Weird Word Wednesday - Abnormous

ABNORMOUS!

I LOVE the word abnormous. These are the reasons why:

1. It's a REAL word, but spell check thinks it's not.
2. It is the base word of abnormously.
3. It's a perfectly good word, that no one uses.
4. It means abnormal.
5. It's fun to say!
6. It sounds like a made up word, like ginormous.

ab·nor·mous

adj \(ˈ)ab¦nȯrməs, -ȯ(ə)m- also əbˈ-\

Definition of ABNORMOUS

archaic

: abnormal, irregular

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abnormous

Bright Side Friday! Opportunites and Hope

OPPORTUNITY

COMING THIS WAY!

This week's Bright Side Friday has to do with opportunities. When things are looking bad, all I hope for is an opportunity to make things better. As everyone knows, the economy hasn't been that great lately. It has really impacted my business, which my husband and I both work at, and hence our family counts on income from.

Lately we have been noticing more and more new customers. When we ask how they found us, sometimes it's by accident - they were just passing by, and other times it's because one of our other clients recommended us. Now that's a feel good. It's not just that they HAVE to use us, there are competitors fairly close. They CHOOSE to come to us AND tell their friends to do the same! Awesome!

Having business pick up a little bit is a relief to us, but having the opportunity to gain clients is wonderful and renews our hope.

Just last night, a friend asked if I could design a logo for our local travel soccer team. I still need to get her a quote, and I'm not guaranteed the job yet, but it's another opportunity. It makes me happy that the opportunity was presented to me. If I get the job, will it make me rich? No. But it gives me hope that more opportunities will come our way.

What opportunities have come your way that were unexpected or made you feel good? Here is hope for you, that even more opportunities will come your way. Make the most of them.

=J

Weird Word Wednesday - retroussé

retroussé

Today's weird word is retroussé. It is a word used specifically for the upturn of a person's nose. You know, like the famous Bob Hope slope? Umm... you never heard of Bob Hope? Great. I'm used to kids making me feel old by not knowing things, like what a rotary phone is, but now even adults are even making me feel old. Oh well.

Here is some more information I found about a turned up nose:
" Turned Up Nose
Also called a celestial nose, a turned up nose runs in a smooth line right from the eyes to the tip of the nose. The fall line of the nose ends in a slightly peaked tip with a delicate outward curve, though it is not pointed."

Just for taking the time to classify the types of noses, I'd like to thank: http://www.lifestylekarma.com/2011/09/12/types-of-noses/

The SUN did a whole article on what the shape of your nose says about you. The article can be found here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2875607/What-your-nose-shape-says-about-you.html This is what they say about a turned up nose.

"Turned-up

FAMOUS EXAMPLE: Marilyn Monroe

Cute ... Marilyn Monroe's turned-up nose

NOSE NOTES: Those with these types of cute, turned-up noses are mostly kind, optimistic and full of character.
They usually have nurturing personalities and like to provide love and support for their friends and family.
People with this nose type often have an endless enthusiasm for new things and experiences.
Often a sign of the sexually adventurous but at the same time a person with a turned-up nose usually takes well to marriage."

OK, well I'm not sure that I would want to read that much into the nose shape of a potential future spouse, but hey, who am I to judge? 

My computer added this information to the definition: "(of a person's nose) turned up at the tip, esp. in an attractive way."


Here is the Merriam-Webster definition.

re·trous·sé

adj
\rə-ˌtrü-ˈsā, rə-ˈtrü-ˌ, ˌre-tru̇-ˈ\

Definition of RETROUSSÉ

: turned up <retroussé nose>

Origin of RETROUSSÉ

French, from past participle of retrousser to tuck up, from Middle French, from re- + trousser to truss, tuck up — more at truss

First Known Use: 1837

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrouss/

So next time you see someone with a turned up nose, you'll think "I know there's a name for that... some famous guy I never heard of had one, oh ya, and Marilyn Monroe did too... can't for the life of me remember the word for it though. Gotta go Google Venti With the Girls and look that up!"

=J

Monday Vent - Mother Guilt

Since having children, I am frequently plagued by guilt for making mistakes, bad judgement calls, being short-tempered, not preparing the most healthful food, etc.  All of this guilt is completely self-inflicted.  I get that and I am working on it. 

My newer experiences with mother guilt come straight from the mouths of my sweet cherubs.

Example #1 While at a park, my son wanted to try the monkey bars.  I told him no and said they were too high, but I walked over to help him.  As soon as he was hanging on the bars, he immediately said "help me down mommy, it's too high".  So, I helped him down and went to my other son who needed help on the swing.  I no sooner turned around and my son had gotten up on the monkey bars again. As I walked quickly toward him to help him, he fell and hurt his arm (it ended up being broken).  He immediately started crying saying "Mommy, where were you?  You should have been there to help me."

Example #2  My little one started kindergarten.  I went with him the first day, stood in the kindergarten line and went to the orientation for his classroom.  He seemed fine and comfortable since this is the same school his brother has gone to for the last two years.  I had just started my new job at a different school, so I was not there with him the next day in the line.  He became upset and cried until he got to his classroom.  When I got home he quickly told me that he cried in the line at school that day.  When I asked him why he cried, he said "Mommy, all the other boys had mommies with them holding their hands and you weren't there.  I missed you and I was scared."  I actually put my head down and cried.

