Great Backyard Bird Count

As part of our version of the Happiness Project, we are trying to continue to “learn”  – anything we can.  I love it when I learn about new things to do in my town! 

I recently found the STL Free for All site written by a mom/journalist in St Louis.  It has really useful information on free or almost free activities to enjoy with your kids.  I love the Great Backyard Bird Count she featured this week — I may for the first time actually count birds.   

Amy seems to have a great grasp of what is going on in the city and what would actually be fun –anyone up for the The Cat in the Hat this week at Pottery Barn Kids ?

Posted under Learning

As part of our version of the Happiness Project, we are trying to continue to “learn”  – anything we can. 

This article was written 2 years ago as I tried to learn to cook (or simply feed my child).   I still love the cookbook as a wonderful resource, and I am better at cooking and am still trying, but I have learned that it will never be my strength.  Tonight is pizza night. 

Ok, so I will never be able to call myself a chef, but I am trying to teach myself to cook.  Before my son was born almost 4 years ago, my diet consisted of Wendy’s burgers, ham and cheese sandwiches and the “special occasion dish” of chicken and rice.  I honestly had members of my family that expressed concern that my child would starve.  They had good reason to worry — I was worried as well.  But, my child is thriving, eats more than I do on most days, and we only have chicken and rice about once every 6 months.  

I am still working on this cooking thing — it is definitely trial and error, with lots of error.  But, I enjoy it and definitely feel a sense of accomplishment when, like last night, my little boy rubs his tummy and says yummm and my husband says, ”this was good” (this is the extent of his praise for food as he would just as soon have cereal as anything but eats my food to set a good example.)  

The biggest revelation for me was The Moms’ Guide to Meal Makeovers cookbook.   What I needed most before I could even begin to cook, was a makeover of my pantry and refrigerator. I had no idea what was considered healthy, what was deadly, and what was somewhere in between.  Everytime I started to cook something, I had about 1 out of the 10 ingredients required (usually the chicken).  This book really helped me understand what to put in my cabinets and fridge and now I am ready for anything (well, not really, but I am trying to be positive. ) I still have nights where everything ends up in the trash instead of on the table, but at least I’m trying, right?

Posted under Happiness Project, Learning, Random Thoughts

As part of our version of the Happiness Project, we are trying to continue to “learn”  – anything we can. 

This year, I did not make a resolution to exercise more or become more fit, even though I need to do both. The only reason I did not make the resolution is because I knew making it would mean I would break it. So, instead, I decided to just do it. (Sure.)  

My problem has always been figuring out what to do for exercise. I do not like to run; I do not like group exercise classes and I get really bored with exercise.  But, I was determined to find something this year.  I think the Wii Fit might be it.  I love it! 

It is a great system for me because (1) it has a variety of exercises to keep me from being bored, (2) it tracks my progress by keeping charts and graphs of the activities I have done and a chart of my BMI and weight ( I love charts); (3) it balances fun games and exercises such as hula hoops, skiing and hitting soccer balls with your head, with activities like yoga and strength exercises; (4) I am able to tell whether I am doing the exercise right and continue to try to do better each time (it tracks each exercise); and (5) it has a wonderful instructor that doesn’t talk unnecessarily or judge.  

This morning, I was behind schedule and almost didn’t do the exercises, but I actually thought that I would miss it if I didn’t.  That has never happened to me before with exercise. 

I  love the fact that I am learning something new and that I am keeping a goal I had for myself (not a resolution!)

Posted under Learning, Tech

As part of our version of the Happiness Project, we are trying to continue to “learn” — anything.  This week , Jen learns she just might be “hip.”  Stay tuned for future technology adventures. 

“You had me at scrolling.” ~Steve Jobs on the iPhone

I’m in love with my iPhone.  I am not a gadget person.  I’m not a hipster.  I am a mom of two and seriously afraid of being a shlumpadinka, both in appearance and in mindset.  I am also an underbuyer.  So is my husband.  And somehow we waited in line for 5 hours to get iPhones.  I thought we’d enjoy the gadget-y-ness for a few days and then be mad we spent so much money for a phone (a key element of being an underbuyer).  Not so.  It has changed my life.  If feel more connected, organized, productive and sane because of it.  Because all of that, and because its cool, I even feel a little less shlump!

