Say it Rah-shay

My Mom Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:20:00 +0000

Or: My daughter's medical challenges and how I embraced motherhood.

My favorite little person

People often ask me why I don't have more than one kid and I reply with my favorite quip, "Children are like special offers, one per household."

The reality is that when I was an immature, young mom, navigating the middle of the night feedings, the change that took over my life and the realization that that baby was *my* baby, I wanted a do over that would include not having children.

I realize that children are a blessing and that my pregnancy was something that many cannot easily have. I realize that my daughter was not the reason for things not being picture perfect, but in those early days I would look at this child, and the responsibility that I now had, and feel that it was more burden than blessing. I wished for something, anything, different.

I am not exactly a religious woman, but I do believe in karma and follow a line of thinking that goes a little like, "Be careful what you ask for." My daughter was, and is, a beautiful kid, and I am fortunate to have her. When she was about 16 months old, she kept getting sick. At first I thought I was being punished for my constant whining and worrying about being a mother. Then her dad and I noticed that she would get really sick when she consumed dairy products. She actually got hazard-level, vomit clean up sick. Her face would break out, her nose would run, and she would suffer terrible stomach aches and refuse to eat.

Trips to our pediatrician resulted in a bit of a brush off. The doctor considered what we had to say, but would try and steer us in other directions. He would say that she wasn't used to her new diet. That she had eczema. That she was too full.

At first I blindly followed his words. Who was I to question the doc? But as my kid threw up more meals than she ate, I knew that something was wrong.

Holding my kid in my arms, I made one more call to the doctor, this time demanding a referral for an allergist. My request was met with a denial from the office manager. After asserting myself (a raised voice may have occurred) we were finally granted the referral needed for the allergist.

The day we took The Bee to get tested for allergies is one that is hard to forget. As we waited for our appointment she played with the toys in the waiting room, read a book with me, and sang a song with her dad. Once the physician came in to examine her, things were suddenly real. We explained her problem and the skin test was administered.

As we learned what the testing would include, I wanted to be able to switch places with The Bee. No matter my feelings on motherhood, watching her suffer through testing was so horrible. We had to help keep her still as a nurse marked her arm with possible allergens, and then watch as she was pricked with about 25 different samples up and down her arm. She cried as the needle touched her skin, and I had to stifle a tear or two watching what looked like a sewing machine in action take place along her little forearm.

Minutes later, The Bee's arm erupted in bumps and red splotches as allergies to dairy, shellfish and environmental things (pet dander, grass, pollen) were revealed. After some medication to calm the reaction, the doctors provided us with what would become our new lifestyle: pages of medications, instructions and plans.

The baby who felt like a burden became someone I needed to protect. These allergies were new and scary, danger lurked everywhere, and my job was not to worry about what I needed, but to care for her. I no longer went through the motions as I had often found myself doing, but really looked out for her best life.

The choices we make as a family have sometimes been a challenge. Due to the lingering guilt I often feel from those early years, I can allow choices that may not be the best. Even now, years later, stray memories can leave me feeling conflicted about my role as mother.

Educating The Bee and allowing her the opportunity to make some of her own choices have helped. She can talk to me about what she is feeling and I can share my opinion without laying all of my issues on her. I sometimes look at her and wish I had been more aware of my feelings without the medical drama. Forgiving myself for not wanting to mother has been hard. As we both continue to make choices for our lives, I know that I have given her my love and the best of all things that I can. Those early thoughts are there and while they are not my best memories, the choice that I made to get over the guilt, bad feelings and negativity is what makes me know for sure that I am mom.

This post is part of the My 'I'm A Mom' Moment editorial series, made possible by Seventh Generation.

Friday Favorites: Videos Will Make You Smile

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:50:00 +0000

When I was kid I performed with my school's band and orchestra. As we rehearsed and rehearsed for each performance I can remember a sense of excitement that would build up until THE DAY. That last rehearsal. Running around to make sure instruments were ready to go. Dressed in my finest black and white. Nervously chattering with my fellow players. The moment the curtain rises. I would play my heart out. lost in the music. But after the performance I can remember feeling an overwhelming sadness. Is this it? Was that all?

This is my last week of programming until SUMMER READING begins. Instead of the usual feeling of relief I am feeling a little bit of a let down. Have I done all that I could/should/would be doing? Are people happy with the programs? Was I as creative as I could be?

This is not a pleas for "You go girls!" but more of me seeing that I am heading towards the intersection of Despair and Despondent and I am feeling that I need to go another route. Fooling around on various social media channels I found some videos and sites that are making today not quite so blah.

I follow Ksenia Anske on Twitter and she just finished her new book. She shared her version of a happy dance.

I've started working (that may be a stretch but let's go for it!) with a PR agent and she shared these adorable Animal Planet live webcams.

I am particular to the Kitten Kam:

I love Vine, a newish app that takes six second videos.
I love this one by Eric Dunn.
He's really funny.

This video is really just audio but Effin Guy shared it with me since I have such a fondness for Law and Order. John Mulaney is hilarious.
"I'm watching you McCoy"

In honor of Star Trek coming out today, Riker sits on a chair. Like the cool kids:

And last, but not least, the Honest Trailer for Les Mis.
Tee Hee.
Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!

Hit me with your best shot. What's making you smile this week?
-r

In My Ears: Shake it Up: I LOVE Dance! #ad

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:03:00 +0000

I was sent a copy of Shake It Up: I Love Dance to review and it was promptly grabbed from my hands by my teen. I heard a few songs before the CD disappeared into my teen's room. She popped it into her CD player, and it has been on constant rotation ever since. I thought I would allow my daughter to help with this review.

Here are some thoughts from The Bee:

My mom got a copy of Shake it Up: I Love Dance and I was excited! I mean, who doesn't love Shake it Up? And now I've got the songs!

