Have you ever wanted to let loose on your kid? I mean really let loose? I almost went there today. Neither my son or I are morning people. If he wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, like he did today, it can make for some pretty explosive breakfasts.
Today, he started in with the half whine, half cry as soon as his feet hit the floor. And I was NOT in the mood. There were two conversations going on, what I said out loud and what I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying.
After he got dressed I made him sit on the floor and take some deep breaths and calm down.
What I said:
"Why don't you have a seat, take some deep breaths and calm yourself."
What I wanted to say:
"Holy hell, you haven't even been awake for 5 effing minutes, what could possibly be wrong!?"
He took a seat (More like flopped to the floor. How do kids manage to add defiance to the act of sitting?) and I told him we needed to run to the store this morning and he had two choices: either calm down enough to say what's going on and still have enough time to eat, or sit in the floor pouting and not be able to have time finish eating let alone have seconds.
"I don't wanna sit here, I'm hungry!"
What I said:
"Don't raise your voice at me. 'Mom, I'm grumpy this morning, but can we please go have breakfast?' would work a lot better than being nasty."
What I wanted to say:
"Change your effing tone of voice and lose the attitude or so help me I will find a way to bend you over my knee!"
Over breakfast, I explained why we needed to stop at the store (teacher appreciation flower), that he had a limited time to eat and when I said it was time to get ready to leave, he needed to do it quickly. Que whining.
This is where the internal and external conversations collided. What I said:
"You know, I don't like to say this, but SHUT UP! Stop your whining and eat. When I say it's time to get up, you will do so with no whining, eye rolling, stomping, or backtalk. If you do, you're grounded for the rest of the week with no TV and no martial arts, and the next time I get invited To Disney(land) you can stay with Auntie J and Daddy and I will go and have a grown up day."
That got his attention.
Mornings are such a challenge. I feel like a broken record. I'm tired of bribing, threatening and yelling. Sometimes I have to stand over him and watch him brush his teeth. One of the ongoing conversations in our house is that he needs to behave better in the mornings: get up on time, eat, wash his face and brush his teeth and hair without the detours to the Legos.
I've told him the next time I get a call from school asking why he was late he's going to have to speak to his principal and explain his behavior himself. I don't like starting my day out like this. There are so many ways he's such a sweet, amazing kid.
I can't figure out why his behavior with me is so different than with Phil. I shouldn't have to give my kid an allowance to get him to be respectful and completing basic grooming habits, right? What am I doing wrong?!
What I Said vs. What I Wanted to Say
Friday, April 24, 2009
I love to entertain. There's something about creating an atmosphere where people feel comfortable, enjoy good food and good conversation, and can relax that really gets me. Playing hostess is fun, and being a good (nee exceptional) and attentive hostess is important to me. I thought that if I was ever give the opportunity to have my dream business, it would be in party planning. Well, after the stress of this week, now I'm not so sure.
When Maria asked me to be involved with National Mom's Night Out, I thought, "Why not? A few moms getting together over wine and cheese, I can do that no sweat." Someone, somewhere was laughing at my naivete and thought I needed to be taken down a peg or two (or three or four).
It's one thing to have people over for tri-tip, but a whole other kettle of fish to create a fun and meaningful event from the ground up, across time zones and with no real budget. I really thought it would easier: "Hi, I represent a bunch of women who don't get out that often and would love to drink and party at your restaurant on a Thursday."
Thankfully, I have Deb tocover my ass brainstorm and make endless phone calls with, and Charity to be the calm in the storm. It's been a lot of hard work but things are really coming together and I'm looking forward to putting on my party shoes and hosting a fab soiree.
Who: Women. (Kidding) The event is called a Celebration of Motherhood but we're firm believers in "it takes a village." If you've ever even looked at a child, you're welcome to come. (It's almost 2:00am, I'm getting a little slap happy)
What: National Mom's Night Out at Buster's Beach House & Longboard Bar at Seaport Village (Beach Loft room)
When: Thursday, May 7th from 6:00-9:00pm (but we can always go to another part of the restaurant afterwards)
Where: See What
More details: Buster's has offered us our own bartender. I'm still confirming the hotness level of said bartender and the assless chaps, stay tuned. No host bar, hosted light appetizers and parking validated up to three hours.
RSVP: On our Facebook page
I do hope you decide to come. Those of you who have been lurking here (you thought I didn't know, tsk tsk) please join us. I'd love to meet you face to face! And the hostess in me will make sure you have a good time.