Example #3 I am trying to go to the gym after dinner and before the boys go to bed so that I can put them to bed.  They were happily playing when I left.  When I returned home, my little one says, "Mommy I need to snuggle with you.  I didn't see you all day and then you went out and I didn't get to be with you."

My question is, how do they know exactly what to say that is going to hurt me the most because they are voicing the fears I have in my own heart? 

S-)

Probably every mom has moments like these. What is yours?

Bright Side Friday! My Network of Support

My Bright Side Friday this week is about my network of support. I am surrounded by so many people that are willing to help me out if I need them to. Looking at others around me, I see that I am really lucky to be in this position.

This morning, I contacted a PTO friend about my volunteer position on PTO. Not only did she offer to do something for me that I NEVER would have asked anyone to do, she followed through with it and went above and beyond to make things better for me! I couldn't believe it.
 
This evening, I was supposed to coach a soccer game, most likely in the rain. But, my co-coach stepped up and told me that I didn't need to go, he would coach for me. Yes, my son is injured and wouldn't be playing in the game, but still! Someone actually took something OFF of my plate instead of adding something. Of course, that time slot was quickly filled, but that's besides the point.

My schedule is crazy and I can always be available to get my kids to here or there. Yet there always seems to be a friend that offers to pick up or drop my kids off when I need it.

I'd like to think it is a mutual network of support and I hope they do too. I do try to reciprocate whenever possible.   A friend once offered to help and I told her that I wouldn't be able to reciprocate in that particular situation. She told me "Don't worry about it. I had to be there anyways. Besides, you've done plenty of other things for me." That made me feel really good. Finding friends that don't keep score and you can count on because they can count on you... now that's perfect. Not sure how we would navigate without this network.  The quote "it takes a village" sure rings true for me.

Hope you have a network too. It might be just a person or two, a family member, a sitter, or a whole bunch of friends. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it and offer help when you can. Some of my best friendships have blossomed from my network. Please share your stories of times you've helped out others or others have helped you.

=J

Weird Word Wednesday - Aeolist

Aeolist

This weeks Weird Word Wednesday is Aeolist. The definition is a pompous person that pretends to have inspiration or spiritual insight. Doesn't sound like something I'd want to be called, but a few people that I know come to mind, when I think about that description.

 

While looking up information on Aeolist, I was amused to find a BUNCH of businesses and products that, for some reason decided to use the name for their business. Really? Didn't they look up the meaning of the word prior to choosing it? Assuming they are men, they do know that it has nothing to do with areolas, right?

 

There is a design firm as well as software, that has used Aeolist in their name.

 

*Legal Disclaimer: I am not trying to get into a legal battle with any of the above referenced businesses or product manufacturers. I am only shedding light on the definition of the word you chose to represent your company. Perhaps your marketing team was unaware of the definition when it came to picking names out of a hat. Or, after much debate and trying to convince your boss to choose a different name, at 2:00 in the morning you would agree to anything. Regardless, just trying to educate. One more free service I provide.

 

Noun

aeolist (plural aeolists)

1. (rare) A pompous person, pretending to have inspiration or spiritual insight.

 http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/aeolist

Bright Side Friday! Perspective

My Bright Side Friday has to do with perspective. It seems every Monday, it's SO easy for me to think of a Monday Vent. Friday's I tend to struggle to find my Bright Side. I guess it's probably true for most people, that they get overwhelmed with all of their own chaos, that they forget to appreciate all of their gifts.

Today is one of those days when I have been given the gift of perspective. I'm going to look past my chaos to appreciate my gifts. I just found out that a classmate, of one of my closest friend's kid, just died this week. He was playing The Choking Game. He was a good kid. He didn't mean to kill himself, but he did. PLEASE watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpugH4AJJFI (Also above) if you have never heard of it. Add it to your list when you have a conversation with your child about drugs and alcohol. I can't even imagine what that family is going through right now. In spite of that, they have posted on his obituary page, that Youtube link, in hopes of saving someone else's kid.

Which brings me to my Bright Side, if I can even call it that right now. Perspective. My kids are safe, healthy and alive. I know I should appreciate that daily, but it's news like this that makes me realize that I'm taking it for granted.

My niece lost her life at 13 months. That's is as close to the feeling of losing a child that I want to get. My husband's twin had severe medical problems since he was 9 years old and passed away at the age of 42. I pray that is as close as I'll ever be to having a child with medical issues. Just listen to the news, sadly, the list goes on.

Slow down and get a little perspective. Grab your kids, hug them tight, smother them in kisses even if they resist. Appreciate the moment. Smile and tell them that you love them. They already know it, but tell them again.

Sending you all a little perspective, love and hugs.

=J

Monday Vent - Candy for Lunch

It was a Sunday, and after church, I had a meeting to attend.  My husband was going to run to the hardware store and then take our boys out to lunch.  Sounded like a good plan to me.  I arrived home a few hours later to be pounced on by my boys who were "starving".  When I asked my husband what had happened, he explained that at the hardware store the boys saw some candy that they wanted.  So, he gave them the choice of getting candy or going out to lunch.  Guess which one they chose?  That would have been fine if he also gave them some REAL food also.  When I questioned him further he replied, "what do you want from me, they wanted the candy!"  This goes back to other blogs we have written when seemingly normal, intelligent, independently functioning men do really STUPID things and then wonder why we're irritated.

S-)

Now it's your turn. Can you relate?