On the CD, I really love Contagious Love by Zendaya & Bella Thorne. It's a good song that I can dance to. It's my favorite, actually, and I can see making a video using that song.

I was happy to hear Coco Jones, Holla at the DJ. Coco Jones is a really good singer and this song is also good to dance to and this will also be a video.

My mom likes These Boots Were Made for Walking by Olivia Holt. That was OK. I liked it when I saw it on the show but not really on the CD.

I think this is a really good CD. It made me dance, I have a few videos I want to make and I like listening to it when I am doing my homework and hanging in my room. I can listen to this with my little brother and not have to turn it off and I like hearing songs from the show.

You don't have to take our words for it. Check out a copy of Shake it Up: I Love Dance for yourself. The songs are appropriate for teens and tweens. I never felt uncomfortable listening to it with mu daughter in the room. Also, even on constant repeat I didn't feel the need to have The Bee turn the music off (well, there were a few evenings when I had to confiscate the CD and insist on a decent bedtime.)

Bonus!
Here is a video of Contagious Love.
You're welcome!

Below are the track listings. I was actually able to recognize some of the artists from (repeated) viewings of Disney Channel.

This is My Dance Floor performed by Bella Thorne & Zendaya
Contagious Love performed by Zendaya & Bella Thorne
Beat of My Drum performed by Zendaya
Blow Your System performed by Bella Thorne
Afterparty performed by Roshon Fegan & Caroline Sunshine
Holla at the DJ performed by CoCo Jones
These Boots Are Made For Walkin' performed by Olivia Holt
Sharp as a Razor performed by McClain Sisters
Future Sounds Like Us performed by Dove Cameron
I Can Do Better performed by Young LA
Shake It Up Theme Song (Cole Plante Reboot Remix) performed by Selena Gomez
We're Dancing (Remix) performed by Bridgit Mendler

I do recommend this CD for fun, family friendly songs. It's highly energetic, full of life and a good way to induce dance moments with your teen.

Getting our dance on!
-r and kid

r's note: We were sent a copy of Shake It Up: I Love Dance for free. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Affiliate links are used in this post.

#TBCCrafters: It's Mo Willems Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:10:00 +0000

The library that I work for is an official host for Children's Book Week and to celebrate we had a Mo Willems party. Mo Willems, if I may gush a moment, is one of the my favorite children's authors to read. His books are all about feelings, all about emotions and his books really capture the point of view of children.

So, for our party we read
The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? (Pigeon) (and shared a healthy snack!)
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster
We Are in a Book! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
That Is Not a Good Idea!

To extend the books we had these crafts:
The Pigeon has feelings too!
Pictures of the pigeon was posted and children had to use a word bubble on a stick to draw what they thought the pigeon was feeling or write a feeling word.

We are in a Book!
Chidren could take a picture with Elephant and Piggie complete with word bubbles.

Make a Pigeon Hat
Create a hat of the pigeon using different shapes.

Create an Elephant and Piggie comic Strip

Character Word Scramble
Using laminated letters we unscrambled the names of the characters from the book we read

Don't Let the Pigeon play with this app!
Check out the link. We had 15 or children plus a few adults play with the app.

Make a terrible monster (inspired by Leonardo)
You can make your own!

For this craft we used scissors, construction paper, crayons, glue, feathers and foam pieces.

Easy peasy!
Do you have a Thrilling Thursday craft to add? Add your blog post in the linky below!

#PhillyStyleUnWrapped: See the new Wrap Dress Inspired by the McWrap!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:30:00 +0000

McDonald’s of the Greater Philadelphia Region and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House welcome you to join us for a night of food, fashion and philanthropy at an exclusive spring shopping event at Bloomingdale’s, on May 16 from 6-8 p.m.

During the event, McDonald’s and Bloomingdale’s will be showcasing the Premium McWrap inspired wrap dresses designed by local up-and-coming fashion designers from the Philadelphia Region.

In addition, special guest Stephanie Solomon, Ready-to-Wear Fashion Director at Bloomingdale’s Manhattan, will feature some of this season’s hottest spring and summer trends. Lesley Van Arsdall, anchor for CBS 3 and The CW Philly, will be serving as the evening emcee.

The event is open to the public. All ticket sales and 10% of Bloomingdale’s sales from the evening’s event will be donated to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, each Premium McWrap inspired dress will be auctioned off at www.biddingforgood.com/philarmh/2013fashion with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the charity.

Can't attend? follow @McDPhilly and use the hashtag #PhillyStyleUnWrapped.

r's note: I am a member of the McCafe mom club.
And yes, I'm loving it.

#MondayListicles: Dude! We're Getting the Band Back Together!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:20:00 +0000

Why yes!
I *did* get a shout out from The Northwest Mommy Stasha and, and, and she did use my suggestion for this week's listicle.

*does the dougie*

This week we are talking band names. Real or imagined.

Here I go:

1. Nine and Some Silver
Backstory: A couple of weeks ago Effin Guy and I were out to dinner and the place is one of those hipster deals where everyone is wearing hats, people say, "chill" and "I dig" and sincerely mean it and everything is all groovy. Our waiter, who was kind of a jerk but not really, handed us our change informing us it was, "Nine and some silver."

This band would totally be a cover band in an art house where everyone wears scarves in the summer, knit hats and are having deep, deep conversations. About dogs.
You're welcome.

2. Disco T.A.R.D.I.S.
Backstory: Effin Guy was getting ready for Free Comic Book Day and The Bee suggested that he add a disco ball to the T.A.R.D.I.S. he has in the store.
This band wouldn't play disco (despite the name!) and would totally, totally, totally always be offended when people asked them to play some Donna Summers. The lead singer would be named something like Ashton and always be pissed.

