24 now has their villian

It usually takes a few hours but eventually we meet the "big" villian. This year's villian is someone Jack knows! Next week we get 2 hours of 24 and the reintroduction of old characters Kim and Tony. Can we stand it?

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"For the record this is not a good idea"

My man Edgar has the line of the night. Tonight has been another slow night to set up the next few hours but my man Edgar in his humorous way provided the moment of the night.

For the record this is not a good idea

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to say to the bank, "for the record this is not a good idea", before you make a payment!

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Back into the swing of things

Today was a day we, as a family were dreading, the first day back in the family routine. It started like most mornings in recent memory, Child2 waking up first in a cheery mood (as long as Parent2 was there), Child1 not wanting to wake up and claiming "I don't want to go!" After the trek through the Southern part of the state we arrived at our destination as the thermometer read low single digits Child1 was back to a tolerable attitude to deal with people. The school day went smoothly and the transition home went smoothly.

I had to get some supplies for this weekend's journey back to Decathlon-land. Child1 got to push the easy button at Staples. All seemed to be good in the world until I had to pump gas. At that point I might have strongly considered a full service pump because the air as Berlin not Jessica Simpson sang, "take my breath away." Child2 was waiting for us when we made that pick up (it was quick because the car was warm). Then we had to reverse the track as we had to pick up Parent2 at work (yes the car is still in the shop). Then we had to plan dinner!

Off to the local mercantile we went. There was where we witnessed as Sheep put it earlier "The Grumpies". The issue 1 lousy, measily sugar cookie! Child1 wanted it the 'rents said "no way, jose". Child1 then started screaming and crying instead of letting "the Grumpies" win we took the child out of the environment. Chalk 1 in the win column for the 'rents. We lived to fight another day!

Everything else about the day is boring but repetitous for those who have children and boring for those who don't. Today we got back into the swing of things ready to face the next seven weeks!

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We need a good sledding storm

Last night we picked up a couple of inches of the light fluffy stuff. Perfect for clearing off the driveway (yea me) but bad for sledding, making snowballs, snowpeople, etc for CamMad. Child1 is getting very frustrated that we haven't been able to put the backyard through the paces. CamMad has new sleds, a great hill, but no snow to slide on. As we've watched the Olympics we've been reminded that this winter has been disappointing in the snow fun column. Granted I'm not complaining loudly because I've been able to use the pusher that is 4 years old and seen it's better days. I'm at the stage where I'm ready to shovel one storm if it is going to lead to days of sledding bliss.

Do I think we are going to get one? March says we should get at least one more storm that is going to give us a snow day but this year has not be a typical winter. The only thing I know is the more days we have December-March means less days in June for CamMad. Right now it looks like June 14th. That would be real nice compared to June 21st last year. We can always hope for the best!

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CamMad's Routine Needs Reverting

Our extended time together is quickly coming to an end. The week of sleeping in until we wake up and staying a little later is just about over. In its' place will be the strick bedtime, alarms to wake the 'rents up, and CamMad being grumpy at the beginning and the end of the day (why didn't I win the lottery). Vacation week is almost up and it will be another seven weeks until we enjoy such bliss. Today we started to get back into the work week routines (ugh). Monday morning will not be a fun wakeup situation.

Let me take a moment and review the challenges I laid out to those near and dear:

Parent2-Pick a craft project and see it to the end. You must also document (with pictures) your progress for all to see. This challenge was started but the social calendar was too full to see the project to completion. Grade: B

Child1-Made a real effort to dedicate time everyday to giving the 'rents some independence. There were some days better than others. This weekend has been a disappointing. Grade: B

Child2-Maintain a routine that the 'rents can follow You did all that you could based on what we gave you. Grade: A-

Auntie Heidi-I know that you are not on vacation but...create a flickr account and invite us to your friends lists With a little help you accomplished your task. Now you need to keep it updated. Grade: A