Candy image borrowed from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Candy_in_Damascus.jpg

Monday Vent - Take A Number! (repost)

PLEASE

TAKE A NUMBER

Now Serving: 

EVERYONE ELSE

What is it about women that we put ourselves aside to meet the needs of everyone around us and then we don’t have time to do what we actually want to do?  I know that I signed up for this when I became a wife and mother, but sometimes I just feel annoyed.  I have spent the last two weeks working at a new job every day and then coming home to continue working to keep my children and husband fed and happy, the kitchen clean, laundry done, etc.  I have been so tired that I have not found the time to exercise, read a book, or even watch a little TV.  At night, I consider putting the TV on just to catch up on current events, but I realize that all I really need is sleep.  Now I just feel pulled in all directions, tired, and out of shape.  I know, it’s universal, but I just needed to tell my girlfriends who understand!

S -)

This was originally posted last Saturday, but it REALLY needed to be a Monday Vent.
Are you feeling pulled in all directions too?

Bright Side Friday! A Little Peace

 

My Bright Side Friday has to do with having a little peace. As a busy mom, a little peace can make a huge difference.

After hiking in the U.P. a few weeks ago, my SIL and I pulled out the cooler with the food we had packed. Due to the bugs, and our exhaustion, we some how squashed the cooler between us in the front so we could dole out the food bug free and seated. Once we had the kids settled with their sandwiches, drinks and snacks, we finally both were able to grab our sandwiches. Almost in unison, we sighed as we ate the first bite. And then we laughed. There we both were grubby as can be from a hike, exhausted from corralling and cajoling children, each with less than a full seat to sit on, wedged between a full size cooler and the door, and we simultaneously enjoyed the peace. A moment when everyone was content, no one was in need of our assistance, and we were in one of the most beautiful places on earth. A moment of wonderful peace.

Now, if you have read my Monday Vent, you will know that the start of school has been anything but peaceful for me. However, things have started to fall into place, all of the Open Houses are over, there is no Friday night soccer game tonight (we play Saturday morning), and in the midst of all of this chaos, I have stumbled on a moment of peace. It is wonderful. Yes, I just heard my cell phone battery die, and I should be shutting down the equipment here at work, and left the office 11 minutes ago. However, just for a minute more, I'm going to enjoy a little peace.

Wishing you little peace too.

=J

What's your Bright Side? Have you been lucky enough to find peace?

Note: I have noticed a lot of traffic to this post for people looking for a peace sign image. It made me realize that I did not credit the site that I borrowed it from. My sincerest apologies to that site as they deserve full credit for the image. The peace sign was originally on: http://coloringpagesforkids.info/peace-sign-coloring-pages/

Monday Vent - School Started!

So, my girlfriend S-) wrote a Bright Side Friday post about school starting. Hopefully, you had a chance to read it. When I read it, I was reminded once again, that even though S-) and I are good friends, we are not the same. Perhaps that is partly why we are such good friends. But honestly, I could not share in her optimistic view of school starting. At the time of her post, I promised a Monday Vent with the opposing view. I think it speaks volumes that it took me another week to finally be able to write this.


When school starts at my house, chaos starts. It doesn't just mark the beginning of the school year, it marks the start of a million other things too. S-) is happy for the routine, while I'm frazzled by the additional places and things we are expected to be at or do at certain times.

- Sleep: I like staying up late. The kids and I slipped bedtime a bit later over the summer. Convincing my tweens that it is time to go to bed is super difficult, when they are not tired and I want to stay up and watch my late night shows. This becomes a bigger problem when it comes time to wake them up and I don't feel like waking up at 6:00 a.m. This past week, my internal clock has been waking me up a few minutes before my alarm, but I'm not happy about it. They have been better than me at jumping out of bed to get ready for the day.

- Packing lunches: I always have to feed my kids, but now I have to make sure that we have their packable lunch items. Do I have fresh fruit for today? Do I have fresh lunch meat for today? Did we run out of bread? Any non-school day, no big deal if we do or don't. On school days, I need to provide my kids with a decent lunch, that they'll eat AND will keep them energized for the school day. As I'm typing this, I am remembering that I need to buy apples for tomorrow... ugg!!!

- Soccer: I volunteer to coach soccer every year. This is obviously something that is optional for me, but I enjoy the sport and spending time with the kids. Problem? It starts the same week school starts. What's the rush? Oh yes, we play late into November! This becomes a 2-3 time/week responsibility. Thankfully, I'm co-coaching this year, so it's a bit more flexible.

- PTO: I am on the school PTO Board. Most of the year, I have very little to do. However, the first week of school is insanely busy. Again, another volunteer position that I could have just said "no" to, but I didn't. In another moment of weakness, I agreed to take over their e-mailings to the families of the district. Of course, a ton of those happen at the beginning of the year too.

- Homework: This ultimately should be my kids' responsibility, I am aware of that. Some how I still needed for setting up projects to be printed, purchasing supplies for projects, helping with the confusing questions, and reminding them (on weekends) to get their work done. Then I worry how they are doing, encourage them when they are worried about tests and quizzes, and become their cheerleader.

- Band: This also starts at the beginning of the school year. Of course, they both needed things for their instruments and I had to make a special trip to the only music store open late on a Sunday so they would have it. Back to "encouraging" them to practice and remembering to put their instruments at the front door and music in their backpacks. Again, it should be their responsibility, but I really don't feel like making the drive to school when they call and say "Mom! I need my instrument!" And I could, do the whole "natural consequences" thing, where if they forget it, they just don't have it that day. However, my kids get thrown so easily. Not being prepared for even something as simple as band, would mentally screw them up for their entire school day. Just not worth it in my book.