3. Sex BaBomb!
Cause I love the Scott Pilgrim books and the movie.

4. *side effects may include
Backstory: While watching TV a commercial came on and you know the drill...
Yes. You have to have the asterisk and the small print.
Another alt rock (and you have to say it that way) band that plays lots of cover songs but really, really, really wants to play their own music but just have not found the right audience who "gets them."

*they really suck

5. Origami Pig
Backstory: Prepping for a program at work I muttered the words, "And where are the instructions for that dang origami pig?"
A blue grass band that covers R&B and rap. Sort of Jonathan Coulton but in a band form.

6. Lost in the Ether
Backstory: Was reading a book and this was a line in it. I thought, "Oh snap!"
An all female group that plays lots of angry, angsty music. They get along swell but they always seem to need a new drummer for reasons out of their control: accident, injury, got lost while touring.

7. Quads in a Live Game
(This was a poker term Effin Guy and Mom were talking about but I thought it sounded good)
So this would be a quartet of classically trained musicians who are all trying to go mainstream with classical stylized versions of 70's funk. All of your Parliament, all of your Curtis Mayfield, all of your James Brown. With strings.

8. This is It
They are the owner's younger brother's band.
They drink too much, fight too much and are really kind of sh*tty.
Each show there is always some confusion when the band's name is announced:

Band: Hello! We are This is it!
Random drunk audience member: What's it?
Band: We are "This is it!"
Random drunk audience member: Your band sucks. *BURP!*

9. Seven Flavors of Wrong
Backstory: My friends Amy and Leigh Ann were talking about their post race pictures and Leigh Ann said her pictures always look "seven flavors of wrong, wrong, wrong."
Another all girls group. Total punk and rap and techno and it's weird but wonderful.
They don't look like what they are playing.

10. One Nation Under a Groove
Backstory: Doesn't this sound like an existing band?
They would be like Arrested Development (the band, not the TV show) and the band would have like 30 members all on stage. Each concert, performance would be an experience, almost circus like and they would, inevitably, break up over "creative differences."

I have way too much time on my hands.

What about you?
What are your favorite bands, real or imagined?

Let me know!
-r

Brace(less) Face: Getting the Right Fit With @Invisalign #ad

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:34:00 +0000

See above...that's a smile that never had braces but boy oh boy did I covet the bright shiny grins that some of my friends sported throughout high school. During the day I would stare at those mouths, agreeing that it was unfair that they had to wear those awful braces. However, alone, at home and with the door shut and the curtains drawn, I would often take those jelly bracelets and bend them in my mouth, pretending that I was one of those lucky ones.

This is what I coveted.
Brace Face

As an adult I grew to love the compliment that would come from people who would see my smile and remark on how straight my teeth were. I grin and brush off the compliment thinking that I *am* lucky to have such a great smile. Great smiles seem to skip a generation because during the last check-up I learned that my teen would need braces.

What? Read the rest on Review it Rah-shay!

Maxwell House Coffee IS Good to the Last Drop! #cbias

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:36:00 +0000

For Christmas I gifted ~~myself~~ the family a Keurig machine which came with a variety of flavors. I ditched my ground coffee and slurped my way through the included K cups until they were gone. The variety that I had were not bad but I was not familiar with the brands so I made do with what I had.

Then I saw that Maxwell House had K-cups and I decided to try them.

Read all about it on Review it Rah-shay.

Finish the Sentence Friday: This Summer I Plan to...

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:08:00 +0000

It's Friday and I have been able to catch up with the Finish the Sentence prompt!

*does happy dance*

This prompt is found on the blog Janine's Confessions of a Mommyholic. This week she is asking us to finish the sentence This summer I will...

This summer I will get outside more.
I always promise myself more time to do things outdoors but it's either too hot, too humid, I'm having some awful body issues and I let me get into my head. Nope. This year I'm headed outdoors for more than to and from my car.

This summer I will light the grill.
When The Bee and I moved I bought one of those tiny grill deals. It screams "lives alone!" but when we light it up...all the dogs, burgers and brats you can eat. I think a trip to the market is in order!

This summer I will keep on truckin'.
I joined a run group and I want to make sure I keep on keeping on with them. I like the satisfaction of working out, the accountability of working with a group and well, I want a tee shirt that reads "Preserve the Sexy"

This summer I will go on a true vacation.
It's been a while since I've had the sand between my toes, the cry of gulls as they eye your food and the smell of salt in my life. I need a vacation full of sandy ice cold confectioneries, cool ocean spray and the call of, "Watch the tram car please!"

This summer I will take walks with The Bee.
We will FINALLY get to the park and munch dairy free cupcakes, people watch and hang with hipsters who think things are just groovy.

This summer I will not met my summer reading program drive me nuts.
[Insert maniacal laugh]

All of this and at least three or four awesome books.

What about you?
What are you going to do this summer?

Read about the time I was bored out of my mind.

You're Gonna LOVE the arts...in Upper Darby!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:29:00 +0000

A little gem is located at 601 North Lansdowne Avenue in Drexel Hill.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center (UDPAC) has been delighting families in Upper Darby Township for 37 years. Each year, more than 50,000 people travel from all over the Delaware Valley to attend any of the 80 plus performances.

The UDPAC seats 1,650 in a state of the art performance facility. Performances sell quickly and are a delight for all who attend.

(source)

The Children's Theater Show line up is as follows:


The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Jr. July 10, 11, 12	Disney's My Son Pinocchio, Jr. July 17, 18, 19	Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. July 23, 24, 25, 26


Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical July 31, August 1, 2	A Year with Frog and Toad August 7, 8, 9	Willie Wonka, Jr. August 14, 15, 16

Circle Time

“Family Circle Time @ Naylor’s

Run Park” begins on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.