Sheepish Annie-Take care of the truck and go for a mini adventure (shopping doesn't count) some place social and public. The intent is to have a great time and not to have cabin fever set in. I know this caused you a little apprehension especially when the truck gave you more concerns but you made it through. The back up plan would have probably provided you quality blogging material. Grade: A

My Challenge-Find a creative outlet (other than the computer) to expand my horizons I found a creative outlet, even though the computer is still my favorite, candy/dessert making (not eating). My first foray was less than desirable but it was a start. Grade: B


The best family time we had during the vacation week was the puzzle making periods we had. I think CamMad was cursed. Each puzzle we tried to put together seem to have a piece missing that was found after the puzzle was completed. The next seven weeks will provide many challenges and opportunities. It is everyone's job to keep things in perspective and try to enjoy the moment.

A restful vacation week

Things this week for CamMad have been restful. Everyone in one form or another was under the weather but that didn't deter any of our plans. Massachusetts was nice. Good to see Auntie Heidi and those on Washington Street. Child1 had so much fun that the meltdown was pretty fierce. Today CamMad went to a play and everyone had fun. Tomorrow there is the Children's Museum.

One of the things I've appreciated the most is the lack of a rigid schedule. It has been so nice to do things on a "when I want to do it" attitude rather than "I have to do it now!" attitude. This really represents that first February vacation in almost 15 years that I've been able to have this type of attitude. I know at some point I'm going to need to have change my way of thinking.

Today represents the downward slide to the vacation week. At this point I'm still looking at the glass as half-full! There is still lots to do and enjoying the fact that work is taking a back seat.

I've narrowed it down to 3...

Believe it or not I've been working on my vacation challenge. For those of you who don't remember my challenge was to find a creative outlet that didn't involve the computer. I've narrowed down my outlets to 3:

1. Poi. It is a form of juggling which involves spinning an object on the end of a rope. Positive side: can be a physical activity Negative side: not something I can do inside.

2. Animal Balloons. I don't think people need an explanation. "I want a bicycle! Just make me a bicycle!"-Wedding Crashers Positive side: entertaining for the kids Negative side: like juggling people are going to want you to show off.

3. Candy making. I was thinking of cooking and thought that the dessert section hasn't been tapped much in the CamMad household. Positive side: built in taste-testers, practical Negative side: calories.

I do have a favorite but I would enjoy others to provide their input. Let me know what you think.

Take that YahooAvatar

People around me have found YahooAvatars and decided to spend time putting a facismile of themselves on their blog. Well today I found one that is more appropriate for me (minus the beer okay some days I wish I could have the beer):



Courtsey of The Simpsonmaker

I have a problem...

My problem might not be one you would have guessed right away. My problem is not CamMad, drugs, alcohol (thank goodness), or anything really good like chocolate. The problem is "information". I've been so used to accessing information whenever I feel like thanks to the Internet and wireless connections that I'm not sure how to handle it when it is taken away. I know that my vacation challenge was to find a creative outlet other than using a computer but I didn't want to be thrown into the deep end without any swim floaties.

The lack of information flowing into the CamMad household was not entirely under our control. This weekend due to the high winds there was some issues with Adelphunk's servers causing a very slow network connection. I was told throughout the day that crews were working on it and it shouldn't take long once they isolate the problem. The first person said it should be within 2 or 3 hours. When I called back I was told "We can't tell you how long because we have to go from spot to spot checking for the bottleneck." That was not what I wanted to hear.

I was a sad person without Internet on Saturday and Sunday morning. I wasn't the only one, Parent2 was not able to track the weather. CamMad were unable to play some of their favorite games. The family was in Mass. yesterday and I was able to make the most important reconnections. I had to watch the Olympic coverage to find out the results instead of NBCOlympics website (how boring and time ineffective).

When we got home today I called Adelphunk back and was told the network was up and that the issue was in the house. I've deduced that when Adelphunk reestablished their connections it was reset correctly and when I established our VOIP router it would only work when the configuration was backwards. The important thing is that we are back online!

