing to stand up and say, "Enough is enough...this is WRONG and there is no negotiating this fact."
I watched a Presidential Candidate discussion led by the pastor of Saddleback Church in CA (he is also the author of "The Purpose Driven Life"). He had a list of questions for both candidates (Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain) on morals, religious faith, and their personal character.
I will admit, that I was impressed by some of what Sen. Obama had to say, but there was still far too much that had me leery. For instance, one question was "Do you believe evil exists and what should we do about it." His response was that yes, he does believe evil exists (yay there) but (uh-oh...buts are never good) he doesn't believe that we should eradicate it, that it is something best left for God, and also that evil is subjective. I have issues with this. Why are we called to be spiritual warriors if we are to just sit back, negotiate with evil, and wait for God to do something? No, I'm not saying that God doesn't do anything...I am saying that God himself says that we are to be warriors, we are to fight evil. Even regarding war, God says there is a time for war and a time for peace. So, while people who believe in more of a pacifist way would like this answer, it did not sit well with me.
Sen. McCain, without hesitation, said that Evil DOES exist and we are not to tolerate it. We are not to tolerate the evil that was done on September 11, 2001 and that we are to stop this evil before any more people are harmed. This answer, I liked.
The questioning continued, and everything Sen. McCain said kept coming back to emphasizing how people need to stop thinking of themselves and start thinking of others. He criticized the government for telling people to go shopping, or go on vacation, after September 11 happened, and said that it should have encouraged people to join the Peace Corps or the military to help stop these people who killed thousands of our innocent people. I literally applauded this (as did my sweet little son who was sitting on my bed next to me).
So, the foundation of Sen. McCains views (and not all of them I agree with) seems to be simple: stop serving self, and start serving others. So, in the end of it all, after much research on my part, this man will get my vote come election day (which, ironically, is also my due date).
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Sugar, Sugar, and a Big Ol' Crash
I was FINALLY able to take my glucose test today. After the fiasco with the lab last week, my MW's office called and we decided to do the test there in their office. They were appalled at all the hoops both them and I would have to jump through to get the lab to let me do the test with anything other than glucola. *gag*
So, I ate a big protein and veggie dinner last night, and went in today. I drank my 10 oz. of pure grape juice, and then saw the midwife (MW). After that I still had 15 min. so i was able to go outside and power walk for 10 min. pushing DS in the stroller to help burn off some sugar. I came back in when the 1 hr. was up and went back to have my blood drawn.
Well, I was dehydrated. Badly. I'd not eaten in 17 hours, and had only had grape juice to drink in several hours. So, it REALLY REALLY REALLY hurt when she stuck the needle in my vein (in my best vein too, which was odd). I was so dehydrated that the blood was thick and dark and flowed slowly into each of the 3 vials, hurting more and more by the second. The more it hurt, the more dizzy I got. When she was done, I sat there for a second until the room stopped spinning. I then went into the bathroom to pee one more time, and when I got out I was so dizzy that I was able to call out for help before just collapsing on the floor. The poor nurses started freaking out. I was sweating bullets in a cold sweat, and all the color was gone from my face. They frantically got the midwife who laid me down, had them bring a blanket to put under my head, and stroked my head and face while I laid there. They said that I passed out for a moment there. Once I was lying down I started feeling better, and they brought me a wheel chair to wheel me outside. My MW clinic is inside the hospital, which has parking we have to pay for at each visit, or complimentary valet parking (which we utilize as tipping the attendants is cheaper than the cost of the parking garage that runs us almost $5 a visit otherwise).
A nurse wheeled me right out to the car, and gave my DH and I instructions to stop on the way home and get big protein meal...no sugars or I'd have another sugar crash like that.
The kicker: by the time they drew my blood, b/c i'd been fasting (like they directed) it was 17 hours without eating. Man, if this is how I was with just a 1 hr. test, I know there's no way I'll get through the 3 hour if I fail this one. I'm praying the fasting, grape juice, and walking will do the trick and I'll pass.
So, I ate a big protein and veggie dinner last night, and went in today. I drank my 10 oz. of pure grape juice, and then saw the midwife (MW). After that I still had 15 min. so i was able to go outside and power walk for 10 min. pushing DS in the stroller to help burn off some sugar. I came back in when the 1 hr. was up and went back to have my blood drawn.
