Reason and Light

Christmas Gifts: Made in America!

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 03:45:00 +0000

This time of year, we all think of giving big, beautiful gifts to our loved ones. These days, that typically means electronics, toys, and other consumer goods generally made in other countries. This year, during a time of economic crisis in the US, let's think outside the box and keep American money inside America. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in commerical wrapping paper?

NON-TRADITIONAL GIFTS:

Restaurant gift certificates, from the fancy new dinner place to their preferred lunchtime haunt.
Gift certificate from the recipient's preferred hair salon or barber.
Contribute to a gym membership or purchase bootcamp sessions.
Car detailing, car washes and oil changes for anyone with a car, truck or motorcycle
Maid service for a day, month, year, life. (one of my personal requests!)
Rather than a new computer, think tune-up and upgrading by the local friend trying to get his repair business up and running.
Tickets to local concerts, sporting events and movies. Even certificates that just pay for the concessions might be welcome!
Photo sessions with a local photographer are good for everyone from babies to golden anniversary couples.
Think about gift cards for paintball, laser tag or rock climbing at local venues for anyone over 10. Make it a family event!
Spa certificates for mani/pedis and massages will soothe the savage beast.
Newspaper and magazine subscriptions. You should be able to find out if they are printed in the US (daily and weekly media are more likely to be printed here due to time constraints)
Are you the big spender who usually buys the TVs, video games and other high-dollar gifts? This year, think about driveway sealings, lawn care and driveway snow clearing services, or a golf course membership. Also, consider plane tickets to visit grandma or a weekend getaway for your sister & brother-in-law (while you watch the kids!)
Prefer a tangible gift? Consider the many local craft people who spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. Others make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Search out that local tailor who makes custom dress shirts or evening gowns for a one-of-a-kind clothing gift.
Check out sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, Morgan's Deals, and AmazonLocal - most items on these sites are from local service providers.
And, while it might seem cheesy or cheap, consider homemade certificates for things like "One whine-free bathroom cleaning" or "one husband-made family dinner where the children act like people instead of monkeys". When redeemed, these mean SO much more than any material product.

TRADITIONAL GIFTS:
If you want to still give traditional gifts, check the labels. Look for that Made in America label. Sometimes it might cost a bit more, but isn't it worth it to keep the money in the US? Need help finding American goods? Try searching on these sites (not the greatest, but they can help you find some things): www.ibuyusmade.com, www.americansworking.com, or www.madeinusa.org.

OTHER HOLIDAY IDEAS:

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a larger tip than usual.
Go out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Find a venue showcasing local bands.
Give your the postal carrier, trash company, and sitters monetary tips.

This Christmas consider where your money is going when you spend it on gifts. Encourage American small businesses to keep following their dreams. When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

Note: I received this message with a lot of China references. I have rewritten it to remove the negative comments about another country while trying to keep the idea that we can think outside the box for holiday gift giving as I thought it was important enough to share. It's hard for me to be negative while also talking about the holidays...

Holiday Booty Buster Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Join me as I try to keep off the excess booty over the holidays. This challenge runs from November 19, 2011 (Thanksgiving week) through January 6, 2012 (just past New Year's). There's a points system, so you'll have to track it (I'll post my tracking sheet up here soon so you can use it) and lots of great prizes. It's run by my friend and co-worker, Amanda Brooks McLatchie, who's a very motivated and motivational runner. Check out her blog post on it then sign up - we can all use the challenge, the accountability and the booty-busting! :)

HBBC Details | HBBC Sign-Up Form
I've also signed up to take part (virtually) in the Resolution Run that Amanda helps put together. It's a fun run on New Year's day in Miami, Florida BUT you don't have to live in Miami to take part. As much as I'd rather be in Florida to do it, I'll be taking part in KC virtually (and potentially indoors...). If there are other KC peeps doing this, I'd love to make plans to get together and run it somewhere in the cold! :)

Resolution Run Details | Resolution Run Sign-Up

4th Graders!

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:44:00 +0000

Boys have entered the high ranks of elementary school - 4th grade! With homework (they get REAL textbooks to carry this year I'm told!), football, karate and piano, this fall will be jam packed and full of fun. I'm hoping they have a reading club again and maybe a running club - need to get in touch with the PE teacher. They are ready to learn and spend time with friends they missed over the summer.

Here's to a new school year full of fun and learning!

Happy (Work) Anniversary To Me

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 05 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Wow! Eight years ago today I started at this little company called "Digital Evolution Group". On this anniversary, I started thinking about all the ways I have grown in this company and as a person as well as all the ways the company has grown and the individuals in it within the last 8 years. And you get to read all about it! :)

ME

At HOME...

I've celebrated seven wedding anniversaries and seven birthdays here.
I've watched my sons go from little one-year-old twin baby boys to amazingly mature, funny, sweet and intelligent 3rd graders
I've watched my little round-faced 2nd grade step-daughter grow up into a fantastically smart, beautiful, funny, social, and respectful teenager.
I've had crazy ups and downs in my marriage but we're happier together and getting our groove back.
I've put on and lost weight and unfortunately put it back on. But with the help of coworkers I'm losing again and getting in-shape with a new attitude.
My mother and older brother both got married.
One of my three best friends had brain surgery and went through an incredible journey of job loss, money loss, marriage strengthening and she is just coming into her own as an amazing health coach.
One of my three best friends went through an amazing process to lose a startling amount of weight and is currently pregnant with her FOURTH child.
One of my three best friends went through a hearth-breaking divorce that is still affecting her family.
I lost my faith and my church but I'm slowly coming back

At DEG...