“iheartupperdarby” is a community
organization that highlights events in the Upper Darby area. The organization began in 2010 to focus on building a strong community centering on family, young professionals, and Upper Darby nightlife.

Family Circle Time @ Naylor’s Run Park will
be a weekly program Thursday evenings in the month of May. Each week children age 3 to 7 will hear a
story, sing songs, and participate in a non-material circle time. Schools and organizations are welcome to
attend, and volunteers are encouraged.

Family Circle Time is open to everyone.

Visit the iheartupperdarby blog at iheartupperdarby

#MondayListicle: The Best Things in Life Are Free*

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:21:00 +0000

*I still want money.

This week's Monday Listicle Prompt is from Jennifer who writes the blog Just Jennifer Blog. She's asking for ten things that don't cost money. (Sneak peek...I suggested next week's prompt for band names. I am inappropriately giggly about this!)

Ten things that are free

1. Library books
2. Sitting on your couch to read that library book
3. Getting gooey hugs and kisses from babies during storytime.
4. Taking a wog
5. Snuggles from your pet
6. Listening to all of those CDs that you have and don't want to part with.
7. Chatting with a friend about everything and nothing
8. Naps
9. Reading trashy websites
10. Coming home to a house that is clean!

What about you?
What's the best freebie you can think of?

#MondayListicles ROTFLOL

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:26:00 +0000

This week Stasha is asking us for ten acronyms that we use all of the time.
It seems strange that in such a short period of time our society has become so busy that we are trying to cram thoughts into 140 characters, texting instead of calling. I don't dislike it but there are times I wish I don't have to have a translation to comminucate.

Sheesh! I sound like an old lady. Next I'll be telling you all to "Get awf mah lawn!" while shaking a fist.

Here I go:

1. HCIC: Head Chick in Charge
Whenever I am in charge at work I like to flaunt my status as the go to lady.

2. LOL: Laugh out loud.
My kid always gets mad because I say "lol" instead of "ell oh ell."
2b. COL: Chuckle out loud.
Sometimes I don't laugh but I do chuckle.

3. DQ: Drama Queen
There are some DQs and DK (Drama Kings) amongst the people I know.

4. QC: Quality Crap
My former library would say the little giveaways that you get from conferences, prizes from summer reading and the like fall into two categories: quality crap (things that cost over a dollar) or crap crap (things that you get a bunch of for a dollar). She has since changed that Fabulous Junk and Junk Junk. FB doesn't quite have the same ring as QC hence I am shopping for QC to fill my summer reading larter.

5. OMG! Oh Mah Gah!
Even though I am not the most religious woman I find taking the lord's name in vain a tad uncomfortable. Someone on Twitter wrote ohmahgah and I swooned. I can still OMG but inside I know I am not being a heathen.

6. IKR: I Know, Right!?
This is used when I am amazed at foolishness, when I am amazed that people act like people, when sometihing amazing happens.

7. YP not MP: Your Problem not My Problem
I'm typically an easy going gal (ha!) but when folks try and draw me in their anxiety and drama I've got to pull out the big guns. These are reserved for people who are wont to procrastinate (but not in a good way like I do) and act like its my fault.
7a PP a personal problem
THis is reserved for my teen who is always, always, always being, well a teen.

8. WTF: What the [Beep]
Since I have become Facebook friends with my mom I have to tone it down a bit. We are not Twitter friends (please don't get on Twitter!) so I can let loose BUT I am stingy with my twitter characters and instead of typing out what the [BEEP] I can use WTF or her not quite as outraged but equally annoyed cousin WTH!?

9. PITA: Pain in the ass
I cuss and then I think I sound classless and cheap so I make little cutesy ways of covering it. I have begun adding PITA Pocket cause that sounds like a term of endearment even though it is really me being mean.

10. IDK: I don't know
There was an AT&T commercial where a mom is getting on her daughter for texting and I always liked the line, "IDK...my BFF Jill?"
And my family, because we are my family, took that line and ran with it.
I particularly like it when I am asked a question that is so silly that no other answer will suffice.

Liked this list?
Here are some links to other listicles:
Girl, You Got it Going On!
Ten songs that make you move
Random Monday Listicles

Martinis and Manicures at the SugarHouse Casino

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:30:00 +0000

What do women want?
Martinis and Manicures!
Free martinis and manicures!
This special event is hosted by Andrea Duffy from B101 and you are invited!

RSVP for free manicures and styling by Lacquer Lounge and Head & Tails Beauty Boutique
Live music from DJ Jimmy Lamb!
Summer style tips from Jessie Holeva from Trend Hungry
Massages by a certified Masseuse.
Makeup tips and more!

Hosted by B101's Andrea Duffy start your weekend early with this fun night out.
RSVP to SHWhatWomenWant@gmail.com.
Include your full name, phone number and blog/company (if applicable!).

Bring ID so that you can sign up for a rewards card and, well, get rewarded!
There is free and valet parking available.

See you there!
-r

#atozchallenge: R is for Revise

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:32:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I boldly declared that I was going to party like it was 1999 and do a total screen free week. My plans were to park the phone, iPad, television et al for a week and get to know a less technically connected life of Rachee. This morning I woke up and without even realizing it, started playing Candy Crush saga (I FINALLY got past level 100!) and knew that my plans to denounce all screen time were not to be. I won't lie; I've got it bad and I'm kind of feeling like if being bad is wrong then I don't want to be right.

So for the week I have decided to limit all of my screen time.

I will check my email four times a day as opposed to all day long.

I've allowed four times a day because I will need to check e-mail for work (library) once mid morning, once before I leave for the day, blog related and personal correspondence (once in the morning as I sip coffee and once in the evening when I get home.

I am only going to watch Game of Thrones and Scnadal this week.