The PS- We're looking for more items for our gift bags, the charity raffle and prize drawings. Please email me ADramaticMommy@gmail.com if you have an item you'd like to contribute. Thank you!
**More thank you's to Lizzie from Bailey Gardiner and Seaport Village for all the "extra's." Mwah! For those who do not want to head south, Stacey (San Diego Bargain Mama) is hosting an event in Encinitas. Read the details here.**
When Maria asked me to be involved with National Mom's Night Out, I thought, "Why not? A few moms getting together over wine and cheese, I can do that no sweat." Someone, somewhere was laughing at my naivete and thought I needed to be taken down a peg or two (or three or four).
It's one thing to have people over for tri-tip, but a whole other kettle of fish to create a fun and meaningful event from the ground up, across time zones and with no real budget. I really thought it would easier: "Hi, I represent a bunch of women who don't get out that often and would love to drink and party at your restaurant on a Thursday."
Thankfully, I have Deb to
Who: Women. (Kidding) The event is called a Celebration of Motherhood but we're firm believers in "it takes a village." If you've ever even looked at a child, you're welcome to come. (It's almost 2:00am, I'm getting a little slap happy)
What: National Mom's Night Out at Buster's Beach House & Longboard Bar at Seaport Village (Beach Loft room)
When: Thursday, May 7th from 6:00-9:00pm (but we can always go to another part of the restaurant afterwards)
Where: See What
More details: Buster's has offered us our own bartender. I'm still confirming the hotness level of said bartender and the assless chaps, stay tuned. No host bar, hosted light appetizers and parking validated up to three hours.
RSVP: On our Facebook page
I do hope you decide to come. Those of you who have been lurking here (you thought I didn't know, tsk tsk) please join us. I'd love to meet you face to face! And the hostess in me will make sure you have a good time.
The PS- We're looking for more items for our gift bags, the charity raffle and prize drawings. Please email me ADramaticMommy@gmail.com if you have an item you'd like to contribute. Thank you!
**More thank you's to Lizzie from Bailey Gardiner and Seaport Village for all the "extra's." Mwah! For those who do not want to head south, Stacey (San Diego Bargain Mama) is hosting an event in Encinitas. Read the details here.**
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The call with Suze Orman this morning had some great information. I'm still trying to process it all. It was hard to Tweet and concentrate on her answers. For me, I was bummed that her advice is making me re-think my plans. We were discussing how to wisely invest in our businesses and where money should go. My question, after listening to her advice on 8-month savings plans, paying ourselves first and financing a business, was, "Don't we need to spend money to make money?" She had a great answer though it wasn't what I wanted to hear. I feel like I'm making progress with the goals for this blog and I need to strike while the iron is hot, so to speak. The money I'm considering spending (that I consider a business investment) isn't financed, or on credit. I have the money, but now I'm wondering if it's wise to spend it, or to wait. I guess I need to think about the ramifications of not spending the money and what it could mean if I don't. I'm just worried that my current momentum might come to an abrupt halt and I won't be able to get the ball rolling again. If I wait, what exactly am I waiting for?! Let the soul searching commence!
For you guys, Suze is sending out a code in our emails that we can post for you to access her website and print out $2500 worth of documents relating to wills and trusts! This is something that has been on my list of much needed things to do. It's so important to make sure we secure the best possible financial future for our kids. Phil has a will through the military but I don't. Please check back tomorrow for the code. I'll put it on this post!
Did anyone follow the conversation on Twitter? What did you get out of it? You can go to Twitter Search and pull up the #suze hashtag to read all our observations.
Thank you Avon for putting this call together!
The code for the Will and Trust Kit is Moms Rule. Go to www.suzeorman.com and click the Will and Trust Kit link in the blue vertical nav bar on the upper left. Click the orange git code button and enter Moms Rule. you will be given an activation code. I suggest printing the page, just in case. The code is good until midnight EST on Saturday, 4/25.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
**Comments Closed**
***Update- Because apparently I have no idea how to read a calendar, Dropps gave me the OK to extend the entry date of my contest. Thanks to the two readers who read all the rules and pointed out my mistakes with the dates.**
More and more people, companies and businesses are realizing
that going green is not just a trend. Coming up with ideas and products that will help us as consumers make good choices that benefit our families and the planet is no longer solely about good marketing, it's about a change in attitude and lifestyle. We have more opportunities and information available about ways to be healthier and smarter consumers than ever before, and to pass this information and attitude to our kids.