I've held five different titles, currently the Special Projects Manager. I think this one fits me best and it probably won't change anytime soon (except maybe in name cuz my boss is like that).
I've sat at six different desks and finally procured one of the best seats available with a big desk and a wall of windows.
My salary has definitely increased every year at a good rate but I'm still hourly (by choice).
I currently have eight active annual clients that I help on a year-round basis. Six are events, two are national organizations. All are non-profits.
I get to help with content migration, testing and training on a myriad of other clients, getting to help launch great websites.
I sit on the steering committee for four events and work very closely with the others in planning beyond the website. I wouldn't have these opportunity without this position!
In 2004 I developed an internal system for resource allocation that is still in use to this day. It was only meant to work for about 3 managers and 6 resources but we've made it work.
In 2008 I developed an internal system, EVAN, for our digital direct (email) team that is still in use. In 2009 I developed his twin brother, ERIC, for a smaller division of digital direct. Both of these are still in use today.

THE COMPANY

On my first day, there were five officers, an engineer, a creative, a network services guy, and my job-share partner. A total of 10 of us. As of our staff meeting on Tuesday, there are now almost 70 of us! I started here to have more of the "family" / entrepreneurial feel. Even at 70 people, we still have entrepreneurs within us all.
We've gone from focusing on smaller, marketing websites with a crazy blast email system to a true consultancy with:

marketing sites - those will never go away, the clients and sites just got BIGGER
client strategists to help coordinate multiple projects under a single large client
a social media division with two great guys directing our clients through the myriad of tools (why yes, there IS an APP for that...)
a thriving retail division that has created a new wedding registry site as well
a vast digital direct department that goes well beyond just sending emails
a creative department instead of just one guy
three business development (sales) guys instead of just one guy
an administrative DEPARTMENT with 4 great women instead of two gals sharing a single job
an engineering staff that has full use of several different programming languages, some of which I've never heard of!
a SharePoint division leading the way into a whole new world

We started in a little 600 ft office space (just before I got here) to our main office now. But, our main office has added space 3 times and is being changed again. Last year we added a very large space on the second floor and the people here have been moved around twice. Just last month we added two MORE spaces on the second floor, finally getting all our SharePoint people in one office and all our engineers into another office. Soon we'll have a breakroom that includes more than a fridge and microwave. :)
We do a lot of social things together - the aforementioned events I work on being the tops. We also participate in Kansas City Corporate Challenge, have associate happy hours and weekly Friday beer:30 times, create fantasy sports leagues, and just had a fabulous Bring Your Child to Work Day. This year we created the "Culture Club" to plan even more events, like attending ball games, cook-offs and bake-offs, a putting contest at the Corporate Woods putting green, and even better happy hours!

THE PEOPLE
When you're around a group of people for a long time, you're going to get to know them pretty well. And you get to see a lot of personal things take place:

I can't even begin to count the number of birthdays and anniversaries we've witnessed!
At least four associates have gotten married

One marriage including two ceremonies. One was a beautiful Christian ceremony. The other was an amazing Hindu ceremony unlike anything I've ever witnessed. And the reception was out of this world, taking place on the stage of Starlight theatre.
One marriage included a ceremony that should have been a gorgeous beach setting - but due to a tropical storm blowing in was instead in a parking garage. They've weathered the storm and just celebrated their third anniversary.

At least fifteen new babies have been born and there are four on the way (that I know about...)
Surprisingly there have been very few inter-office relationships even though a good number of our associates are singles in their 20s.
I'm pretty sure we've not witnessed any divorces and only a couple major relationship breakups. Again, this surprises me in this day and age.
There have been a few associates who have lost their parents and grandparents. I'm always amazed by the resiliency of our associates and how they keep going even in the face of personal tragedy.
I couldn't even begin to tell you the number of college degrees and masters degrees that flow around here, many finished while working here.
And of course, some associates leave - some by choice, some not so much. Such is the cycle of the workplace. One of my favorite engineers left to fly planes in the Air Force. A friend left to focus on her family of six. Another friend left to pursue a new life in Portland. I miss them all, but know that God leads everyone to the life they're supposed to lead.

This of course isn't everything, just what came to mind when I thought about the last eight years. There have been ups and down here, as in all aspects of life, but overall it's been wonderful and I hope for more fantastical years before they get tired of me. :)

Just Say "Yes"

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 02:41:00 +0000

Every once in awhile I like to have a non-Mommy day with my boys. A day where we just do whatever their little hearts desire (within reason) and I don't fret too much about money or properness or what anyone else thinks. Today was one of those days:

We started with an easy wake up then headed out for donuts. Krispy Kreme is definitely one of those things I love but they don't necessarily love me. And I always forget I'm not really big on their coffee. But, they had a new Banana Cream donut that was delish!

From there we made a "mommy stop" at Sears and trade in 4 pairs of ripped jeans for new untorn jeans. I LOVE the Sears KidVantage program. Absolutely love it - especially the wear-out guarantee. If you don't know about this program, you HAVE to check it out. It save so much money, especially on jeans for twin boys!