Judge me if you must but Scandal is totally must see live TV. I am also going to tweet while it is on because I love the comments and such from my fellow Scandal fans. Game of Thrones cause, well have you ever watched it?! It's freaking amazing! Khaleesi rocks and Jon Snow is one fine...shut yo mouth!

Picture credit: http://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/File:Jon_HBO.jpg

The smart phone and tablet will stay downstairs at night.

This was a practice I was following and then one day I wanted to listen to music and ipso facto I was playing games and fooling around on Twitter until 2 in the morning (true story!). This led to another night of phones upstairs, and another until finally I was all I need an intervention.

I am going to spend an hour a day doing social media things for work.

We have an intern that I can delegate some of these things to so the library won't suffer but there is the need for some of the Facebook updates, blog posts (which I am woefully behind!) and prep work that I do use the internet for.

This is a hard one for me. I always like to control the social media things but I have to allow that someone else will know what they are doing (under my guidance!)

I will spend an hour a day doing my posts.

I will go old school and, gulp!, draft posts by hand. That way I can type them quickly (as quickly as one can hunt and peck!) and not dawdle online.

I am reading a book on my Nook but will only use my Nook for reading. I am going to leave my phone on silent or, idea!, turn it off while at work. The people who need me can call the landline.

I plan to get reaquanited with music, hit the great outdoors (perhaps I will go for that walk I've been talking about and clean up all of those weeds that the April showers have gifted me.

Stay tuned for my not screen free week but my less screen time week.

Remember:

or try to.

Read about previous efforts to go screen free

#Atozchallenge: O is for Organ

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:54:00 +0000

April is Organ Donor Month but in my family we think about organs daily. My mother, uncle and aunt all suffer from polycystic kidney disease glomerulonephritis. With a diagnosis of glomerulonephrtis this means that all three have had renal failure, end stage renal disease and had to do dialysis.

There are many myths about organ donation and to read the complete list visit the Mayo Clinic website. Here are the questions I used to have when organ donations happened to "other people."

Myth: If I agree to donate my organs, the hospital staff won't work as hard to save my life.
Fact: When you go to the hospital for treatment, doctors focus on saving your life — not somebody else's. You'll be seen by a doctor whose specialty most closely matches your particular emergency. The doctor in charge of your care has nothing to do with transplantation.

Myth: Maybe I won't really be dead when they sign my death certificate.

Fact: Although it's a popular topic in the tabloids, in reality, people don't start to wiggle their toes after they're declared dead. In fact, people who have agreed to organ donation are given more tests (at no charge to their families) to determine that they're truly dead than are those who haven't agreed to organ donation.

Myth: Organ donation is against my religion.
Fact: Organ donation is consistent with the beliefs of most religions. This includes Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and most branches of Judaism. If you're unsure of or uncomfortable with your faith's position on donation, ask a member of your clergy. Another option is to check the federal Web site OrganDonor.gov, which provides religious views on organ donation and transplantation by denomination.

Why you should consider organ donation?

By donating your organs after you die, you can save or improve as many as 50 lives. When my aunt was blessed with a kidney, her donor also donated lungs, skin tissue and his other kidney to people in need.

It's especially important to consider becoming an organ donor if you belong to an ethnic minority. Minorities including African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and Hispanics are more likely than whites to have certain chronic conditions that affect the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver. Certain blood types are more prevalent in ethnic minority populations. Because matching blood type is necessary for transplants, the need for minority donor organs is especially high.

Step up and become a donor. Make plans with your family if you are not comfortable with the label on your identification cards and help save a life.

-r

Between the Covers: L is for Lovecraft #atozchallenge

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:22:00 +0000

Disclosure: I was sent copies Tales from Lovecraft Middle School to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Middle school is hard enough being the new kid. It's even harder to start middle school and find that your school is rampant with mystery monsters disguised as teachers, people mysteriously vanishing and hidden portals to other worlds.

Welcome to Lovecraft Middle School where seventh grader Robert Arthur just wants to get through seventh grade without being tormented by bullies and without causing his mom worry. Shenanigans and danger are afoot when Robert begins to learn of, and investigate, the mysteries and hidden secrets of Lovecraft Middle School.

I had never heard of H.P. Lovecraft so I didn't have that sense of nostalgia. I was also never a fan of horror and was reluctant to read the series (I thought I might be too scared!) but I have to admit these books give a delightful thrill. The threat of danger Robert and his friends encounter is scary but there is always a bright spot. Boys and girls alike will enjoy reading this series and discovering more to the secrets of Lovecraft Middle School. At my library readers as young as seven have requested these books and have said that they enjoy the covers, the pictures throughout and look forward to the next monster Robert and his friends encounter.

Throughout the series (the three books I have read so far) the characters grow, experience real emotions and are people I care and think about. I enjoyed that the children do rely on adults (including an awesome librarian!) to assist them with uncovering the mysteries of the school.

Below is a trailer for the first two books, Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1: Professor Gargoyle and
Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #2: The Slither Sisters.

The third books, Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #3: Teacher's Pest, is best not to read while eating lunch (trust me!).

The books also have morphing photo covers so that the images change from innocent student to weird creature!

To get your own copies visit your library or click on the links about. To read more about Lovecraft or Quirk Books, please visit them online.

Enjoy revisiting Middle School!
-r

Did you enjoy this review?
Here are other Between the Cover Reviews you may like!

Between the Covers: Butter
Between the Covers: The List
Between the Covers: The Summer I Lost It

Please Help!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:10:00 +0000

Several news outlets have reported that a mother and her twins were struck by a hit and run driver while crossing the street in Bryn Mawr. Janeane is a friend who also happens to be a blogger. She turned to social media to share news of the accident to alert family and friends and the response has been positive. Today, the news seem to be good: Janeane shared that things are looking up and they are waiting to hear about test results for one of the twins. Her sister is bruised but was able to be discharged to home.