- Bus: Making the bus is something that my older son wants to do daily. The younger one would love it if I drove him to school everyday. I encourage making the bus. Mostly because, aside from it being a huge waste of gas, I'm usually still in flannel pants at that point. I have been there, where I thought, "who will see me?" Only to have to get out of the car with my uncombed hair, flannel pants and over sized t-shirt because my kid needed me to sign him in. Awesome. Just don't speak, or they'll know you didn't brush your teeth either.

So, there you have it. I am probably one of the few moms that don't look forward to school starting. I love being able to relax and have fun with my kids. I like letting them do their own thing or to up and do something cool just because we have time to do it. When school starts, all of that changes. I get the same sick feeling in my stomach that I did when I was a kid and the school year was starting.

When's our next day off?

p.s. The photo is from our fun, relaxing, no-schedule, trip this summer to the U.P. of Michigan. That's the stuff that summers are made of.

=J

Now it's your turn. What's your Bright Side? Is the start of school a Vent or a Bright Side at your house?

Bright Side Friday - School's Back

Since I work in an elementary school, I am very lucky that I don't work over summer break.  I thoroughly enjoyed being with my two boys all summer long.  We had a great summer.  We spent alot of time outside when it wasn't too hot.  We had quite a few picnics.  We slept in a few times. They both learned to swim.  We participated in the library reading program.  We had a very full and satisfying summer.  Even though I enjoyed all the unstructured time, I am quite content to have the school year starting again.  The boys are excited about school and really enjoy going to the after-school program, which alleviates guilt for me since I can't pick them up right after school.  Their bedtime has moved up a little bit so that they are rested for school, which gives me some more time in the evenings to collect myself and get organized for the next day.  We're falling back into a comfortable pattern of purposeful activities.  I'm looking forward to hearing about all the new things they'll be learning and all the things we'll have to talk about.  Happy Friday of the first week of school!

S -)

What is your Bright Side? Are you ready for school to start?

Clip art licensed from the Clip Art Gallery on www.DiscoverySchool.com
or http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/back-to.html

Weird Word Wednesday: Scarp

 

This is an example of a scarp that we saw in the U.P. of Michigan. It was absolutely beautiful, and at the time, I didn't know that there was a name for it. Now we know!

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarp?show=0&t=1314191020 

scarp

noun \ˈskärp\

Definition of SCARP

1: the inner side of a ditch below the parapet of a fortification

2a : a line of cliffs produced by faulting or erosion — see fault illustration  

b : a low steep slope along a beach caused by wave erosion

Monday Vent - Stupid Drivers

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to vacation in the U.P. of Michigan with my kids and sister-in-law and her kids. It was a great trip, but the double digit hours on the road, gave me plenty of contact with stupid drivers.  In my perfect world, there would be a point system with drivers. Drivers around you would be allowed to decide if you get points deducted or awarded. I'm sure it could all be done electronically. If you lose too many, you are no longer allowed to drive because even though the police haven't taken away your license, you are obviously a hazard on the road. You could earn points back by being a courteous driver. Sounds fair, I think. Until then, I just have to do it in my mind. Here are a few of my mental points deducted and awarded. (Please keep in mind, that most of the driving was on roads that had only 1 or 2 lanes of traffic in each directions.)

Points Deducted From:
1. Left Lane Slow Driver: The left lane is for PASSING people in the right lane. NOT the other way around. If you want to drive slower than the 50 cars behind you, get over to the right.

2. Left Lane Driver Driving the SAME speed as the right lane: Again, refer to #1. You are now succeeding in blocking BOTH lanes of traffic. In fact, I think you are WORSE than #1 because we can't even pass you on the right.

3. Drivers who Pass Me and then drive slower than I was in the first place: Seriously? Feel free to pass me, but if you are going to pass me, you'd better have a pace that's faster than mine.

4. Left Lane Slow Driver until I try to pass on the right: Really? NOW you speed up? And just enough to block me out so that I can't pass you? Jerk.

5. Clueless Drivers: This one has to do with the fact that my sister-in-law's car died on the top of an off-ramp in the left turn lane. The doors were open, the hood was up, the hazard lights were on, we were standing outside of the car, and drivers STILL pulled up behind us to wait to turn left! Even when we waved them over, they were confused. It took a State Police car with lights and orange cones to finally stop the stupidity.

Bonus Points Awarded to:
1. Drivers who passed in the left lane and then moved back to the right lane.

2. Left Lane Drivers who saw faster traffic approaching behind them and moved over to the right.

3. Drivers who passed me and continued to drive faster than me.

4. Good Drivers that didn't make me feel like running them off of the road.

=J

Now it's your turn to vent!

Weird Word Wednesday - finial

Image borrowed from : http://www.lampfinials.com/

I was unscrewing the metal piece that holds a lampshade in place in order to change the lampshade.  My sister commented that I could also change out the finial if I wanted to.  She had worked in a department store in housewares and said that it can also refer to the decorative ends of curtain rods.  Apparently this may be a familiar word to people in decorating.