While at Sears we found these great fedora hats for the boys. With their bright blue eyes and slender frames they could be Old Blue Eyes himself at 9 years old. I started calling them my Rat Pack (and sometimes made it my Brat Pack). I also thought they could be the fate-guys from "The Adjustment Bureau". :)

We headed over to Cinemark for a matinee - $4 tickets make them probably the cheapest around KC. We were so early the ticket booth wasn't even open yet! We had some time to kill, so we hit the arcade there, which seemed to eat more quarters than let us play games but still fun. We hit the concessions and got a large popcorn, drinks and Skittles - gotta have Skittles IN our popcorn sometimes. :)

While most people were there to see Hop today, we settled in for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but it was surprisingly entertaining. There were a lot of shared laughs and even a few adult-only laughs. Boys are already looking forward to the next one.

After the movie, we hit up the Half Price Bookstore. Since I got my Kindle it's been awhile since I looked at a real book! I didn't get one but the boys both picked up a Will Solvit book. They really seem to gravitate towards series books, which makes it easier sometimes.

From there we had to do some regular errands, like visiting the grocery store. We grabbed stuff for dinner and the makings for chocolate pudding pie (which was YUMMY). While we were there we found some cool $1 sunglasses, which transformed the boys from Rat Pack cool to Blues Brothers crazy.

Back at home, we settled in to watch Tangled which we had picked up from Red Box. That was SO cute! The boys liked it "except for all that singing". :) When it was over they said it was great so I teased them about liking a "Disney Princess movie". They hit the Wii while I made dessert and then dinner. Just before we ate we started their Magic Rocks aquariums - they're already looking cool and we'll finish them tomorrow.

After dinner we settled into Liar Liar then attacked the chocolate pudding pie (with French Vanilla whip cream). Just before bed, we read a few chapters of Matthew in their new "Super Heroes Bible" (NIrV). This Bible is really nice because it's written in a words they can usually understand and it adds really cool "super heroes" callouts (and Not! Super Heroes like Herod and Lot). The boys asked me to start reading them the Bible every night and this one is helping us stay on track.

All in all, it was a good laid-back day. Limited fighting and lost of silliness. Probably spent more money than I should have, but that's always a part of Yes day.

The biggest downfall to "Yes" day? Having to return to being a regular mom tomorrow. Hopefully they remember how much fun today was and aren't so argumentative for a few days. :)

Texting and Driving Law in KS

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 23:17:00 +0000

There's a lot of buzz recently regarding the new Kansas law dealing with texting and driving. If you haven't heard of this yet, essentially it states that if you are operating a motor vehicle and a cop spots you with a cell phone and you're obviously not making a phone call you could get a citation for $60 (plus any court costs) for texting or emailing. This citation can potentially affect your insurance rate as well.

The two biggest questions I've read/heard regarding this new law are: How is texting any different from making a phone call? AND How is texting any different from other distractions, like eating or putting on make-up?

For some reason, a lot of people have asked ME these questions, maybe because I work for a company that makes mobile websites. Whatever the reason, I figured I'd post my answers once and send everyone here to read them. :)

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HOW IS TEXTING DIFFERENT FROM MAKING A PHONE CALL

First, try these timed scenarios (pretend your computer keyboard is your steering wheel and the monitor is your windshield if you're in front of a computer; put this away until later if you're driving your car). Start from your default view when you first open your phone.

Make a phone call (don't have a complete conversation, just start a call).
Read a regular text message.
Send a regular text message.
If usual for you, read AND respond to a text message together.
Read an email message (if you do this on your phone)

I can almost guarantee that #1 was the fastest thing you did.

THAT'S the answer to the first question. Making a phone call takes less time and therefore takes your eyes from the road and your hands from the wheel for a shorter period of time. (To me this is basic logic, but a lot of people have asked that one.)

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HOW IS TEXTING ANY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DISTRACTIONS, LIKE EATING OR PUTTING ON MAKEUP?
Again, stop and think about this. When you eat in the car, do you typically stare at your food for 30 seconds at a time or do you put the fries where you can easily reach them and pop them one at a time into your mouth without looking (hopefully you know where your mouth is without looking in the mirror...). Same with a drink - you don't have to look to find the cup holder and you can easily put the Starbucks to your lips. One hand is typically on the steering wheel at all times.

Makeup is a different matter. I think putting on makeup while trying to drive your car is just as dangerous as texting. You need to look at yourself while doing it, it takes one if not both hands (one to hold the compact the other to do the application) and it definitely takes longer than 30 seconds (and if it doesn't, why are you bothering?).

=====================================

There are a lot of distractions in a vehicle I won't even touch on - spouse, children, pets, radio... Anything besides a completely silent car with your eyes on the road, reviewing traffic through all your mirrors and keeping your hands at 10 and 2 is going to be "unsafe". Although, personally, I'm pretty sure that if *I* did everything perfectly all the time I would fall asleep at the wheel. :)

All they are saying with this law is that you need to really think about what you're doing while driving. Do you truly need to read that text that says "Whatssup?" and reply "nm. u?" while you're driving? In traffic? At 70 MPH?