There are several efforts hosted by friends of Janeane to help provide for her family during this difficult time. If you would like to contribute, here are a few options:

Saidah of A Proverbs Wife is collecting donations here: http://aproverbswife.com/2013/04/urgent-a-blogger-her-5-year-old-twins-victims-of-a-hit-run.html

Pam, The Unconventional Librarian, has created a Meal Train account for Janeane and her family here: http://www.mealtrain.com/?id=m7wub1sia9rt

If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, please update your status to read:
6yr old in hospital, due to hit & run. Black Ford F150 still at large. See something? Say Something! http://ow.ly/ks5hi

Finally, whether or not you're in the position to help financially, please send prayers and positive thoughts to Janeane and her family, and let's hope the driver of that truck is brought to justice.

#atozchallenge: P is for Pretty

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

While listening to Pandora radio (love me some Pandora!) I heard a comedian, Caroline Rhea I think, do an act about women and compliments. She went on to say that women will not take a compliment, and if one is given a woman will find a way to balance it with something negative about herself I laugh but god is it true. Someone will tell me how much they like my dress and I have to let them know that I got it from the thrift shop. Someone compliments my hair and I alert them to how dirty it is. What is this insanity Why can't we accept the compliment and keep t moving?

It's not about conceit; we are not fancying ourselves the prettiest woman in the world but why are women so hard on themselves?

Watching the new campaign for Dove drives this message home. The women in the spot describe themselves to a forensic sketch artist. A second woman describes that same woman to the sketch artist and the differences are striking. Some sketches show an older, tired woman. Some are heavier, some are like a caricature.

What is it that makes us see our flaws so vividly yet we cannot acknowledge all of our positive attributes? We are always trying to hide ourselves, appear humble, apologize for who we are.

I say no. Mo more.
Let's own that beauty, let's say thank you and hold our heads up. We wouldn't allow others to treat us the way we treat ourselves? Let's quit the abuse and say thank you. I am pretty.

Today I am changing that negative self speak.
I am owning the lumps and bumps. They are curves.
The stretch marks are my gift for my teen, mommy scars and beautiful.
The laugh lines mean that I enjoy and those eyes magnified by thick glasses...see it all.
I AM pretty. And so are you.
-r

#atozchallenge: S is for Spam

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Lately I have been getting so much spam on my blog. Some of it is couched in real comments as if it were put through Google Translate before being posted. Some of it leaves me scratching my head. I really am thankful that people are visiting and commenting on the blog with legit comments. Some of the others...please to enjoy.

From the post I wrote this week about what I would do with 30 minutes of time to myself

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I'll definitely be back. Also visit my web site: kanapy z funkcją spania

This one almost got through until I realized that it was just some shenanigans pretending to be a legit comment. I do only have one picture on the post but that link to the website (littered with gobblygoo) rang the alarm.

The guest post from my co-worker about our fight with Sony gets a plethora of spam.
My favorite simply because of the groovy "ω"

Hi there! I unԁeгstаnd this is sort of off-topic but I hаd to asκ. Dοes buіlding a well-establishеd webѕite such as yours take а lоt of wοrk? I am completely neω to blogging howeѵer I do ωrite in my diary every day. I'd like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and feelings online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it! my webpage: BlackChipPoker Bonus on Guest Post: The Lansdowne Library Just Reads It

This Monday Link Up Post is my third highest viewed post (I guess everyone is looking for a blog hop!?) and here is one of the tomes that accompanies it:

According to statistics, "internet radio attracts an upper-income audience, with weekly Internet radio listeners 36% more likely to live in a household with annual income of $100K+ than the general US population 18+". In my case I listen to all music that is submitted to me before I include it on my playlist. The viewing angle is extra wide, making it easier for you to read or even allow others to read with you. onMonday Link Ups

Uh...what? This is a "to be continued" comment as it seems to continue throughout three or four comments.

Then there is

For one, the person who is teaching you is a master of the language. Good writing skills ensure professional growth:Good writing skills are essential for professional growth. Finally, parents teaching the language at home should take advantage of the easy access to English materials available around the world. Stop by my blog post ... cach hoc tieng anh hieu qua nhat on Pinning Friday Favorites on Monday

Thank you?
I think they like what I am writing but then they are complimenting my teacher?
I am confused.

And, because comments are the place to try new fiction, this one:

That Halloween, right after she turned four, she told the story over and over, to anyone who would listen, delighting in making them jump when she yelled the spooky ending. In his introduction to the book poet Yusef Komunyakaa compares Ai's dramatic approach to that of a method actor. Your mother would be overwhelmed to find something so beautiful and interesting. Feel free to surf to my site: Kommentare zu: 9 Monate hatte ich on Monday Link Ups

I'll be right over buddy.

How about you?
What spam have you read that makes you say What the Spam Fat (see what I did there?)
-r

#MondayListicles: 30 Minutes or Less

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:55:00 +0000

Time is relative. I can remember hearing that I had 30 minutes before my mom was coming home and there wasn't nearly enough time to finish my homework, clean the dishes or complete whatever task she had assigned that I farted around and didn't finish. Then there were the days in school when the clock would tick, tick, tick slowly during that last half hour of the day. Now that I'm all grown up time flies. When I'm having fun, not having fun, whatevs.

This week Stasha is asking us for the top ten ways to spend 30 minutes.

1. Playing Candy Crush Saga.
Candy Crush saga is like Bejeweled meets Candy Land and it's totally addictive. I usually go through all five lives in 30 minutes and, if I haven't beat the level, have to wait until my lives are refilled.
I really need an intervention.