My problem is directly tied to the constant flow of information that I've become use to in life. Information is not an addiction but a lifestyle. I'm use to the fact that I can click on sites like MSNBC or CNN and find out the latest or enjoy the BLOG circle (read, think, write). Take that away and you've successfully taken a piece of me away. I will admit it now, I'm a digital native and I'm proud of it.

Help I'm without the Internet...

This has been a very long weekend. Due to high winds or a network slowdown, Adelphunk has not provided Internet services to CamMad. I'm only blogging to you because we are in Massachusetts. Trust me I've come to realize how much the Internet is part of my life, in a positive way.

Making the right decision

Today was a tough day at work as every Thursday tends to be. As we started the trek around the southern part of the state I noticed that Child1 was off, in a tired way. When I went to pick up Child2, Child1 didn't want to follow the plan before gymnastics. I even tried the phone call to Parent2 but to no avail. Even though Child1 wanted to go it was clear that going would have been a mistake. I'm often dumbfounded when parents push their children and then they have the meltdown. The parents are wondering why!

My gut instinct was right, the ride home was long and loud! When we got home the child wanted to go upstairs and sleep (well rest). By the time Parent2 got home the child calmed down. Little things throughout the night showed me that it wouldn't have been a good night with a meltdown if something didn't go the way Child1 wanted it to go. We just spend the evening being a family, which is odd for a Thursday night.

Lesson learned: "Listen to your children, they may not come right out and tell you but they will send off enough signals as to what they want.

At this point I'm mentally fried and I'm having a hard time concentrating on blogging so I bid you adieu and happy TGIF.

Vacation Challenges

No need to set this up let's just get to it...

Parent2-Pick a craft project and see it to the end. You must also document (with pictures) your progress for all to see.

Child1-Made a real effort to dedicate time everyday to giving the 'rents some independence.

Child2-Maintain a routine that the 'rents can follow

Auntie Heidi-I know that you are not on vacation but...create a flickr account and invite us to your friends lists

Sheepish Annie-Take care of the truck and go for a mini adventure (shopping doesn't count) some place social and public. The intent is to have a great time and not to have cabin fever set in.

Don't think I getting off easy here...

My Challenge-Find a creative outlet (other than the computer) to expand my horizons

When can I crawl into my hole...

Please allow me this moment of shameless pity

Over the last couple of weeks it seems like everyone around me (both at work and home) has had a moment or two, three or more to crawl into their hole to recharge or reenergize. The last couple of days I've had this sense that I may never get that opportunity. I look at taking a mental health day and there is still something or someone that has prevented it for me. I'm so glad vacation is just about here (2 more days) because I don't know how much more of this I can take before I crack.

Thank you for indulging me the moment has passed and we now return you to your regularly scheduled blogging.

Changing gears here...Child2 started to get back into the napping pattern and the 'rents noticed the difference immediately. Child1 is looking forward to Friday (PJ day at school as well as their bear celebration where they can take in a teddy bear from home). Vday was kind and generous to CamMad. The generosity shown to them means the 'rents need to start Candy portioning. Child2 has learned the meaning of candy. Due to that fact, Child1 is banned from saying dessert, candy, or ice cream in Child2 presense.

Tomorrow is Thursday and Child1 has been practicing the gymnastic moves. Fortunately no one or anything was harmed, thank goodness.

Vacation for CamMad Needs to Start Immediately

One part lack of sleep, one part Valentine's Day highs and lows, and one part cabin fever makes for a CamMad that wants/needs vacation in the worst way. Everyone is feeling the stress and we wish that vacation could start tomorrow but we only have three more days before we start our own hiberation.

Vacation challenges will be given out tomorrow be ready for them.