If you're expecting a message that IS important and you get that happy notification signal, take a minute to pull off the road into a parking lot or even the shoulder and read it. Better yet, call the person you're expecting to message you and TALK to them. Or ask them to call you instead of text when you know you're jumping in the car.

=====================================
BTW, the law does exclude the following messaging activities:

To receive an emergency, traffic, or weather alert message;
To receive a message related to the operation or navigation of the vehicle;
To report current or ongoing illegal activity to law enforcement;
To prevent imminent injury to a person or property

Although, if you're really doing any of these things, make a phone call! It'd be faster and probably guarantee better reception from law enforcement.
=====================================

There. I've had my say on the matter. I won't say I've been a good girl and never texted while operating my van. Usually, if I have to text something, I wait until I'm at a stop light or stop sign (this is now illegal too, BTW).

If this law simply gets more people to think a little more outside their own bubbles and live in the real world while driving their cars, I think it's fulfilled it's purpose.

My fear? There will be more "clandestine texting" (holding the phone below the window level instead of up where you can see road and phone) and it will cause more harm than good. I guess we'll see...

Cash for a Better Life

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 07:18:00 +0000

Did my subject draw you into this post? I'm hoping it did, but it might have given you the wrong idea - purposefully I admit. :)

Many of you have read previous posts of mine about how I help with The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party that benefits Operation Breakthrough. In this post, I simply want to tell you about that organization and how even a $10 donation can help them.

Put most simply and in their own words:

The mission of Operation Breakthrough is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment.

Operation Breakthrough cares each weekday for more than 600 children, ages 6 weeks to 18 years. More than 98% of the enrolled families live below the federal poverty guidelines, most far below them.

About 25% of the children are homeless or near homeless, living in battered women's or homeless shelters or transitional living programs. Often they sleep on the sofas of friends or relatives, sometimes even living in cars, rundown hotels or abandoned buildings. About 25% of our children are in foster care or other placements due to abuse, neglect or other family crises. The average income of our families is $9,400.

You can read more on their website. It truly is a wonderful KANSAS CITY organization that helps KANSAS CITY children who are dealing with a situation that is NOT their fault.

Our Gifts Make a Difference!

$10 will buy a book for their library.

$20 will buy new shoes for a child.

$50 will buy groceries for a family of 4.

$85 will cover a complete physical for an uninsured child.

$100 will buy a pair of eyeglasses.

$150 will cover care for an infant for a week.

$500 will cover a field trip for 50 children to a museum or theater performance.

$1,000 will cover 80 hours of individual therapy for a child suffering from abuse or neglect.

Personally, my "Skipping Starbucks" savings will be going to Operation Breakthrough again this year. My donation will probably be around $100. That simple donation could provide a child with the eyeglasses needed to do better in school. Or it could give 5 children new shoes for winter when they may otherwise not have correct apparel.

YOU, too, can skip eating out a few times this month or skip the expensive coffee or just skip a date night. Will spending money on any of those items make as big an impact in your life as these items will make in theirs?

If ten of us could each give $100 that combined donation could provide a child with the therapy needed to overcome a tragic event in their life. The thought that we could help a child so profoundly with such a simple gift truly moves me to tears and I hope it affects you too.

Please consider making a donation to them this season or at any time during the year. It does a heart good! :)

Conversations with Kids

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:56:00 +0000

RETIREMENT PLAN FROM THOMAS
A recent car conversation went like this...

Travis: Do artists make a lot of money?
Mom: Sometimes. Depends on what they paint or make.
Thomas: Really? That could be good. I like art.
Mom: It's a lot of work. And sometimes you don't become famous and people don't buy the art until after you die.
(long pause where you could hear the wheels turning in their heads)
Thomas: ok, I have it. I'll do a regular job and then when I'm 99 I'll become an artist really fast, get famous cuz I'll die soon and then my grandkids will have lots of money! Everyone should do this!

ACRONYMS WITH TRAVIS
Travis wanted to figure out the meanings to some acronyms that he's heard recently. Here's some of the best 8-year-old answers he gave before we told him the real meanings:

SWAT = Sweet Weapons and Tactics (he knows it's Special, but he prefers Sweet)
CSI = Criminal Science Animals (yeah, he can't spell very well yet...)
NCIS = National Crime In Science
CIA = Crimes In America
NASA = No Air in Space Association
USPS = Daddy's Work!
KSU = K-State University (but he couldn't tell us what the K was for...)

Once we explained the K in KSU was for Kansas, we of course asked, "If K is for Kansas, what is KU for?" And this garnered our absolute favorite answer...

KU is for Suckers!

I kid you not, no prep or coercion. He just KNOWS! :)

Skipping Starbucks Challenge 2010

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:45:00 +0000

I hereby offer up the Skipping Starbucks challenge again (read this: 2008 Skipping Starbucks post). I think Skipping Starbucks and donating the cash will do more good than drinking there this month.

You say, "I don't drink Starbucks or any coffee!"? You can still participate! Pick ANY where you go regularly (at least 1x per week) and skip it this month. Then, select a charity and donate what you would have spent there.

Two years ago, my coffee consumption made for a $50 donation to Operation Breakthrough. That's approximately 10 times I skipped the expensive coffee and gave to someone less fortunate than myself.

Can you do the same this year? Consider the gauntlet thrown at your feet...