Well, I was dehydrated. Badly. I'd not eaten in 17 hours, and had only had grape juice to drink in several hours. So, it REALLY REALLY REALLY hurt when she stuck the needle in my vein (in my best vein too, which was odd). I was so dehydrated that the blood was thick and dark and flowed slowly into each of the 3 vials, hurting more and more by the second. The more it hurt, the more dizzy I got. When she was done, I sat there for a second until the room stopped spinning. I then went into the bathroom to pee one more time, and when I got out I was so dizzy that I was able to call out for help before just collapsing on the floor. The poor nurses started freaking out. I was sweating bullets in a cold sweat, and all the color was gone from my face. They frantically got the midwife who laid me down, had them bring a blanket to put under my head, and stroked my head and face while I laid there. They said that I passed out for a moment there. Once I was lying down I started feeling better, and they brought me a wheel chair to wheel me outside. My MW clinic is inside the hospital, which has parking we have to pay for at each visit, or complimentary valet parking (which we utilize as tipping the attendants is cheaper than the cost of the parking garage that runs us almost $5 a visit otherwise).
A nurse wheeled me right out to the car, and gave my DH and I instructions to stop on the way home and get big protein meal...no sugars or I'd have another sugar crash like that.
The kicker: by the time they drew my blood, b/c i'd been fasting (like they directed) it was 17 hours without eating. Man, if this is how I was with just a 1 hr. test, I know there's no way I'll get through the 3 hour if I fail this one. I'm praying the fasting, grape juice, and walking will do the trick and I'll pass.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Breast Is Best...and a Protest
I stumbled upon this site through another blog I was reading (whom I will not link to at this time to avoid any unwanted attention going to her blog in a difficult time). I saw this in the archives of the site and just HAD to share the link. Those of you who support breast feeding will enjoy this virtual protest and cyber "thumbing the nose" at Facebook from back in October of last year (2007). So, for the benefit of lactating moms every where, and without further ado, I bring you the video montage.
http://www.leagueofmaternaljustice.com/montage.html
http://www.leagueofmaternaljustice.com/montage.html
My Vices
I am a woman of many faults. I am working on them, but they (my faults) still keep biting me in the bum.
One is that I care too much about my friends. I take their pain and frustration to heart and when I see them suffering, or hurting, I want to fix the problem. I guess I'm too empathetic. This has it's good side, in that when my friends are happy, and something good happens in their lives I am able to rejoice whole heatedly. I tell everyone I know that something good has happened to a friend (they've had a baby, fallen in love, bought a new car, child reached a new milestone, etc...you get the picture). When they make a bad choice, or something bad happens to them, I typically turn to my DH to vent because I am so distraught. I am not the type of person who can bottle my feelings up. I guess you could say that I wear my emotions on my sleeve. (This is much to my husband's chagrin and has been the source of much frustration for him as well) When I am emotional about a friend's problems, and venting to my poor unsuspecting (although by now I suspect that he is not so unsuspecting) husband is not enough, I"ll turn to a few people close to me whom I care about and I know can offer me either an ear to vent to or can offer me wise counsel. I crave wise counsel and try not to make a decision until I have gotten feedback on the situation from a few select people such as: My mom and dad, Jack and Jill, and a only one or two others. When I am REALLY distraught, I may allow a little bit to slip out to a few other friends who will only be an ear for me...but I really really try not to do this (and it really does slip out, so I guess "allow" is not the best word to use here).
I can keep secrets when they need to be kept, but I am like an emotional volcano and when I get too emotional I must vent. I can't always vent here about people because I do not want to make my frustrations/pain that is another person's pain/poor decision public to the whole of the world wide web.
I am also very dramatic. I believe this stems from the same emotional charge that is effecting me now. I respond so strongly to my emotions, that I respond very dramatically. I guess I should learn to be a Vulcan and show no emotions and work off of facts alone...no, that wouldn't work. But how do I find a balance?
Sadly, this trait has come to bite me in the bum, and I fear I have lost some friends today. If they read this blog, I want them to know it was never my intent to cause harm, and to possibly understand where I am coming from to better understand why things are as they are. I love my friends dearly, and can not stand the thought of a life without them. This is why I do so much for them, why I help my friends (all of them) as much as I can. I'm a "fix it" kind of person. I see a problem, then I want to fix it. I see pain, I want to "fix it" (or heal it). I would take the pain of those I love and make it my own if it would ease their pain.