Child1 was funny today. The child's limited experience on Valentine's Day shows. Child1 sees today as a holiday in which we give out cards and get candy!!! If it was that simply. I know that for Sheepish it is that way today. Parent2 and I have made a tradition (more that we don't want to set up unfair expectations) of trying to make VDay as much of a normal day as possible. This way we are not gorging on chocolate (although given the last couple of weeks that wouldn't be a bad idea), racking up debt, and stressing on how the other one feels about a gift. Love should be celebrated every day not just February 14th. To my "sugarpie, honeybun" I love you.

Child2 is starting a pattern that the sitters do not like, skipping naps. The end result that I get is a child who falls asleep on the car ride home, tired and cranky at home, and sleeping pattern at night that has mixed results at best. I'm thinking that it is a phase that will run its' course. Benadryl may be in the future if sitters reach an end to their rope.

Tomorrow is hump day! Enjoy

The leapster is back and all is good in the world.

Today was a good day for Child1. She was a victim (yes I know she is only a child) of a heinous crime. One of her classmates stole her leapster (think primary grade level GameBoy that provides edu-tainment). At first we turned the house upside, looked at work, and asked her teacher. Child1 told me that one of her classmates took the case out of her bag in the hallway. What Child1 didn't realize is that classmate took the leapster out of the case and put it in their bag. Based on Child1's info I took it to the teacher and thank goodness for great teachers. She confronted the classmate (not ask but confronted) and within a couple of minutes got the truth. The teacher worked with the classmate and older sibling in returning the leapster to the proud owner. It took a couple of days (forgetfullness) but we got it back today. We have chosen not to tell Child1 the full story. As far as Child1 is concerned the leapster was found by the teacher and returned. Child1 should not have to deal with adult issues at this age. That will come soon enough.

In other news, the household is desparately trying to hold on till the school vacation next week. I feel like my biggest hurdle was going to be passed today but I fell like the next few days at work are going to be crucial to long term happiness. Parent2 is trying to survive the week of meetings. Child2 is trying to make sure playtime does not interfere with sleeping. Oh to be carefree again.

It looks like the CamMad show is going on the road out of state this weekend. Parent2 is going to back to the old stomping grounds. The exact details have yet to be finalized but be on the lookout in your neighborhood. I'm already putting in my order for Capri and Emperor's Choice. There may be a trip to the Apple Store. Good news for me, bad news for the bank account I get paid this week!

How much do I dislike snow?

I dislike snow, let me re-phrase it. I dislike shoveling, moving, or pushing snow. Today's storm was made worse by the fact that it was cold outside. My dislike comes from the fact that I've been around snow and lots of it since I was a kid. I was in Buffalo, NY for the big storm in 78. I shoveled in storms where the bankings were five feet high. You can start to see the picture. I think my mom has a part to play in aversion to snow. When I was a little one I would hear "You should go out and shovel because your father could have a heart attack!" I do not want to place that kind of guilt on CamMad. Not to mention within 10-15 minutes CamMad wants to come in because A "I'm bored" or B "It's too cold". I don't blame them

Each year I keep telling myself after the third big storm in a two week span. I don't care what my credit card balance is I'm going to get a show thrower. Usually I talk myself out of it when I realize that they aren't too many of these type of situations. This year Parent2 is really able to help out due to cold-induced hives. I was going to go out and get a snow thrower but this January was so warm I just had a hard time bringing myself to spend the money. I realize that I'm living on borrowed time but I think I will wait for the end of the season snow season.

I remember happier days-college and the time at the Beach- when I wasn't responsible for shoveling. Those were happier days with the snow. The only thing we had to worry about was getting the car moved before the plows came to clear the parking lot. Usually that involved waking up Sheepish from her cat-nap. At college one of the selling points the admission office sold the incoming freshman to be in East Oh-My-Goodness-I've-Got-A-Long-Walk-To-Anywhere Dorms a.k.a. the Trees was the heating steps up the hill. The reality was would the steps work or would it freeze and become icy. Speaking of college one of the jobs I laughed at was the school looking for students who wanted to be snow removers. You never knew when you might get hours and those hours were on demand 4-5 in the AM or at night. No thanks I stick with the catering job!