My Fascinate Score

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 03:30:00 +0000

I read a coworker's blog post with her Fascinate results and wondered what mine would be - now sharing them for the world. Nothing new here for me or those who really know me, but still interesting to see it in print. Only part that doesn't really ring true to me / about me is highlighted below (under Trust).

MEET YOUR TRIGGERS
Your primary fascination is LUST. (Nicely done, you.) Even without realizing it, you’re already instinctively applying this trigger when trying to persuade others. Your secondary trigger is POWER, and your dormant trigger (the one you’re least likely to apply in your personality and behavior) is TRUST.

PRIMARY TRIGGER: LUST
So lust is your primary trigger. [um, DUH] That means you draw people closer with a warm and open style of interaction. You’re expressive with ideas, communicate well in person, and probably have a strong creative streak. Even when you mask your emotions, you feel passionately about your opinions.

You’re intuitive with information, often making decisions based on gut instinct rather than cold intellect. While other personality types prefer facts, you’re more attuned to the nuances of attitude, design, and a certain indefinable je ne sais quoi.

Lust is a powerful form of influence because it creates irresistible messages that overcome rational resistance. When you dial up your primary trigger, you have the ability to create messages that are extremely difficult to ignore.

You’re remarkably talented in creating messages that lead to a powerful intellectual, physical, and emotional response. For instance, you like to share experiences with others, and in conversation, you draw people closer with body language and eye contact.

By applying these natural strengths to your work, you can build warmer relationships and more trusting dialogue. And by applying to your ideas, you can create messages make people say, “I want that now!

SECONDARY TRIGGER: POWER
While you’re not a power-monger, you are power-comfortable: an authority who likes to be in control.

Blindly following someone else’s orders? No, thanks. You prefer to actively lead situations, rather than sitting back and passively watching from the back row. You’ll follow other people’s rules, if needed, but you prefer to define a new set of rules on your own terms. You exude influence, compelling others to pay attention. Your strong opinions and bold action often spark reactions from others.

Your messages command influence, and your opinion carries weight. When you excel in positions of leadership, others look to you for cues of how to behave. At times, perhaps, you might come across as intimidating or even overbearing. When you expect others to obey your message, you define deadlines and demands of the alarm trigger to make them comply. By steering your use of power productively toward your goals, you’ll become more motivating and inspirational.

You’re a natural leader, and probably comfortable with authority. Next step? Hone your power trigger for greater respect, bigger audiences, and more loyal advocates.

DORMANT TRIGGER: TRUST
One thing’s for sure: You’re definitely not boring.

People who score low on trust tend to be thrilling, passionate, and intuitive. They live in the moment, and rarely plan very far in advance. [I really DO plan EVERYTHING as far in advance as humanly possible. Living in the moment doesn't really appeal to me much since my kids were born - it's just too hard with three kids!] As a result, they can be unpredictable, impulsive, and volatile.

Of the 7 triggers, trust is the most difficult to earn, the easiest to lose, and the most valuable to hold.

Perhaps you don’t need to sway opinion through consistency. Many people and brands, especially those unconventional few who delight in immediate gratification and avant-garde style, don’t rely on trust. However, this trigger comes with many rewards, so take a look at ways to increase trust in your message, without losing the excitement and edge of your other triggers.

OTHER TRIGGERS NOT IN MY LIST:

Prestige
Mystique
Alarm
Vice

TAKE THE TEST TODAY AND SEE WHAT YOUR TRIGGERS ARE. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR SCORES!

A Month of Thankfulness

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 03:26:00 +0000

For the month of November I'll be updating this post with a daily update of people, places or items for which I am thankful. I also have calendars printed for the boys to write out their thankful list throughout the month. So - what are you thankful for today? :)

My family. Specifically my husband who loves me despite all my faults, my two funny smart and sweet little boys and my beautiful sensitive step-daughter. I love you all!
Karate classes. It's great workout, good quality time with my boys and I'm actually learning something new, which is pretty rare these days.
Thanksgiving. Particularly, I am thankful for people, especially radio stations, who remember that Thanksgiving IS a holiday; it's actually my favorite one! No Christmas until AFTER November 25 please! :)
My Crazy Brain. No really, I'm happy I'm a little off-kilter. Because otherwise, there's no way I could be me or do all that I do if I wasn't just a little nuts.
Pro-bono Accounts. My job allows me to help such wonderful and worthy causes such as Back in the Swing, Treads & Threads, Jazzoo at the Kansas City Zoo, Red Ball for The American Red Cross in KC, HillOween, and The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Being the website project lead for these events is very soul-satisfying!
Football. I love football! I love how American it is. I love the autumn-ness of it. I love that my whole family plays fantasy football together. I love how my husband coaches - hard but fair. I love how my boys play it - with no butts but lots of heart. Plus, when it's on TV, it's a great time time to take a nap if I don't really care about who's playing.
Daylight Savings. I know most people dislike this, but I love it. Especially in the fall. I went to bed at 10:45 only to realize with the time change it was really only 9:45. And I slept until 8 am. And when I drive to work or drive home, the sun's not in my eeys as much. Let's just not talk about the spring side of this amazing deal...
Morning-able Children. My kids get up, get their own breakfast, brush their teeth, get dressed, feed the pets and even make their own lunches - at only 8 yrs old! They do all that with minimal reminders (or yelling) from me, most days. This allows me to get up later and get ready for work a lot easier. Now, on to teaching them how to cook, do laundry and drive the car...