So, seeing that my poor choice in "venting" method has cost me so much, I am left with two choices:
Harden my heart to my friends, and take more of my husband's approach of "if it doesn't effect my family, I won't invest emotionally in it" (even though he sill tries to help out those he cares about, he limits his emotional investment)
or
Find another way of venting...of releasing this emotional build up. But how? What can I do? I just don't know!
I see now that my previous method of venting was not only a poor choice, but also un-Biblical. I love the Lord with all my heart, I long to be like Him. I believe he gave me such a strong empathy towards my friends for a reason, but I need to learn how to harness it and use it in a way that will not go against His will.
If anyone has advice on how I can vent without harming those that I so dearly love, I am open to suggestions. I also ask my friends to PLEASE call me on it if I begin to fall back on this vice. I seek accountability and pray that I can humbly accept it when it (accountability) is given.
To those whom I have hurt, I offer you my whole hearted, most sincere apologies and pray that some time in the future you can offer me your forgiveness. To those whom I have not hurt, please know that I love you all deeply. I consider you all to be as family.
Okay, so this is I think the second in a series of "my vices" blogs I've posted this year...if not, it's the second MAJOR vice/flaw that God has brought before me (painfully) to work on. The other, being negative all...the...time. I'm still working on that one, and hope that I am improving there too.
One is that I care too much about my friends. I take their pain and frustration to heart and when I see them suffering, or hurting, I want to fix the problem. I guess I'm too empathetic. This has it's good side, in that when my friends are happy, and something good happens in their lives I am able to rejoice whole heatedly. I tell everyone I know that something good has happened to a friend (they've had a baby, fallen in love, bought a new car, child reached a new milestone, etc...you get the picture). When they make a bad choice, or something bad happens to them, I typically turn to my DH to vent because I am so distraught. I am not the type of person who can bottle my feelings up. I guess you could say that I wear my emotions on my sleeve. (This is much to my husband's chagrin and has been the source of much frustration for him as well) When I am emotional about a friend's problems, and venting to my poor unsuspecting (although by now I suspect that he is not so unsuspecting) husband is not enough, I"ll turn to a few people close to me whom I care about and I know can offer me either an ear to vent to or can offer me wise counsel. I crave wise counsel and try not to make a decision until I have gotten feedback on the situation from a few select people such as: My mom and dad, Jack and Jill, and a only one or two others. When I am REALLY distraught, I may allow a little bit to slip out to a few other friends who will only be an ear for me...but I really really try not to do this (and it really does slip out, so I guess "allow" is not the best word to use here).
I can keep secrets when they need to be kept, but I am like an emotional volcano and when I get too emotional I must vent. I can't always vent here about people because I do not want to make my frustrations/pain that is another person's pain/poor decision public to the whole of the world wide web.
I am also very dramatic. I believe this stems from the same emotional charge that is effecting me now. I respond so strongly to my emotions, that I respond very dramatically. I guess I should learn to be a Vulcan and show no emotions and work off of facts alone...no, that wouldn't work. But how do I find a balance?
Sadly, this trait has come to bite me in the bum, and I fear I have lost some friends today. If they read this blog, I want them to know it was never my intent to cause harm, and to possibly understand where I am coming from to better understand why things are as they are. I love my friends dearly, and can not stand the thought of a life without them. This is why I do so much for them, why I help my friends (all of them) as much as I can. I'm a "fix it" kind of person. I see a problem, then I want to fix it. I see pain, I want to "fix it" (or heal it). I would take the pain of those I love and make it my own if it would ease their pain.
So, seeing that my poor choice in "venting" method has cost me so much, I am left with two choices:
Harden my heart to my friends, and take more of my husband's approach of "if it doesn't effect my family, I won't invest emotionally in it" (even though he sill tries to help out those he cares about, he limits his emotional investment)
or
Find another way of venting...of releasing this emotional build up. But how? What can I do? I just don't know!
I see now that my previous method of venting was not only a poor choice, but also un-Biblical. I love the Lord with all my heart, I long to be like Him. I believe he gave me such a strong empathy towards my friends for a reason, but I need to learn how to harness it and use it in a way that will not go against His will.