This is not an ad for Apple products, but the iPhone is perfect for a mom.  I can stay connected through email without having to sit down!  I can stay informed and read the NY Times any time I have a spare 5 minutes (waiting in line, waiting to pick up my daughter, NOT waiting for a light to turn green), and I don’t have to buy a paper or sit down!   I can map my route after I’m in the car and realize I forgot to map it! I can Facebook, craigslist, eBay and track my fitness when I get a spare second!  And best of all, I can take pictures of the kids and email them, in the moment, to Daddy.   He loves this when he travels.  He feels connected to our routine and our daily joys even when he isn’t in person.

It isn’t a replacement for actual time with people we love, but this thing helps make things less hectic and fills the gaps that are there when being in person isn’t possible.  I’ve also realized how fantastic it is to have access to a little package of “me” in my pocket at all times.  My email, my hobbies, my favorite newspaper.  A little dose of world news in the midst of a kid-centered routine is probably what moms of the 50s were looking for when they took a swig in the middle of the day.  I can get a quick fix and get right back to sweeping the floor, refereeing the fight or cuddling with my kids and a book with a clearer head.

Posted under Connecting, Happiness Project, Learning, Tech, Uncategorized

As part of my version of my Happiness Project, I am trying to continue to “learn”.  I get really excited when I learn something new, in the same way my son gets excited when he learns a new joke — and gets it!  So, every Friday, we will discuss how learning can affect our lives. 

I stayed home all week with my son who ran a fever, but had few other symptoms.  We played cards, laughed, worked on puzzles (he made them, I had to put them together), read books and watched television.  I was able to do a few things I “needed” to do, but not a lot. At times I was frustrated; at times I was in bliss being with my little boy again.  It is a rare day when we get to be together, just us, all day. 

This morning his temperature was back to normal and he seemed to feel better, so he went to school.  I was actually a little sad — it felt a little like when he first went to kindergarten last year.  I was reminded this week of the special times we had when he was home so much more.  I miss those times and cherished this week with him (although at times i was  tempted to pretend his temperature was within normal limits and send him to school anyway). 

If you had asked me at the beginning of the week whether I would want Kei to stay home all week with me, I would have definitely said no. I thought I had too much to do.  

How little did I know.   This week I learned that sometimes life works in mysterious ways and gives you just what you need even if you don’t know you need it — that I know for sure (thanks Oprah).

Posted under Happiness Project, Learning

As part of my version of my Happiness Project, I am trying to continue to “learn”.  I get really excited when I learn something new, in the same way my son gets excited when he learns a new joke — and gets it!  So, every Friday, we will discuss how learning can affect our lives. 

Since launching this website and starting a non-profit company, Operation Shower, I have had to learn many new things.  I am amazed at some of the things I know now — even just how to put a picture on a website — that I would never have believed I would want to learn or could learn.   But, I am so thrilled every time I learn how to do something new on the computer or figure out a new way to market the non-profit company to get the word out.   As I struggle to find what I should do with my life,  I know that if I keep learning new things and keep stretching myself, I have a much better chance of finding the things that make me happy.  

Sometimes I joke that the new job or opportunity will “just come to me” if I wait patiently and have faith. It’s coming –really — I tell my husband as he looks at our bills.  But, I do know that I need to be active and continue to learn and this will provide more opportunities for me. 

With this said, sometimes the best “learning” comes just from living.  Here’s an example of a few things I have learned this week:

• My son cannot stay up late without serious repurcussions the rest of the week (I knew this already, but was reminded all week long, so now I really know!);
• When I stay out late, it also has serious repurcussions;
• People are so generous and kindhearted;
• I love working with a business partner who is also a friend;
• No matter how much you worry, it doesn’t help — instead of worrying, just prepare (just because I learn it doesn’t mean I follow it);
• I have nothing to wear;
• The people on television are just people (did you know this?); and 
• This week, my life is going well.  

Posted under Happiness Project, Learning