Thank you Disney!

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:02:00 +0000

WARNING: Mommy Rant...(and maybe some movie spoilers if you've lived in a cave all your life)

I'm annoyed by an article a friend of mine shared (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1308584/Why-does-Disney-hate-parents-Ever-noticed-favourite-films-kill-Mum-Dad-.html) and I have to write it out.

In this article, the author essentially talks about how Disney hates parents and always kills them off. The author doesn't seem to consider that maybe, just maybe, one of the most traumatic things a child could endure is the loss of a parent and overcoming that loss is an wonderful achievement in a child's life and a testimony to the love of others in the face of grief. In the movies she references, none of the characters succumbs to despair and depression, but rather learns to live a positive life in the face of such tragedy. I think this is a rather good thing to teach children before they might have to experience it themselves.

The movies she mentions may have only one or even no "biological" parents, but does that mean the child was left alone to learn their way in the world with no love and guidance? NO! In every Disney movie, she mentions there is a true caregiver of some sort. For instance:

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Toy Story - Andy definitely has a mom, a sister and of course the wonderful toys. There's an assumption that she's a single parent, but no proof of that (you just might never see dad). And poor Andy is so hurt by having only one parent that instead of simply throwing his very old very childish toys in the trash he lovingly saves them over the years and eventually makes sure they find a home where THEY will be loved and cherished. Oh...wait...
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Bambi - yes he tragically lost his mommy by the mean old hunter and I don't think we ever know what happened to dad (been awhile since I saw this one). But he had Thumper and Flower to befriend and show him the world.
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The Lion King - yes, we all know that dad dies tragically but he is still THERE for the little cub up in the stars. And of course mom is there; it's the kid that runs away. But honestly, who wouldn't want to be raised by Timon & Pumba? Hakuna Matata might not the best way to deal with all things in life, but we could all use a little more of that. Eventually Simba learns to be a man, face his mistakes (which weren't even his!) and returns to lead his pride with...pride.
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Peter Pan - Peter RAN AWAY as a baby because he didn't want to grow up. Wendy's parents were both there technically. But, through each other they learned that growing up may not be a horrible thing and that grown ups could be trusted.
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Finding Nemo - Marlin might have been a little neurotic, but whose parents aren't some times? Plus, when placed in the tank, the other fish looked out for him (mostly). And of course Marlin never gives up looking for little Nemo, he just keeps swimming, just keeps swimming, swimming swimming swimming....
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Dumbo - this poor elephant probably had it the worst of any Disney character. He definitely had the most confusing life but he never gives up, has a great mouse friend (talk about learning acceptance!) and eventually reuintes with his wonderful mommy. Oh, and he gets to see pink elephants on parade(this part might not be the most kid friendly but it does open the doors for conversations on drinking...)
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Tarzan - orphaned when his parents are killed by a wild animal, he's raised by a shrewdness of apes. Animals that should have killed him choose to raise him and raise him right - into a strong caring leader. Then of course he also has Jane, who teaches him to read and write and even walk upright. She helps him become a man.
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The author takes an extremely cynical view on why Disney creates so many movies without parents:

"Might the company - and its output - be a true reflection of our disparate society and the obvious disintegration of the traditional nuclear family? Or might it be the other way around? Might Disney have played its own part in the demise of family values given that we - and our children - have fallen for this wholesome entertainment for decades? If nothing else, Disney stands accused of failing to honour that most sacred of bonds - that of the mother and the father to their children."

Personally, I don't think family always means two biological parents and 2.5 kids. Lives can end tragically, without or without choices. "Family" can be grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors, church members and sometimes even church mice, sweet dogs and fluffy kitties. Values don't come from having two parents in the house - they could just as easily be alcoholic druggie sadists! Family values come from love and wanting to do the right thing and from people teaching respect, sense of self, honor, trust, and other positive character traits to the next generation.

This isn't something we've been taught to do by movies or have adopted as "ok" by being brain-washed by movies. Personally, my grandparents were huge in my upbringing and are two of the most loving and wonderful people I've ever known. Specifcally, I lived with them for two years as my mom thought it was safer to be with them than to go to a high school where my step-dad was stationed. She was probably right and I'm glad she made that choice for me.

I was also influenced by individuals in my churches and the parents of my friends as well as my teachers and coaches. I know people who were raised by single parents, siblings, grandparents, and even adoptive and foster parents and they have all turned out to be wonderful, bright, healthy individuals.

While I wouldn't mind seeing a few more movies where it's a little more like Pleasantville, I think we can learn a lot from Disney movies - how to respect our selves, our elders, the planet and its animals; love is loyalty, caring, respect and trust; tragedy happens and we can overcome with love and strong sense of self; and cynicism gets you nothing but sadness and loneliness. The "most sacred of bonds" doesn't come from blood, it comes from love.

To that end, I suggest that author review her own cynical view before she gives that "value" to her own children. Then, maybe she can enjoy Disney movies for what they should be - family entertainment with many good values.