2. Watching The Big Bang Theory.
Knock, Knock, Knock...Penny
Knock, Knock, Knock...Penny
Knock, Knock, Knock...Penny

3. Listening to Morning Report on NPR.
I like to set my alarm early so I can ~~play candy crush saga~~ lay (lie?) in bed and listen to NPR. The relaxed pace at which the news is reported is the perfect way to start the day.

4. Wogging
The cardio portion of my workout ia about 30 minutes. So I walk/jog my way on the treadmill listening to showtunes.

5. Working a few rows of something.
My crojo is still low (hiyo!) but I have been working a few things at a time and the progress is coming. Slowly but it's coming.

6. Cleaning my kitchen
Forreals.
Unless it's frat house disgusting I can have the kitchen cleaned and ready for action in under 30 minutes.

7. Baking cookies with The Bee.
It actually takes us less time to inhale these delicious treats but we do our best. Mixing, scraping, tasting...I think I want some cookies!

8. Walking to Wawa while I'm at work.
Cause I like to meander and I think it's good to be out of the library now that the weather is lovely. Also, the light at the corner of Lansdowne Ave is goofy.

9. Playing closet lotto.
I really need to go clothes shopping or just wash some clothes. It takes me forever to get dressed...this doesn't fit. No this doesn't! Crap...that's stained! Or Lil has been using my shirt to lay (lie?) on. This fits but didn't I wear that last week? Sigh and bah and humbug getting dressed in the AM is a trip!

10. Hanging up the phone with Effin Guy.
Despite the yawns and the drifting off (me) and the I need to finish this up (him) when we have that last conversation late at night there's still that "Oh yeah!" moment right before we hang up and say good night and we have to share a thing or two or twelve.

Wow!
Typing this post took 30 minutes!
See you in a half,
-r

#atozchallenge: M is for Medication. Using the AsthmaSense Cloud App

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:48:00 +0000

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 25 million adults and children in the United States have asthma. It is estimated that asthma affects 300 million people globally, and an additional 100 million people will suffer from asthma by 2025*.

Increased emergency room visits, hospitalizations, medical costs and deaths reinforce the need for better monitoring.
I was told about the The AsthmaSense Cloud application, which is available on iPhone and Android platforms, and these enhanced features to track and manage chronic asthma including:

Safe storage of a user’s asthma profile and event history in a password-protected, HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based data warehouse;
Protected access and easy data recovery if one’s phone is replaced, lost, stolen or damaged;
Ability to view and edit the application data on a computer;
Tracking system to identify potential risk patterns and trends in asthma symptoms, medication use and testing results;
Interactive medication and testing reminders as well as medication usage records;
One-touch dialing of contact numbers, including auto-selected emergency number based on GPS location; and
The ability to maintain multiple user profiles with a single application; a benefit to families with more than one person suffering from asthma.

In my experience, as the parent of an asthmatic I know all too well how frightening and frustrating it can be to watch a loved one suffer as they gasp for breath. There have been times when I have forgotten to give The Bee her medications or we have ran out of our prescription and had no refills. With the AsthmaSense Cloud app we can monitor her medication and symptoms and prevent those vicious attacks. The AsthmaSense app monitor's The Bee's symptoms, alerts us for her next scheduled dose and allows for easier access to her care in one convenient package.

The app is very comprehensive, almost to a fault. It tracks everything from your medication schedule to triggers, symptoms and more. For The Bee's needs, the app requested more information than I had available and things I had never thought to track such as her peak flow and Forced Expiratory volume. I will follow up with her physician's office but at the These are things I never thought to ask her physicians for but will make sure I follow up in the future.

By no means do I tout this app as a substitution for medical care. This is simply a tool to assist with keeping all of your needs in one handy place. During our last visit I think I spent more time trying to remember the dates and times of The Bee's episodes than our exam. This app helps keep all things in one place.

The app is password protected so your medical information is safe. Profiles can be created for all of the sufferers in your life and it's a nice supplement to whatever system of management you have in place.

But, you don't have to take my word for it. This service is available as a free download for your smart phone or you can go to the website and enter the information We have only been using it for a week but so far for our needs it had been helpful to keep track of medication schedules.

To learn more please visit Asthma Sense online.

*World Health Organization. “Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases: a
comprehensive approach.” (2007): page 16. Accessed Feb. 1, 2013
http://www.who.int/gard/publications/GARD%20Book%202007.pdf.

Disclosure: I was shared information about this app but not compensated in any way. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

#MondayListicles and the Story of My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:05:00 +0000

This week Monday Listicles is Ten Chapters in the book of our life.
I'm feeling a tad weepy after an event that didn't go as planned and as thus feeling a tad angsty and whiny but wanted to keep this fun so look for an angst filled post in a few.

Now then:

Ten chapters in The Tao of Rachée

1. I'm not Raya
On life as an identical twin living in a eight mile radius.
I could probably write several chapters, if not a book, about the times people think I am my sister and conclude

I am really her but ignoring them
I am really her and lying to them
I am definately her but playing a joke
I have got to be kidding and making up a story

Which leads to the inevitable discussion of not being told Raya has a twin and that they can't believe it! Doesn't matter if I'm at the gym working out, with Effin Guy making out (we don't) or at work and Raya is there. Crazy!

2. That's right; I'm mom
On the realization that despite having been someone's mother for 13 (THIRTEEN) years, there are times that I cannot believe I am the person who is responsible for signing permission forms, filling out medical history and being the authority. (*Snicker* Authority)

3. That Time I...
On shenanigans I have found myself mixed up in.
Sneak preview: One time I attended a house party and the host was wearing a Onesie Pooh Bear Pajama Outfit.