I like snow but It is when I can have fun and carefree. I don't consider skiing or shoveling as fun. Shoveling is work and skiing is dangerous. People say you don't ski. My response is simple, "If God wanted me to ski I would have longer feet." I don't have a problem with others who want to ski. If they want to put their lives on the line and to pay for it is their choice. I want to go sledding, make snowballs, create snowman, aka be a kid again and not be responsible for anything other than having fun.

I will save my rant on snow days for another time as I know tomorrow will not be one.

Cool Olympic Event

Child1 found womens' hockey today. The first response was "Look, she has a bow on her helmet." It is great that we have a society that girls can appreciate women participating in Olympic events. Even though the response was innocent it definitely leads to a bigger picture of equality. The 'rents are not necessarily going to encourage Child1 to play hockey. $$$$, 5 AM or 10 PM hockey practices, and traveling all over looking for rink time are not my versions of fun.

Time to reconnect

Today my goal was to reconnect with CamMad.  You're probably reading this saying reconnecting what does he mean.  Well work has been very crazy with a lot of time away from the family.  I wanted to be able to spend some quality time with them.  We also needed to gear up for the pending storm coming in tomorrow.  Child2 only wanted my computer to look at pictures.  Child1 actually wanted to spend some time with me.  I helped wrap up the VDay cards, we played outside (only for a few minutes), popped popcorn, and watched Lion King 1.5.  Later on tonight I will get to put down Child1 and start to set the routine again.  So far I feel like I'm reaching my goal.

Now we need to start thinking about SNOW.  Tomorrow I will probably blog about my dislike of shoveling snow.  I will admit that thanks to Mr. Jobs my iPod makes it easier.  More later...

A 100 reasons to be excited

Tomorrow represents the hundred day celebration for Child1 at school. This week Child1 was asked to submit something to the 100 gallery. If you forgot how Child1 did it read the early post this week. Parent2 was able to confirm their attendance during the gallery exhibit and Child1 is so excited. Don't feel bad for Child2 because tomorrow represents quality time with Grammy with a 3 generation lunch.

Tonight I got to make the circuit around the Southern part of the state and then did it all over again to be at work. CamMad had their gymnastics night. Due to this 'rent's travelling around the state CamMad got to enjoy the night for Parent2 with the coaches. When I got home I got the full report that they did real well and Parent2 still had their sanity.

Our thoughts and prayers go to CamMad's cousin who's going to see a doctor tomorrow to make sure bm's are easier. We are all hoping for the best possible results. We'll be there if surgery is required but we hope not.

This 'rent is exhausted and their still is another week before CamMad is on vacation! Tomorrow we have the famous VDay Dance that I foolishly volunteered to chaperone. Tonight a great celebration at work as a great co-worker is moving on to bigger and better things and the children had a great celebration showing off their dino knowledge for a "dino"nite.

We have many other reasons to be excited to numerous to mention on this blog tonight. As this weekend will provide great material as we are getting ready for VDay. 'till then...

All's quiet on the CamMad front

Nothing really new to blog about tonight. Things have been relatively quiet on the CamMad front. The 'rents are very proud of the report card that Child1 brought home today. The child was oblivious about the fact that there was even a report card in the folder (unless children start this early to deny the report card to their parents). Tonight is a quiet night as the rest of the week gets more chaotic as I've got responsibilities at work over the next couple of nights.

I promise that there more out there to blog about in the coming days but tonight I'm going to spend a little "me" time and try to catch up with projects at work. Tah-tah for now.

I need a 30 hour day

Do you ever feel like 24 hours is not enough time for a day? Lately I've been working later and later at night. I wish the day was 30 hours so I can fit all of the things in a day that I want. CamMad would get more quality time with me. Okay my moment of self-pity is over.

Chloe and Napoleon Dynamite Are They Related?

It all of the sudden hit me tonight. Chloe from 24 sounds a lot like Napoleon Dynamite. The sarcasm, the warp sense of humor, the lack of social interactions are starting to see the picture?