S-)

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

fin·i·al

noun \ˈfi-nē-əl\ 

Definition of FINIAL

1: a usually foliated ornament forming an upper extremity especially in Gothic architecture

2: a crowning ornament or detail (as a decorative knob)

Origin of FINIAL

Middle English, from final, finial final

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with FINIAL

lineal

Bright-Side Friday - A new job

It is the Friday before I start a new job on Monday.  I am very excited yet very anxious.  I am so thankful that I was offered this position.  It is exactly what I had been looking for.  The butterflies in my stomach have been getting quite a workout in anticipation of my first day and now here it is before me.  For me, changing jobs at this point in my career has significantly changed my career direction.  It was quite nerve-wrecking to go through the interview process but I firmly believed it was the right time to make a move.  Now, I will get a glimpse at whether or not this decision was the correct one.  Hopefully, my first day won't turn into a Monday Vent!!  I'm just kidding, I don't think it will.  That will come later after I've been there long enough to see the flaws in the organization. :)  Have a happy weekend!
S -)

Now it's your turn! What is your Bright Side Friday?

Weird Word Wednesday - Fribble

^{Today's weird word is fribble. I came across it when my screen saver was active. Usually, I know the words that it shows, but not this one. I was excited to see it, because I knew it was a great Weird Word Wednesday word. Fribble doesn't even show up in my spell check dictionary. It doesn't recognize it as a word, but it is in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, so it's definitely a word. I like the word because it sounds like a silly made up word, and can be used in place of "goof around". As in, "don't fribble" instead of "don't goof around".  I plan on using it regularly!}

^{Enjoy your new weird word, and please take some time to fribble now and then! =)}

^=J

^{http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fribble}

¹frib·ble

verb \ˈfri-bəl\

frib·bledfrib·bling

Definition of FRIBBLE

transitive verb: to trifle or fool away

intransitive verb

1: trifle

2obsolete : dodder

Examples of FRIBBLE

1. <somehow, he managed to spend the whole morning fribbling instead of doing his assigned work>

Origin of FRIBBLE

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1633

Related to FRIBBLE

Synonyms: doodle, fool around, fiddle (around), goof (around), hang about [British], kick around, mess around, monkey (around), play, potter (around), putter (around), trifle

Monday Vent - Hobbies

My husband goes through phases with various hobbies.  He generally cycles through the same ones.  His most recent phase has been an electric guitar.  I actually encouraged him with this hobby.  I knew, from a financial standpoint,  once he actually had the guitar and amplifier, the only additional expense would be various strings and cords, nothing really pricey (unlike his other hobbies).  He also needed a good, clean hobby.  I had forgotten that the last time he had a guitar, we did not have children and he had his own “hobby room” in which he could play to his heart’s content.  Now, however, his hobby room is a bedroom.  He has chosen our living room to be his studio.  Although he has headphones he likes to hear it in the open air.  I get that, but for how long do the rest of us need to be subjected to hearing him practice parts of songs?  Apparently, the answer to that question, in his book, is 6- 7 hours on a Saturday with time out for meals.  I was trying to be understanding because he had just gotten it and was very excited about it.  But the longer he continued, the more I began to fume because he was being completely selfish by playing so loudly and by monopolizing the main room in our house.  In addition to that, I was doing housework for most of the day which only added to my irritation.  I know that even though I enjoy playing my piano, I would never play for an entire day and completely ignore everything else going on in the house. 

One of the ironies of this situation is that he’s always telling me that I need a hobby.  I always respond that he and the boys are my hobby and that I don’t have time for anything else.  I also can’t think of a hobby that would make me feel okay about being completely self-absorbed for hours at a time.

S-)

Bright Side Friday! Friends

My Bright Side Friday has to do with my son and his friend.

When my son was 3, he was in pre-school. He made friends with a boy named Ryan. My son and this boy were inseparable. At times I was worried that my son would never make friends with anyone else because he and Ryan were so attached. Before my son could start his next year of pre-school, we found out Ryan was moving. My son was crushed. He started the school year sure that he didn't have any friends. It was a really rough time for him, and me. I had to constantly remind him that EVERYONE liked him and that he should just play with everyone. So tough to do when the children, who had obviously noticed the exclusive pair the year before, would just assume my son still wasn't interested in playing with them. Heartbreaking to watch when they are only 4. After a bit of encouragement things worked out better for my son that year, but he never stopped talking about Ryan.

I spoke with Ryan's mom and she told me that Ryan never stopped talking about my son. They still had family in the area, so when they came back to visit, Ryan's mom suggested we get together. When the two boys saw each other, it was like they had never been apart. We realized that this is no ordinary friendship, it is something special.

It is now years later, and the two boys are still best of friends and look forward to the visits. In fact, Ryan just left our house last night after staying with us for 1 week. Two buddies, never leaving each others side, staying up late, for 7 days and not one disagreement. Smiles on their faces the whole time.

It still amazes Ryan's mom and me. When she came to pick up Ryan last night she said "It's like they knew each other in another life." The friendship is amazing and I'm so happy that my son has been able to experience a friendship like it.

=J

Now it's your turn. What is your Bright Side?

Weird Word Wednesday - otiose

While pondering my frustrations with a male relative, I came across this wonderful word that is appropriate to describe him.

otiose - adjective
1.  producing no useful result: futile
2. being at leisure: idle
3. lacking use or effect:  functionless

"While listening to my sister I become angered by her husband's otiose lifestyle  which forces her to be the only adult in the household."