For Earth Day, I'm so happy to have one of my first sponsors back with a really great giveaway. Dropps are pre-measured liquid gel pods for laundry. They dissolve immediately, are biodegradable and are phosphate, chlorine and NPE free (that's bad stuff!).
Dropps are a better choice than plastic jugs because they take less material to produce which means less waste. I like the fact that they are six-times concentrated (instead of two-times like other detergents). Dropps has taken all the water out of the formula, saving millions of gallons per year, which is good for me because California is approaching a crisis situation with water rationing on the horizon. My favorite thing about Dropps is that they aren't tested on animals.
They come in three sizes: 2,20 and 26 load pouches. I asked if a larger size is available through Costco or Sam's. Dropps come in Fresh Scent or dye-free, non-scented and their brand new baby line.
Dropps Baby are dye, scent and enzyme free. Dropps are sold online through their site, Amazon and Drugstore.com; and in Target, Wal Mart, Lowes, some Costco's and Whole Foods.
Now for the prize: One winner will receive a one-year supply of Dropps! That's 240 washloads (twelve 20 load pouches)! AND, the winner will be able to choose which Dropps formula they'd like. You can have all one style or mix and match between the three.
To enter:
1. Go to the Dropps site to read more about their conservation efforts.
2. Come back here and leave a comment on this post and tell me your impressions of Dropps or what you're doing to be more green - required.
3. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! NoReply@Blogger will not send you a response. I will have to delete comments with no contact info.
4. Comments will close on Thursday, April 30th at 11:59pm CA time.
5. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winner via email and in a "Winners" post on Friday, May 1.
6. You don't need a blog to win, but I MUST have a way to contact you. US residents only (sorry!)
7. For two extra entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three entries total). You will need a free Twitter account. You do not have to follow me or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Here's the URL to this post: http://tiny.cc/v3jW1
Thanks so much to Dropps for sponsoring this give away! Happy Earth Day! (Earth photo from here)
***Update- Because apparently I have no idea how to read a calendar, Dropps gave me the OK to extend the entry date of my contest. Thanks to the two readers who read all the rules and pointed out my mistakes with the dates.**
More and more people, companies and businesses are realizing
that going green is not just a trend. Coming up with ideas and products that will help us as consumers make good choices that benefit our families and the planet is no longer solely about good marketing, it's about a change in attitude and lifestyle. We have more opportunities and information available about ways to be healthier and smarter consumers than ever before, and to pass this information and attitude to our kids.For Earth Day, I'm so happy to have one of my first sponsors back with a really great giveaway. Dropps are pre-measured liquid gel pods for laundry. They dissolve immediately, are biodegradable and are phosphate, chlorine and NPE free (that's bad stuff!).
Dropps are a better choice than plastic jugs because they take less material to produce which means less waste. I like the fact that they are six-times concentrated (instead of two-times like other detergents). Dropps has taken all the water out of the formula, saving millions of gallons per year, which is good for me because California is approaching a crisis situation with water rationing on the horizon. My favorite thing about Dropps is that they aren't tested on animals.
They come in three sizes: 2,20 and 26 load pouches. I asked if a larger size is available through Costco or Sam's. Dropps come in Fresh Scent or dye-free, non-scented and their brand new baby line.
Dropps Baby are dye, scent and enzyme free. Dropps are sold online through their site, Amazon and Drugstore.com; and in Target, Wal Mart, Lowes, some Costco's and Whole Foods.Now for the prize: One winner will receive a one-year supply of Dropps! That's 240 washloads (twelve 20 load pouches)! AND, the winner will be able to choose which Dropps formula they'd like. You can have all one style or mix and match between the three.
To enter:
1. Go to the Dropps site to read more about their conservation efforts.
2. Come back here and leave a comment on this post and tell me your impressions of Dropps or what you're doing to be more green - required.
3. I MUST have a way to get in touch with you! NoReply@Blogger will not send you a response. I will have to delete comments with no contact info.
4. Comments will close on Thursday, April 30th at 11:59pm CA time.
5. I will use random.org to draw the winner and post the results/notify winner via email and in a "Winners" post on Friday, May 1.
6. You don't need a blog to win, but I MUST have a way to contact you. US residents only (sorry!)
7. For two extra entries: (not required) Tweet, and/or blog about this contest and leave each of your links in a separate comment (three entries total). You will need a free Twitter account. You do not have to follow me or subscribe to this blog as a method of entry (but you're more than welcome to!). Here's the URL to this post: http://tiny.cc/v3jW1
Thanks so much to Dropps for sponsoring this give away! Happy Earth Day! (Earth photo from here)
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