My Pledge

Multi-tasking...it's a well-discussed topic in the news right now. And, how cell phones, texting, e-mailing, etc. is possibly changing the way our brains work. And, that no matter what some say--there is really NO such think as "multi-tasking". Your brain allows you to start and stop one activity at a time...and that it is ultimately impossible to do "two things at once."

Last night, my close friend Jodi and I talked about how moms today are constantly trying to "multi-task". We both made brief mention of one activity I know a LOT of us have done...talked on our mobile phones in the car. And, talking on our mobile phones while our children in the car. And, regardless of whether or not you use a headset---can you REALLY pay attention to driving while talking??? And, how can we be totally sure we're paying attention to what's going around us while in the car with our children?

Today, I read this article. And, while it has nothing to do with talking on a mobile phone in the car, it left a huge impression on me. No one will ever know how this young mother ended up in the wrong lane. But, this is not how I want my story to end. How tragic for these young children. I don't want this to be me. My little lovlies need me. And, I need them:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/17844623/detail.html

So, today I pledge: I will never again talk on my mobile phone while in my car. Never. Unless I'm parked. No, not at a stoplight. Parked.

I invite you to join me and make your own pledge. Feel free to post your pledge in my comments.

How a purple dress can make someone's day

I thought perhaps a piece of good news is very needed during these times of constant economic bad news.

In the process of moving, I am coming up with a lot of things in our home that I simply don't need anymore. Some I am selling--others, I am giving away. Craigslist.org has been my obsession since discovering it a few years ago.

This week, I found two formal dresses in my closet that I simply will not wear again. Both in great condition. One wasn't as expensive as the other, and I decided to put it out there for free. My only inquiry on the dress was from a woman who would be attending her husband's Christmas party. But, after having a baby, she was having trouble losing some weight. And, didn't want to spend a lot of money on a new dress.

We agreed to meet at my house this morning. She arrived, loved the dress, and I gave it to her for free. She had driven 45 minutes with her young daughter to pick it up. Afterall, I didn't need it...and she made all the effort. It was good enough for me that someone else could use it. Later in the day I received this beautiful note:

"Thank you so much for the beautiful dress. It fit!!!! I could stand to loose about 5 lbs to make it look fantastic! Just a little snugger than I prefer through the hips area, but I have time to work on it. I so appreciate you giving it to me. It's not very often now a day that people do something so kind for a total stranger. You really blessed me today. Thank You. It was very nice to meet you and I hope that you have a wonderful week."

The next time you have something that you don't want to donate to charity. Try craigslist..you just might make someone's day.

I am SUPERWOMAN

At least that's what Alicia Keyes is singing right now. Let's start backwards.....My children are running around naked. The oldest has decided she is a "horse or something" by putting a wipe between her butt cheeks and running around like she has a tail. Nice. Sasha. One word--overtired.

We "enjoyed" a nice meal tonight at a local bistro, kids and all. But, what two glasses of wine can't do to make it easier. And, when your kids are delighting every patron in the joint with their matching outfits (we had our pictures taken at JcPenney tonight)....then, what isn't easy. We have a lot of boxes to go tonight...we hit a wall. But, you better believe we finished the wine.

Firstly (remember backwards), the photos at JCP are awesome. And, this woman Molly is a miracle maker. Because two-year olds really don't want any part of instructions.

It's a nice day. I'm ready for bed. It's 7:35pm.

Summer is over.

My hostas sprout their flowers in late August. They are coming up. The flowers blooming bring up two distinct thoughts. Six years ago we were buying this house and all of my "new house" photos show the hostas in bloom. And; when the hostas bloom--summer is over. As I played outside with the neighbors this evening, I had to check the time. When I realized it was only 6:50, but the light outside made it feel like 7:30...I knew summer was over. When I checked the Richfield Municipal Pool schedule and realized it closed on Sunday. I knew summer was over.

August flew by. Of course, selling (six days!) and buying homes, attending my 20-year high school reunion out of town, entertaining guests, and celebratng Sasha's 2nd birthday helped keep the pace of the month moving at the speed of light.

Memorial Day weekend...staycation. Fourth of July...staycation. Labor Day weekend.....STAYCATION.

July 2008 Catch-Up

Our July went by in a flash as we moved on from Anya's 4th birthday. We planned a great "staycation" for July 4th. It always seems like every other family in Minneapolis leaves that weekend. But, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at home doing a whole lot of NO planning.

The biggest news: House went on the market the last week of the month. Lots of work went into it, including hoards of packing, organizing each and every drawer, and keeping the house WAY clean.

Goodbye middle of summer, hello end of summer.

STILL HERE AND COMMITTED

Still here and committed to my blog! The last six weeks will definitively go down as some of the busiest weeks of our lives. Dane got a new job with Honeywell, we decided to put the house on the market, and have been traveling and having guests. Not to mention, we are enjoying summer.

Sasha turns two in less than two weeks...wow.

So, here is the "stake" in the ground...I'll be back with more news very, very soon.

Happy Birthday Anya!

Happy Birthday Anya! How did you get to be four? Didn't we just go to the hospital to have you? I still remember every day of being in the hospital with you when you were born. Wasn't it just a few months ago that I was bringing you in the house for the very first time? And, now you are four. And, in one short year plus a few months, you're going to kindergarten. How did that happen? You are a wonderful energetic little princess. Happy Birthday to you. We love you so much!