I am sure each of us knows an otiose person.  Now we can say it to their faces without them understanding!
S-)
 
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/otiose

oti·ose

adj \ˈō-shē-ˌōs, ˈō-tē-\

Definition of OTIOSE

1: producing no useful result : futile

2: being at leisure : idle

3: lacking use or effect : functionless

— oti·ose·ly adverb

— oti·ose·ness noun

— oti·os·i·ty noun

Examples of OTIOSE

1. <since you haven't read the book, I suppose that it would be otiose to inquire what you thought of it>

Origin of OTIOSE

Latin otiosus, from otium leisure

First Known Use: 1794

Related to OTIOSE

Synonyms: abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, futile, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain

Antonyms: deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous

Monday Vent - Parenting Skills

Spending time with extended family who have questionable parenting skills is painful.  Watching the impact these poor skills are having on my beloved nieces and nephews is painfully frustrating. 

1.       When your child has a difficult time transitioning and you tell them it is time to leave, you need to leave.  You don’t just sit there for 35 minutes saying, “get your shoes, it’s time to go” while your child alternates between screaming “no” and ignoring you. 

2.       When your child, who is not potty trained although they are well past the appropriate age, refuses to have their diaper changed, that is not the time for bargaining, bribing, and cajoling.  That is the time for decisive action to complete the task with minimal fuss.  You do not necessarily need their permission.

3.       When your child hits their cousin, you should not say in a sickly sweet voice, “oh sweetie, don’t hit, that’s not nice”.  It’s called a time out.

4.       When your child says “no” to you,  that is not the time to get a “deer in the headlights” look on your face and back down.  You need to understand that you are the adult and that you need to teach your child.  You are not doing them any favors by letting them become spoiled rotten children who believe everyone should comply with their wishes.

5.       When 6 adults in a family have finally agreed on a restaurant, the complaints of a 12 year old should not change the decision, regardless of her pouting prowess.

6.       When a child refuses to eat anything but potato chips, the chips should be removed.

I have a lot more, but I think the vent is over for now.   To be continued…

S -)

Your turn! Can you relate? Share your vent. You'll feel better... really!

Bright Side Fri...day, umm... Saturday!

FRIDAY! SATURDAY! Yes, a day late with my Bright Side, but I think it's never too late to share something positive with others. My Bright Side is that I am dog sitting. It's not just that I am dog sitting, it's that I am dog sitting an abused rescue dog.  I can see the notches in the backs of her ears where someone took a razor blade to them. She won't take food out of a bowl and will only eat food that you hand to her or leave on the floor. She is terrified of nearly everything around her, but she has blossomed nicely in our home. She is one of the sweetest dogs on the face of the earth, and all she wants is love and snuggles. It makes me feel good that I am able to be part of the positive part of her life. I am so mad at her abusers and I can never undo what they did to her. But, I can add happiness to her life now, I can give her a loving environment to stay in while her owner is away, and I can comfort her when she is scared. Truly unconditional love from her to me, and me to her.

Now it's your turn. What is your Bright Side?

=J

Weird Word Wednesday - tittle

"I have been having pain in my hand while writing and tittles are actually causing me the most discomfort."

"My son prefers to make his tittles a circle instead of a dot".

Who knew?  The word for the dot above a lowercase “i” or “j” is called a tittle. It can also be used to mean a small piece of something, for example, "we could not find a tittle of common sense in her entire rant".

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tittle 

tit·tle

noun \ˈti-t^əl\

Definition of TITTLE

1: a point or small sign used as a diacritical mark in writing or printing

2: a very small part

Monday Vent - Annoying Brother

It's Monday. It's late. This post is late. I'm tired. I'm finally ready to vent. Honestly, some days it is SO easy for me to vent, and other days, it is much more difficult. I usually like trying to look at the glass half full. If I start looking at the glass half empty, I tend to get stuck in a rut of viewing everything that way. I have been pretty up beat this past week, so this morning, nothing came to mind when I needed to write the post. However, much can happen in a day, and here I am at the end of the day, ready to vent.

This vent is not new for me, nor is it as rage filled as it has been on other days. In fact, I am a bit rational about it right now. I realize that, for the rest of my life, I will have to live with the fact that my brother will always say things in an incredibly condescending and insulting way and my mom will always defend him. I know they love me and have no idea how their actions affect me. If I thought that they were intentionally hurtful, my attitude would be very different. They just don't get it. I've tried bringing it to their attention. I really have. They just think I'm too sensitive, crabby, misunderstood them, etc. Some days it's more difficult for me to be rational. Thankfully, today I am able to just see it as it is. It is just the way it is. It will never change. Moving on.

Now it's your turn. Do you have a vent to share? Share it and move on.

=J

Bright-Side Thursday Night

My bright side Friday occurred on Thursday night.  I was watching a show on TV in my bedroom.  There were only a few minutes left and one of my boys climbed up on the bed.  I told him he could sit with me only if he didn’t talk so I could hear the end of the show.  It was just before bedtime for the boys.  Moments later, my other son climbed up, and then my husband joined us.  It turned into a tickling, giggling, hugging, kissing time. It was great.  The thought crossed my mind that this is one of those moments that I will look back on again and again as long as I live.  Having my family all together, healthy, happy, laughing, and just enjoying being together is an amazing blessing and a wonderful memory to carry with me.
S -)

Bright Side Friday! Florida Fun

My Bright Side Friday has to do with Florida. My parents brought our entire family and cousins to Florida 8 years ago. It has been on my mind the past few years, thinking about how fun that was, and how young my sons were when we went. Finances have not been such for us to take my sons back. I was wishing there were a way to take them back, before they get past the "magical" age of the parks there. My dad surprised us with a trip back there this summer. I was really excited and thankful. Even though I had to cut my trip short, because of work, my sons were able to stay and continue their fun with grandparents and cousins. In fact, they come home tomorrow, so hubby and I will have a chance for date night tonight too! =)

Now it's your turn. What is your bright side?