If anyone has advice on how I can vent without harming those that I so dearly love, I am open to suggestions. I also ask my friends to PLEASE call me on it if I begin to fall back on this vice. I seek accountability and pray that I can humbly accept it when it (accountability) is given.
To those whom I have hurt, I offer you my whole hearted, most sincere apologies and pray that some time in the future you can offer me your forgiveness. To those whom I have not hurt, please know that I love you all deeply. I consider you all to be as family.
Okay, so this is I think the second in a series of "my vices" blogs I've posted this year...if not, it's the second MAJOR vice/flaw that God has brought before me (painfully) to work on. The other, being negative all...the...time. I'm still working on that one, and hope that I am improving there too.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
You Know You're a Floridian When...
Being a 5th generation Floridian, I can TOTALLY relate. I thought my fellow Floridian readers would enjoy this as well.
<>< <>< <><
You know you're a Floridian if...
Socks are only for bowling.
You never use an umbrella because you know the rain will be over in five minutes.
A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the store, but
everything to do with shade.
Your winter coat is made of denim.
You can tell the difference between fire ant bites and mosquito bites.
You're younger than thirty but some of your friends are over 65.
Anything under 70 degrees is chilly.
You've driven through Yeehaw Junction.
You know that no other grocery store can compare to Publix.
Every other house in your neighborhood had blue roofs in 2004-2005.
You know that anything under a Category 3 just isn't worth waking up for.
You dread love bug season.
You are on a first name basis with the Hurricane list. They aren't Hurricane Charley or Hurricane Frances. You know them as Andrew, Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.
You know what a snowbird is and when they'll leave.
You think a six-foot alligator is actually pretty average.
'Down South' means Key West ...
Flip-flops are everyday wear. Shoes are for business meetings and church, but you HAVE worn flip flops to church before.
You have a drawer full of bathing suits, and one sweatshirt.
You get annoyed at the tourists who feed seagulls.
A mountain is any hill 100 feet above sea level.
You know the four seasons really are: hurricane season, love bug season, tourist season and summer.
You've hosted a hurricane party.
You can pronounce Okeechobee, Kissimmee, Withlacoochee and Micanopy.
You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat, than have a
boat yourself.
You were 25 when you first met someone who couldn't swim.
You've worn shorts and used the A/C on Christmas and New Years.
You recognize Miami-Dade as ' Northern Cuba.
You not only forward this but you understand it!
<>< <>< <><
You know you're a Floridian if...
Socks are only for bowling.
You never use an umbrella because you know the rain will be over in five minutes.
A good parking place has nothing to do with distance from the store, but
everything to do with shade.
Your winter coat is made of denim.
You can tell the difference between fire ant bites and mosquito bites.
You're younger than thirty but some of your friends are over 65.
Anything under 70 degrees is chilly.
You've driven through Yeehaw Junction.
You know that no other grocery store can compare to Publix.
Every other house in your neighborhood had blue roofs in 2004-2005.
You know that anything under a Category 3 just isn't worth waking up for.
You dread love bug season.
You are on a first name basis with the Hurricane list. They aren't Hurricane Charley or Hurricane Frances. You know them as Andrew, Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.
You know what a snowbird is and when they'll leave.
You think a six-foot alligator is actually pretty average.
'Down South' means Key West ...
Flip-flops are everyday wear. Shoes are for business meetings and church, but you HAVE worn flip flops to church before.
You have a drawer full of bathing suits, and one sweatshirt.
You get annoyed at the tourists who feed seagulls.
A mountain is any hill 100 feet above sea level.
You know the four seasons really are: hurricane season, love bug season, tourist season and summer.
You've hosted a hurricane party.
You can pronounce Okeechobee, Kissimmee, Withlacoochee and Micanopy.
You understand why it's better to have a friend with a boat, than have a
boat yourself.
You were 25 when you first met someone who couldn't swim.
You've worn shorts and used the A/C on Christmas and New Years.
You recognize Miami-Dade as ' Northern Cuba.
You not only forward this but you understand it!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Fun for Kids!
Another comment that should probably make it to "The List" prompted this post.