Moments for Myself: 09 August

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:00:00 +0000

The human heart has
     hidden treasure
In secret kept,
     in silence sealed;
The thoughts, the hopes
     the dreams, the pleasure,
Whose charms were
     broken if revealed.

- Charlotte Brontë

Moments for Myself: 06 August

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 03:00:00 +0000

"Life is not intended to be simply a round of work, no matter how interesting and important that work may be. A moment's pause to watch the glory of a sunrise or a sunset is soul satisfying, while a bird's song will set the steps to music all day long."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder (from Moments for Myself Daily Inspiration Calendar)

Remembering Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:37:00 +0000

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN who salutes the Flag,

and it is the VETERAN who serves under the Flag.

Thank you to all the men and women who have served in the US Military, who have given their lives to secure our freedoms.

May God bless you and your families for your sacrifice.

Business Apology with a Kick

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +0000

Our Pediatric Dentist is dedicated to making going to the dentist an extremely positive experience for kids: they have TVs over the patient "beds" where they play kids movies, video games galore around the office, a huge tropical fish tank, and they give ice cream after the cleaning along with balloons, goodie bags of dental supplies geared towards kids and tokens for the trinket machines. It's truly a wonderful experience for them all the way around. Usually...

Last Friday we had an unusually bad experience. Both boys had appointments at 3:30 and we arrived on time. We got called back around 3:45 pm and the X-rays and cleaning went really fast with the hygenist being very patient with two hyperactive 8 year old boys (it WAS a Friday afternoon after all). But, then we had to wait for the dentist. And wait we did. She finally came in close to 4:20 and while she was looking at Travis I ran Tom down to the bathroom - literally less than 5 minutes.

When we got back, she was gone and we were told she'd be right back. so we waited again. Close to 5pm she came back with sincere apologies that she really had meant to only go check one patient and come right back but then she had gotten sucked back into her normal rounds around the office.

I could understand that and I could see they were very busy and honestly it was probably easier for her to finish up with a whole bunch of patients and just make one family unhappy than to come back to us and potentially make lots of families unhappy. She gave the boys extra tokens for the trinket machine for being so good while waiting and although I was a little frustrated by the lateness as I had other errands to run I generally put it out of my mind. It was basically another day at a doctor/dentist office.

That is, I forgot about it until yesterday when I received a letter from the dentist that felt heavy, like there was a card in it. I thought maybe they had started some new weird program or were sending a new magent and almost tossed it. But, I opened it and read a very nice apology letter that basically stated they werre sorry for us "waiting beyond what is considered a reasonable length of time" and then it went on to say "Please accept the enclosed gift and our appreciation for the relationship we are so grateful to have with you."

Inside the note was a smaller envelope with a gift card to Starbucks! I thought, "that's pretty nice and totally unexpected". They hadn't written the amount on it, so I logged in to Starbucks figuring it'd be $5 or maybe $10. It's a $25 gift card! How wonderful an apology is THAT?

Honestly I would have been fine with just the note to me - just an acknowledgement that something went wrong - since she'd already made it up to the boys with the extra "toys". But, for them to go the extra mile and send something to me that I will definitely use and will make me remember them in a positive way - that's the way to do an apology!

I think more businesses can take a page out of their book on how to do business and how to make customer feel truly important to them. Thanks Jenkins & LeBlanc - we'll be back soon! :)

I Am a Christian

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:18:00 +0000

My friend Teri sent this to me today and I felt the need to share it.

============================

When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.'
I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received and accepted God's loving grace and mercy!

Words for Women to Live By

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Aspire to be Barbie - the b*tch has everything.
If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.
Take life with a pinch of salt...and a wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.
In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!
Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).
When life gets you down just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.
Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.
I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.
Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.
Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny.
When life gives you lemons, turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka.
Remember whereever there is a good looking, sweet, wonderful man there is some woman tired of his bullshit!
Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.
If it has tires or testicles it's gonna give you trouble.
By the time a woman realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

JOYFUL JOURNAL

Lunch with girlfriends
Noodles + Co.
Snickerdoodles
Root beer
Comfort food

Moments for Myself - 12 January

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:38:00 +0000

"We are like water pitchers that fill up on love every day. As the day progresses, we pour out a cup here, another cup there. If we aren't taking the time to go back to the well of love nad refill the pitcher, then we have nothing to offer all the empty cups put before us. In order to keep them full, we have to take the time to keep ourselves full."

- Moments for Myself, Daily Inspiration Calendar

JOYFUL JOURNAL

Moments for Myself Calendar
Perfect Teamaker
Karate class
Pictures of my kids
Accountability groups

Happy New Year - 2010b

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:14:00 +0000

Since our new year started off on such a crazy/bad foot with "the blizzard" and then Thomas' appendix situation, it just wasn't a great start. Therefore, I'm starting off the new year again - 2010b as my old high school mate Julie coined it. Both boys are back in school today and life seems to be back on the normal track, so TODAY is officially the "Happy New Year" I was expecting 10 days ago! :)

JOYFUL JOURNAL

End of snow days
Good books with no defining purpose other than to entertain
FB updates that are more social commentary than personal statuses
Hulu.com (have I used that before - I really do like this site)
Regular TV episodes returning this month

2010: JOY

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:44:00 +0000

This year, I'm focusing on the word "JOY". The little things in life that bring a bit of joy each and every day to the bigger things that add up to a lifetime of joy.