=J

p.s. The photo is of my sons waiting to board the plane for Florida. I wish I could have heard all of the excitement going on in their heads.

Monday (Vacation) Vent

We just returned from our vacation, camping with our two young boys.  If anyone asks me how it was, I will, of course, tell them it was a lot of fun.  I would be lying through my teeth.  The truth is, I have not had a relaxing, fun vacation yet as a mother.  I think vacations with young children and husbands are only actually fun in retrospect.  In the moment, I am dealing with trying to appease all of them at the same time, which is rarely possible.  The only thing my husband wanted to do was fish.  The only thing my boys wanted to do was go to the pool.  Not that anyone was interested, but the only thing I really wanted was some peace and quiet and to read a good book and go for long walks.  As it turned out, the boys and I were in the pool every day for a few hours, made arts and crafts, and played at a park.  My husband fished every day for most of the day.  I guess it was a successful trip since they are all happy about it.  Now I want to go take a trip with my girlfriends!!!


S-)

Weird Word Wednesday - Aglet

My weird word for today is Aglet. If you are between the ages of 5 and 11 and watch a certain popular American cartoon, you already know what it is. In fact, it was my sons, who roughly fall into that age category, that told me what it meant. I can't say that they have never come home and told me something fascinating that they learned at school only for me to reply with "I didn't know that." But this time, I looked at them suspiciously, like they were trying to trick me into believing the information. It happened as we were trying to get ready to leave the house. As they both sat down to put on their gym shoes, they simultaneously asked me the question. "Mom, do you know what this is called?" pointing to the hard plastic ends of their laces. I'm not sure if I EVER wondered what it was called, or even thought it might have a name. The grins on my sons' faces threw me. I thought, this is where they make some funny joke at Mom's expense. So, being the good sport that I am, responded and waited for the punch line. "Aglet" was all they said. I think I responded with something like "Really? How do you know that?" Then they went on to tell me about the show and even sang a song about it. It's quite catchy, I can hear it now "A - G - L - E - T, don't forget it". So now, YOU TOO know what most kids already know. The hard plastic end of your shoelace, is called an AGLET.


=J

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aglet

ag·let

noun \ˈa-glət\

1: the plain or ornamental tag covering the ends of a lace or point

2: any of various ornamental studs, cords, or pins worn on clothing 

p.s. This photo was borrowed from:
http://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Awareness-of-the-Aglet

Monday Vent - Snarky Friends

 

It's Monday, and right now, I'm laughing because on Friday, my Bright Spot was about how great my friends are. Now it's Monday, and my vent is about how snarky my friends are. OK, so admittedly, MOST of my friends are great MOST of the time. However, every now and then the snarky side sneaks out. I honestly don't have time for snarky friends. Rather, I don't have time for my friends when they are snarky. I usually set them straight and move on, or give them an eye roll and walk away. I can count on an apology within 24 hours. Which, unless they were down right mean, is OK with me.  What really annoys me is the drama. I don't DO drama. Like me or hate me. Pick one.

Now it's your turn. Vent, scream, get it off of your chest, and move on!

=J

p.s. This is a photo from the 4th of July fireworks. We set up blankets way ahead of time to mark our space. Notice how ugly this one is? No one else would dare claim it! This is a photo of my niece enjoying the fireworks with me and my friends (snarky and otherwise).

Bright Side Friday!

It's Friday, and we have managed to not post anything since last Friday... oops! Things have been a bit crazy to say the least. The 4th of July weekend was wonderful and fun, but it seems like it has taken all week to recover and catch up from it.


I will be honest and let you know that I am having a difficult time coming up with my Bright Side today. It's not that I'm not thankful for all of the things I have, like a roof over my head and a loving family. I just like to find a Bright Side that is something other than that, otherwise that is ALL you will hear from me every week! =) Some days it's easier for me to come up with SEVERAL Monday Vents. This is one of them.

So, after much thought, here is my Bright Side:
Reflecting on the 4th of July weekend, I am glad that we live in such a great community of wonderful people that have become our friends. Everywhere we went, we ran into people that we knew AND liked (lol)! The kids all had fun and so did the adults.

Now it's your turn! Share your Bright Side!

=J

p.s. This photo is from our 4th. If you look over to the left the the fireworks, you can see the crescent moon. I don't ever remember seeing the moon in our fireworks before. It turned really orange that night!

Bright Side Friday! Happy 4th of July!

It's Friday AND it's a LONG weekend for us in the U.S.A.!


So THIS one is EASY!!!!!
My Bright Side: I am looking forward to a fun and relaxing 3 day weekend with family and friends, watching the parade go by, and sitting under the stars to watch the fireworks. BONUS: I don't have to work on Monday! OK, so Tuesday is going to be a bit painful, but it is ALL worth it!

Happy 4th of July to you. Hope it is safe and fun for all.

Now it's YOUR turn! What is your Bright Side?

=J

Weird Word Wednesday - Obfuscate

Any word that has a “bf” combination makes it into my book for being weird. I have heard of it before, but never really found a good opportunity to use it effectively.   