My kids are playing with play dough right now, and I thought it might be fun to tray and make some home made goo or slime for them later today, so I ran a search for "goo" recipes. I found this one, and we're going to give it a shot! I'll let you know how it turns out
http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/polymer.html
To make one golf ball size batch of slime you will need:
Elmer's glue (most kinds of white craft glue will work)
2 disposable cups
Food coloring (you pick the color)
Water
Borax (available at most large grocery stores near the laundry detergent)
Small plate, dish or plastic wrap.
A plastic spoon (for stirring)
A tablespoon (for measuring)
What to do:
Beforehand: Mix about a teaspoon of the Borax into a cup of water and stir (it usually doesn't fully dissolve)
SLIME TIME!
Fill the plastic cup with about 1/2 inch of glue
Add 20 ml (three tablespoons) of water to the glue and stir
Add a few drops of food coloring and stir again
Add two tablespoons of the Borax solution and stir well.
Lift out the spoon with the goo and place it on the dish
Let it sit for about 30 seconds and then pull it off the stick and play with it!
That's all for now!
P.S. If you're wondering what I said that didn't make it to "The List" it was, "Get the play dough out of your ear!" LOL
My kids are playing with play dough right now, and I thought it might be fun to tray and make some home made goo or slime for them later today, so I ran a search for "goo" recipes. I found this one, and we're going to give it a shot! I'll let you know how it turns out
http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/polymer.html
To make one golf ball size batch of slime you will need:
Elmer's glue (most kinds of white craft glue will work)
2 disposable cups
Food coloring (you pick the color)
Water
Borax (available at most large grocery stores near the laundry detergent)
Small plate, dish or plastic wrap.
A plastic spoon (for stirring)
A tablespoon (for measuring)
What to do:
Beforehand: Mix about a teaspoon of the Borax into a cup of water and stir (it usually doesn't fully dissolve)
SLIME TIME!
Fill the plastic cup with about 1/2 inch of glue
Add 20 ml (three tablespoons) of water to the glue and stir
Add a few drops of food coloring and stir again
Add two tablespoons of the Borax solution and stir well.
Lift out the spoon with the goo and place it on the dish
Let it sit for about 30 seconds and then pull it off the stick and play with it!
That's all for now!
P.S. If you're wondering what I said that didn't make it to "The List" it was, "Get the play dough out of your ear!" LOL
The "List"
The things we say as parents, that we would never say otherwise. The list can be fun, so feel free to add to it in the "comments" section.
I bought my kids a bag of mixed nuts to share in the car one day. A MUCH healthier snack than chips, or cookies, or french fries, and I knew they'd enjoy it just as much so I was proud of myself for making such a wise decision regarding my children's dietary needs.
Heather took William's bag of nuts away from him.
"Heather, quit playing with your brother's nuts and give them back to him!"
Yes, I actually said it.
It gets better, though.
William was throwing handfuls of nuts from his bag across the car, and giggling gleefully.
"William, quit playing with your nuts and put them in your mouth!"
I...about...died. As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I had to work hard to choke back the laughter that threatened to spill forth and cause my son to continue "playing with his nuts."
Of course, there's, "Leave the cat alone, and quit trying to lock his head in the box" with the box being a Sterilite container he was trying to close, with ONLY the cat's head inside. But that's still not as funny as the nuts comments.
Ah, the things we say...
I bought my kids a bag of mixed nuts to share in the car one day. A MUCH healthier snack than chips, or cookies, or french fries, and I knew they'd enjoy it just as much so I was proud of myself for making such a wise decision regarding my children's dietary needs.
Heather took William's bag of nuts away from him.
"Heather, quit playing with your brother's nuts and give them back to him!"
Yes, I actually said it.
It gets better, though.
William was throwing handfuls of nuts from his bag across the car, and giggling gleefully.
"William, quit playing with your nuts and put them in your mouth!"
I...about...died. As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I had to work hard to choke back the laughter that threatened to spill forth and cause my son to continue "playing with his nuts."
Of course, there's, "Leave the cat alone, and quit trying to lock his head in the box" with the box being a Sterilite container he was trying to close, with ONLY the cat's head inside. But that's still not as funny as the nuts comments.
Ah, the things we say...
Sunday, August 03, 2008
He called the COPS!