4. Diets and Barbells and Sneakers...oh my!
On my weight loss attempts, faux pas and the like.
(Bad attempts at) Weight loss (are) is a bitch

5. She Loves Her Some Him
or Love is Strange
On that time I took a chance and it wasn't horrible.

6. Rachee...You in Danger Girl
On loving those heroes who are truly, truly zeroes.

7. I'm Ready for My Closeup
On being front and center for performances, also known as storytime at the library

8. Code Blue! Code Blue!
On the years I worked at different hospitals because I wanted to do something science-y

9. Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
On those occasions when things had not gone as planned. Yes, it sucks but it's not the end of the world.

10. As Yet Untitled
The adventure continues!

What's in your book?

#atozchallenge: N is for Nursery Rhymes

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:18:00 +0000

In which Mother Goose comes to life!

Last week we featured nursery rhymes during our Preschool Playschool. I have been wanting to do a Mother Goose Program for a while ever since I attended a Mother Goose on the Loose training and then an awards presentation for Pennsylvania's Library Associations Best Practices and saw the program put together by Nina Edgerton from the James V. Brown Library. But what to do? The rhymes are short and were not something That I would traditionally use during storytime but they are full of action and motion and also featured prominently during the Every Child Ready to Read training I attended back on January.

So I hit Pinterest (My happy place!) and looked for ideas. I have since created a board of nursery rhyme activities and you can view it below or visit it here.

For our Rhyme Time I created stations.

Crafts (Make and Take)

Make a star wand using a stick and a star that you've decorated or create a booklet.
Decorate a Teddy Bear Puppet for The Teddy Bear Picnic or Teddy Bear Teddy Bear song
Make a pig puppet for This little Piggy or Three Little Pigs
Decorate a candle for your own candle stick
Cut and collect Nursery Rhymes to go

Getting ready for the picnic

Jack be nimble!

Action

Activity cube with Nursery Rhyme Prompts

London Bridges (we all fell down)
I'm a Little Tea Pot (we all sang and did the motions)
Jack Be Nimble (we took turns jumping over a candle stick)
Ring Around a Roses
Pat A Cake

Simple Simon Pie Obstacle Course

We set up chairs that designated a road to the fair. Pie tins were at the start. Children and adults were challenged to go through the route balancing a pie on their head, one hand, two hands or on head and hands.

Nursery Rhyme Mystery Box

Children had to reach into the box and guess what they were feeling. They could pull the item out and sing the rhyme.

Items in the box

Owl (Owl and the Pussycat)
Foam Pumpkins (Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater)
Stuffed Frog (Five Green and Speckled Frogs)
Sticks (this old man)
Styffed bird (to go along with owl) for two little dickey birds
Cotton Balls (Baa, Baa Black Sheep/Little Bo Peep/ Mary Had a Little Lamb)
Plastic Spider (Itsy Bitsy Spider/ Little Miss Muffet)

Alphabet Pie Roll a Block

At this activity children rolled the cubes and acted out the letters from "A was an Apple Pie"

(We made copies of the books and taped the pictures to cubes. I love cubes and roll a stories.)

Can you act out the alphabet?

Books

Books were available for check out including:

The neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews
Mother Goose. Selections by Sylvia Long
Mother Goose by Richard Scarry

Mother Goose Day is May 1st and I plan to have another go at this activity. This time I'll add Three Blind/Hickory Dickory Dock (so that we can add a clock and mice), Humpty Dumpty (I have plastic eggs left over for Easter and they need some use) and more.

Do you Mother Goose?
What's your favorite rhymes and do you have ideas to share?
Leave a comment with your favorites!

Having a rhyming good time!
-r

Five Question Friday. On a Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 01:48:00 +0000

Don't judge me; I just found this meme.
Ahem
So I saw this meme on another blog and decide to join in. I apologize for blasting you all with so many posts but what has happened was I had a busy end to my week and that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Anywho, I was looking at Monday Listicle link ups and found this prompt for Five Questions from the blog My Little Life.

Rules for 5QF: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then watch for the linky post to appear Friday morning and LINK UP!

1. Where do you hide things from your kids at?

Let's see...the car. Her room...plain sight.

Seriously, my kid walked right past a birthday gift throughout the month of February. I won't lie; I was to lazy to put them up and when I thought the gig was up threw in the towel. Upon realizing she was blissfully unaware just let it be.

2. What is your favorite rainy day activity for bored toddlers?

I have no toddlers but for my library kids lots of stuffed animals and books.

3. Are you a punctual person or are you always running a few minutes (or more!) late??

Punctual!

Punctual?

Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha

4. When eating out, do you prefer off the beaten path "Mom and Pop" cafes or tried and true national food chains?
Depends. If mom and pop look like a health code violation then sis is out!

5. Does your significant other snore? Do YOU snore?

I don't snore.

Effin Guy snores which I only know because he fell asleep on my couch one evening.

Ahem.

That's my five!

-r

#atozchallenge: K is for K.I.S.S.

noreply@blogger.com (Rachee Fagg) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:51:00 +0000

As in Keep It Simple Stupid!

I've been kind of stressing (surprise, surprise about everything but this week it's work. I keep feeling like each week I have to out do the week before, each program has to be better than before! That I have to compete and be the best and you know what?
It's a drag.
Instead of being excited about the newest challenge I have been dreading what I am going to do next because I feel like the creativity is just not there. I have been worried about the next step and there is is reason to keep doing more and more.

Instead of stressing myself out I took the advice of one of my parents and let the kids create their own versions of stories. We added some foam animal heads, crayons and grass and voila! Library Art was formed.

For the longest time I thought that letting the kids color a simple picture was cheating. Shouldn't all crafts be the mostest amazing thing ever!? And kids can color at home! At the library they should be exposed to all kinds of early literacy things...right? But they are! Coloring, creating and more are skills my littles need and it's time to relax and K.I.S.S.

Great, no!

Tell me...what will you K.I.S.S. this week?