“Obfuscate” is a transitive verb meaning 1. To darken or make obscure & 2. To confuse.  You can change it into a noun as obfuscation, but I wouldn’t recommend using it after a glass of wine.  It gets more difficult to pronounce.   

“ I enjoy watching political debates but am annoyed by the rampant obfuscation.” 

S-)

 http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obfuscate

ob·fus·cate

verb
\ˈäb-fə-ˌskāt; äb-ˈfəs-ˌkāt, əb-\

transitive verb

1

a : darken b : to make obscure <obfuscate the issue>

 

2

: confuse <obfuscate the reader>

 

Monday Vent-Bogey Man

It is Monday morning and I am exhausted and in need of uninterrupted sleep.  My husband had a momentary lapse of judgment and allowed our two young boys to watch a part of “The War of the Worlds” right before bedtime. Luckily for them, it was a part where there is a lot of screaming, running, and the aliens suck up people and dissolve their remains into liquid.  If you haven’t seen it, let me assure you it is quite horrifying.  Now, these two boys had nightmares when he had another lapse of judgment last summer and let them watch him playing a video game involving zombies chasing people through a forest.  Those nightmares lasted a few days and they still talk about it.   Although they are typically good little sleepers, they were sobbing and scared when I called them upstairs.  It became apparent that they would not go to their own beds so I allowed them to come into our bed, just to stop the crying.  My husband can sleep through anything, but, unfortunately, two little extra bodies kicking and rolling around kept waking me up, although I’m not actually sure I fell asleep.  I put them back in their own beds around midnight, but one returned by 2:00 a.m.  So, here we are at 5 in the morning and I have to get moving, yet all I want to do is go back to bed.  Thanks honey!!!

Now it's your turn! Come on, you know it will make you feel better!

S-)

Bright Side Friday!

I know that I usually start out by commenting, that the fact that it IS Friday, could be a bright side on it's own. I'm still standing by that. This has been one of those weeks that I have felt like I was just trying to survive each day. I didn't even realize I had made it to Friday until I got on Twitter and saw all of the "#FF" and "Happy Friday" postings. I'm still trying to shake off the sleepy from a terrible night's sleep, but knowing that it is Friday has given me strength and a renewed drive. Or, it could be this second cup of coffee that I added chocolate milk to...

Anyways, here is my Bright Side Friday. Please post yours. It makes us all feel better hearing about happy things.

We had terrible storms hit a few days ago. Most people in our area lost their power. We did not. This is a switch as we used to be the ones who ALWAYS lost our power and everyone around us was on. I can't even remember how much food we have had to throw away over the years. This time we were spared. I almost felt a bit guilty. Some were out for 36 hours and others more than 48. To top it off, trees were down all over, including in our back yard. Someone was watching out for us, because it fell parallel to the power lines. Absolutely unbelievable. Thankful. Truly thankful.

=J

P.S. This is a photo of the tree that broke off about 30 feet up. The trunk is on the left between the lines, and the top 60 feet of the tree is on the ground going off towards the right. Weirdest thing about this, is that ALL of the trees in the neighborhood that went down, are pointing in the SAME direction!

Mommy, why do chains and whips excite her?

 

“Sticks and stones can break my bones, but chains and whips excite me” That’s what I get for giving contemporary music a listen with my 5 & 7 year old. I typically listen to Christian music. I know that may sound dorky, but I really like it and it is good music. It is also refreshing to have the radio on and not have to be concerned about what my child will hear. “Mommy, why do chains and whips excite her?” “I think because they’re shiny, hey, look at that airplane!!” What happened to the dance music of the 80s and 90s that you could belt out without offending anyone? Yes, I know my mother raised her eyebrows at Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”. Oh, wait a minute, that doesn’t exactly support my case. Well, fine, I guess it has always been a bad influence on young minds. My line is apparently drawn at S&M and I must be getting old and crabby. On second thought, it did have a nice beat to it. 

S-)

Image borrowed from: BludOgre at http://photobucket.com/images/whips and chains/

Weird Word Wednesday: Pandiculate

 

Today's weird word is PANDICULATION. We all do it. I have even seen cats and dogs do it. What is it? Think about how you feel the first thing in the morning. You don't want to get up but you some how get yourself out of bed. As your feet hit the floor you have an uncontrollable urge to stiffen your body, stretch your arms, yawn and perhaps even add a groan in there. THAT is PANDICULATION. So here is the weird part, well to me at least, it's a noun! I know, I am shining my geek side out there like a beacon. But really, it is a "thing" right? Have you ever thought of the act of stretching as a thing? Oh, I know. Add "tion" to the end of a lot of words and it changes from an action to a thing: elate ---> elation, and... well now my mind is in the gutter and I can only think of 2 more words. One word has to do with pooping and the other with spending some quality time with yourself. I won't share those.

Back to my point. Did you even know that there was a word for it? At some time, someone thought one word was needed for the entire act of "stretching and stiffening especially of the trunk and extremities" and created the term. Have you ever used the word? I think I am going to start, just because I can't believe it exists. When it makes a comeback in popularity, you'll know who to thank!

When I saw this ad, I knew I had to include it. An actual machine so people can pandiculate. "Better than 2 hours in the gymnasium" where can I get one of those?


http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/pandiculation?show=0&t=1308747368

pan·dic·u·la·tion

noun \pan-ˌdik-yə-ˈlā-shən\

: a stretching and stiffening especially of the trunk and extremities (as when fatigued and drowsy or after waking from sleep) 

 

=J