The Games Children Play

It surprises me some of the games children play when they want something. Child2 as part of the night-night process will get our attention by wanting a book that the kid has slid under the door into the hallway. Child2 will call out for the 'rents to come and get the book and oh by the way why don't you put me back in the bed. This process will occur on a good night only 2 or 3 times. On bad nights this will go on for a hour or so.

Child1 is more direct. The kid just tells us what it wants and then will be relentless until either we give in or the child gets so frustrated that a tempertantrum ensues. Either one can be very entertaining depending on what kind of day we've had a work. The games we play always bring interesting results.

On another subject, we've been brainstroming different things to put in the 100 day bag for school. Baring any snow days we will be celebrating it on Friday. Child1 thought long and hard about what can go in the bag. The first idea was 100 Hershey kisses. Our response was quick and decisive, "try again". We came up with a lot of different ideas but the one that stuck was 100 words. Tonight we were going to start the process of coming up with 100 words to type up and put in the bag but as we go to sit down at the computer we hear, "I don't want to do 100 words." Both of us were thinking okay what now. We started to go through the same list as yesterday and then we hear 100 pennies. I said "we can do it." Parent2 said do we have 100 pennies and my response was "Yeah, I think so." I brought down the big bag and my child devised a plan on how to count them for the bag. Here is the picture:

look at the detail 2 rows of 5, 10 pennies in a box for 10 boxes. Child1 definitely has higher order thinking skills. It is now time for 24 and I must focus on the show.

zzzzzzzzzzzing

That was the sound as we ducked another bullet shot at us. This morning the car that CamMad calls home during the week did not start. As our morning schedule is tight I couldn't afford to wait for AAA. Fortunately Parent2 drove us in and Parent2 spent quite a bit of time in the car picking up CamMad and me from a late meeting at school. When we got home we called AAA and they sent over someone who gruffly said "Try now" nothing, "Try now" nothing, a few more times then the car started up. The next thing I hear is "Clean the terminals!" My response was "Alright, baking soda and water right?" His response, "You could use Coca-Cola." I'm think, not only does it rot teeth but it cleans car batteries. Whoa! As the moment was passing I hear, "Do you have your card?" I got the sense he wanted to be somewhere else and fast!

After he left I ran the car for a half hour or so then I decided to put on my brave face. I was armed with my water/baking soda mixture and an old toothbrush. I went out there and shut the engine down and went to work. It looked worse than it was and the battery acid met the base mixture and cleaned up nicely, much like CamMad after a bath. Then it was the true test, would the battery put a charge to the engine to turn it over? I cautiously put the key in the ignition and said a prayer (I'm not ready to go car shopping). The engine turned over like it did in the showroom. Not wanting to say, whew, I wanted to run the car a little longer. I shut everything up afterwards and decided the real test was going to be early in the morning. Only time will tell but it looks encouraging.

CamMad needs to host more often

We are currently in the third quarter of that "football-related thing" as Sheepish would put it and CamMad is sound asleep the leftovers have been put away and most of the dishes have been cleaned. The first half of the game we, I should say CamMad, entertained a co-worker of Parent2 and her spouse. The anticipation was almost too much for CamMad to take but when they arrived all was good in the universe. CamMad had someone other than the 'rents to play with them.

The company placated CamMad at times but CamMad had a lot of fun. I think Tara will hear "Do you want to play Strawberry Shortcake?" in her dreams tonight. Child1 might be hearing "If Tara wants to play she will join the game you don't need to keep asking!" or "No, she is watching the game!" Having CamMad tuckered out thanks to the company made the night-night process much easier. It makes me think that we need to entertain more often. So any takers...Sheepish? Auntie Heidi? What pretense or special event can I come up with to sucker, I mean invite someone to share our company?

On a more serious note it was nice to cook and spread the joy of apps with others. Happy birthday Ally!