Okay, so William had a late nap today, falling asleep on the way home from the mall and sleeping until 7pm (from 5pm to 7pm). Thus, he was up late. This is not normal for him, and it is frustrating b/c DH and I are trying to keep an eye on him while we work on our individual homework assignments, which is why we wait until the kids are sleeping to attempt any homework...trying to get it done while the kids are awake is a mute point...a lost cause...b/c we just can't focus on homework AND provide adequate supervision to a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old. I'm sure you all can relate. LOL
So, while I'm sitting here on my bed working on a paper regarding the roll of police officers in the court room and the ways in which their testimonies can impact a case (yes, blah..bland...can I go to sleep yet? ROFL I'm a Criminal Justice major, and will be graduating in 4 weeks!!!), William is sitting at the foot of my bed playing with some toys.
My phone rings. I look up and William has it. Okay, no biggie. I have T-Mobile and Myfaves, so if he hits talk, it'll just call DH. Thus, I've never been concerned about him getting a hold of my phone. He handed me the phone, and I didn't recognize the number. Since it was 10:30 at night, and I have a friend whose 30 wks pregnant and been battling pre-term labor, I figured I should answer just to make sure it wasn't her in labor.
IT WAS THE POLICE!!! The Police Officer informed me that they'd just received a 911 call from this number, and was wondering if everything was okay. I informed him that yes, everything was fine and my son had gotten a hold of my phone. I thanked him for calling back and looking out for us this way, but that everything was okay and I'd be placing my phone out of my son's reach. He said he understood, that it happens all the time, and wished me a good evening.
I hung up, hollered for DH, and then scrolled through my dialed calls, baffled at how a 2 yr old could manage to dial the numbers "911" (when I let him have my phone WITH supervision, he normally hits numbers that are next to each other, not so far apart). He dialed 112. The entry registered it as an emergency number. I've never heard of this before, but am CERTAINLY going to be keeping my keypad locked from now on. Geez!
So, my 2 yr old son called the cops on me. Boy, I certainly hope this isn't a sign of things to come. LOL
Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled evenings (and I'm headed back to my paper).
So, while I'm sitting here on my bed working on a paper regarding the roll of police officers in the court room and the ways in which their testimonies can impact a case (yes, blah..bland...can I go to sleep yet? ROFL I'm a Criminal Justice major, and will be graduating in 4 weeks!!!), William is sitting at the foot of my bed playing with some toys.
My phone rings. I look up and William has it. Okay, no biggie. I have T-Mobile and Myfaves, so if he hits talk, it'll just call DH. Thus, I've never been concerned about him getting a hold of my phone. He handed me the phone, and I didn't recognize the number. Since it was 10:30 at night, and I have a friend whose 30 wks pregnant and been battling pre-term labor, I figured I should answer just to make sure it wasn't her in labor.
IT WAS THE POLICE!!! The Police Officer informed me that they'd just received a 911 call from this number, and was wondering if everything was okay. I informed him that yes, everything was fine and my son had gotten a hold of my phone. I thanked him for calling back and looking out for us this way, but that everything was okay and I'd be placing my phone out of my son's reach. He said he understood, that it happens all the time, and wished me a good evening.
I hung up, hollered for DH, and then scrolled through my dialed calls, baffled at how a 2 yr old could manage to dial the numbers "911" (when I let him have my phone WITH supervision, he normally hits numbers that are next to each other, not so far apart). He dialed 112. The entry registered it as an emergency number. I've never heard of this before, but am CERTAINLY going to be keeping my keypad locked from now on. Geez!
So, my 2 yr old son called the cops on me. Boy, I certainly hope this isn't a sign of things to come. LOL
Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled evenings (and I'm headed back to my paper).
Friday, August 01, 2008
Cloth Diaper GIVEAWAY!
For my Cloth Diapering readers, check out this give away!
http://charpenette.blogspot.com/2008/08/free-for-you-friday.html
http://charpenette.blogspot.com/2008/08/free-for-you-friday.html
10 Worst Baby Products Ever
I got a kick out of this, and though my fellow mommies (and human beings for that matter) would get a kick out of this.
Lets face it...cold, lifeless hands to cuddle your baby? *gag*
http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2008/07/ten-worst-baby-products-ever.html
Lets face it...cold, lifeless hands to cuddle your baby? *gag*
http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2008/07/ten-worst-baby-products-ever.html
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