To that end, I'm following my friend Amanda's lead and starting a daily listing of items that make my joyful. Hers is called the "attitude of gratitude" and mine will be simply the "Joyful Journal".

Each day there'll either be a specific area where I list the 5 joy items or that might be all my posting consists of on some days (when it's busy). So, by the end of the year I'll have a good "Joyful Journal" to reflect back on in the future.

Enjoy! (and someone please hold me accountable if I go too long without adding anything!)

JOYFUL JOURNAL

Morning Coffee
My sons' laughter in the morning
Unexpected email messages
Hulu.com
Friends with more warped senses of humor than me

Best Example of Organized Chaos (aka Karate Tournament)

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:51:00 +0000

Imagine around 200 students from 20 different parts of KS & MO, in six different belt classes (24 classes if you count intermediate striped belts!) ranging in age from 4 to adults participating in eight different events over a five hour period.Karate Tournaments should definitely be listed as a perfect example of organized chaos in the dictionary.

Example of how the chaos was controlled.

This was the boys' fourth tournament and they each did three events. We keep telling the boys that one day they will lose and they'll have to get used to that but each tournament they do better than the last one! :)

After taking 1st & 2nd in Escape Drill.

This time, Travis won a 2nd place in Escape Drill, 3rd place in Sparring and a participation medal in Fastest Fist. There was some complications with the meter bag for Fastest Fist and he was really upset about this one (as were we) but we decided to set that aside and be really happy with the two trophies and the knowledge that if he were in a fight or needed to defend himself, he'd be fast!

Travis in sparring gear after winning his first round.

Thomas took home a participation trophy in Sparring, a 2nd place in Strongest Punch and a 1st place in Escape Drill - he edged out Travis by about a quarter of a second! (15:03 vs 14:47). This is the 3rd time he's done escape drill and won a trophy for it!

Thomas ready to hit the bag during Strongest Punch.

It was a really great day of fun and learning and a little drama. Can't wait for class on Tuesday where they get to show off their trophies to the other students and talk about how they won them. I am SO proud of them!

At home with their collection of trophies from THIS tourney!

I'll post some vids of their sparring as soon as I fix them up... :)

Feeling Old? Let me help...

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:45:00 +0000

The people who are starting college this fall were born in 1990-1991.

They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.
Their lifetime has always included AIDS.
The CD was introduced two years before they were born.
They have always had an answering machine.
They have always had cable…and satellite...and cell phones.
Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.
Popcorn has always been made in a microwave.
They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.
They don't know who Mork was or where he was from.
They’ve never heard: 'Where's the Beef?', 'I'd walk a mile for a Camel ', or 'de plane Boss, de plane'.
McDonald's never came in Styrofoam containers.
They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.

Feeling old now? :-)

Overheard: In the Ladies' Room

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:55:00 +0000

...conversation apparently started outside the restroom...

Mom (in sugary sweet voice the WHOLE time): now, Ethan, don't be like that. I want you to be a nice boy. Can you do that?

Son: No. I just want a piece of candy

Mom: I said you could, but not until after we eat something good. I don't want you to get a tummy ache.

Son: but I can have another piece?

Mom: yes, that's what I said. but not until later because I don't want you to get a tummy ache. After we eat something else you can have a piece of candy. Or a cupcake. Or Mrs. Allen made really special cookies for you. Would you like a cookie?

Son: I'd like a cookie. Can I have it now?

Mom: well, ok, but that's the last thing until after we eat some dinner.

... out the door...

UM - hello? Mom? You totally just got schnookered by your kid!

Weird List Wednesdays: Fall-Related Items

noreply@blogger.com (TnT Momma) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Since the first day of fall was this past Tuesday, I wanted to list everyone's favorite fall items - activites, festivals, foods, etc. I got a lot of diversified answers, including some great ones from my kids. Hope you find some great things to do, see, eat & drink this fall!

EVENTS/PLACES TO VISIT

Back in the Swing Retail Therapy
(Greater KC area, KS & MO)
Jared Coones Pumpkin Run/Walk
(Olathe, KS)
HillOween costume party
(Kansas City, MO)
Louisburg Ciderfest
(Louisburg, KS)
Maple Leaf Festival
(Baldwin, KS)
Circleville Pumpkin Show
(Circleville, OH)
Wikipedia list of Fall Festivals in the US
Find one near you! :)

ACTIVITIES

football - playing & watching!
watching marching bands
visiting pumpkin patches
carving pumpkins
corn mazes
hayrides
picking out our Halloween costumes
visiting with family on Thanksgiving
making a bonfire
cuddling by the fire
trick-or-treating
handing out candy to the little tricker treaters
raking leaves
hunting
picking apples
jumping in leaves
Homecoming
leaf fights
costume parties

FOODS / DRINKS

chili
ham & beans w/ honey cornbread
apple cider
hot cocoa
apple cider
cider donuts
apple crisp
pumpkin pie
candy corn
caramel apples
pumpkin pie
turkey & dressing
cranberry sauce
big Thanksgiving dinners

MISCELLANEOUS

cooler weather
breaking out the favorite hoodie
extra blankets
jeans and sweatshirts
watching the leaves change color
smell of leaves on a cool morning with blue skies overhead

Happy Autumn Everyone!!