Super Bowl Sunday

Today we spent the day cleaning the rest of the house enjoying the fact that it is 50+ degrees. The house has the smell mixture of Pine-Sol, Multipurpose cleaner, and Endust. To para-quote Apocolypse Now, " I love the smell of cleaning supplies in the afternoon." I went to the grocery store to get the last minute items for our annual Super Bowl appetizer party. Sorry Sheepish I know how much you enjoyed the food and could care less about the game.

Speaking of the Super Bowl, we were talking about who did we want to win (Pittsburgh Steelers or the Seattle Seahawks for those of you who don't follow football). My response was Seattle no good reason really. I really just want a good game. Child1 response was the Patriots. We had to tell the Child that the Patriots were not playing. Child1 hasn't had that many experiences when the Patriots weren't in the Super Bowl. The Child took the news much better than when Johnny Damon signed with the Yankees. Child2 is pretty obvious to all the hustle bustle going on.

Tonight we are entertaining a co-worker of Parent2 and their spouse. We have a lot of different things on the menu and I subconsciously know that we have more than enough food but I'm like my relatives who stress out and when the moment gets here there is so much food that people go home with the leftovers. Even though I realized we probably had enough food I still went out and bought more things. The things I bought I can't even take to work with me. Reheating jalapeno poppers just doesn't have the appeal as a sandwhich. I am probably most excited about making the Buffalo tenders. I don't very often get the chance to make it but I when I do the house has a great smell that cleans the sinus. The stuffed mushrooms might be a close second. I had to put some veggies on the menu and between the celery sticks and the mushrooms I can enjoy the other items that might not be as healthy. I hope everyone out there enjoys the games and stays safe. CamMad will probably be asleep by halftime dreaming of things that only the young and naive can dream of.

CamMad's lungs vs. Any Opera Singer

If we ever had a showdown between CamMad's lungs vs. Any Opera Singer's lung it would certainly go to the judges' cards. Last night was just another example where CamMad would flex their vocal cords somewhere between 1 AM and 3 AM. Usually it is Child1 but within the last week Child2 is quickly catching up. Child2 was up around 2 AM screaming for Parent2, this was after the hour+ in going to sleep that had Child1 fall asleep first. I went in and stayed in with the Child trying to calm the savage beast, no I didn't sing that would have made it worse. After 20 minutes I had to use the facilities. While I was away Parent2 went in and tried to silence the wailing child. After another 20 minutes Parent2 had to use the facilities. At that point we were going to try to wait it out. After another 10 minutes, a grand total of 50 minutes, the savage beast returned to the peaceful sleeping child that everyone else knows. The funny thing was that Child1 who usually is sensitive to noise didn't even wake up, go figure.

Trouble is around the corner

Blogger has been playing some tricks on me today. I'm not sure what is going but when things settle down I blog some more.

Did you replace my last post?

Let us see how blogger is behaving now.

Can you hear me now?

Am I still coming through? Today we've been enjoy each others company as we've been cleaning the house. Not much going on here until the trip to the grocery store. That should provide some good entertainment.

Taking the night off from blogging

Nothing new to blog about tonight and with the regular Thursday night stuff I'm too tired to be creative.

The positive side of ADD in the young

By no way am I saying that Child1 has ADD but the young show ADD tendencies. I am amazed how children can go from one emotion to another one quickly. As a parent you get yourself prepped to handle a near meltdown situation and when you confront the situation it is just a moment for the child and with the distraction factor it's a non-issue. That happened to me today with Child1. There was a situation in which Child1 was going to be big-time disappointed and I was gearing up to handle the situation. By the time I was ready to step in and diffuse the bomb the bomb was already disarmed by a great teacher. I knew that my presence was going to be a trigger so I walked away happy knowing that another one of life's bullets was dodged.

Today was only one example of how this occurs. I've seen with children as they get older the distraction factor becomes less of an impact due to the concentration levels sharpening. Today I am appreciative that Child1 is still young enough to handle the distraction factor. I know that one day it will change but for now I will use it when it is necessary.