Moral...Schmoral....???? Really?

Here's a good one....

Do you think that businesses and companies have an obligation to help mold society?

Recently, Victoria Secrets launched a new collection called Bright Young Things under their popular line "Pink". The so called "must-haves" included lace trimmed thongs with the phrases such as "Call me", "Feeling Lucky" and "Dare You". What's the problem? The target audience.

Image Courtesy Tallia

I have no problem going to VS and purchasing something nice for myself, but for my daughter? No way! She's fourteen years old. There is no need for her to be wearing anything remotely sexual in nature.....and thongs? Uh ---- NO!

We are trying to raise smart, independent, well-adjusted young people, but our job is not easy. With the media and big name companies targeting our girls, bombarding them with the notion that it's cool and awesome to have "Wild" stitched across your underwear....it sometimes feels like a losing battle. Of course, I can tell you right now, there is no way that I would allow any of this in my house. But, I guess what I'm trying to say is that why is this even an issue to be discussed?

Why on Earth, would anyone think that advertising sex to young girls is a good thing? Money .....really?!!!!!!

Come one! Let them stay young, innocent and pure for as long as they can.

Don't roll your eyes....I know, your thinking.....ugh, she's one of "those" moms......but listen....you tell me. Am I wrong in thinking that there is something morally wrong with this campaign approach? I don't think so and from what I've been seeing out there, there are a lot of angry parents. Take a look at this petition.

Victoria Secrets has recently stated that they were not targeting the young girls. However, their CFO Stuart Burgdoerfer had stated that teens are their target market for the Pink line. "When somebody's 15 or 16 years old, what do they want to be? They want to be older, and they want to be cool like the girl in college, and that's part of the magic of what we do at Pink," said Burgdoerfer.

BAM!.....Sorry mom and dad, we are going after you daughters because that have money to spend and we don't care if we make sex objects out of them.

So, here we go, dodging another media campaign bullet aimed at sexualizing our girls.

(Blech.....I feel like lately, that's all I'm talking about.....girls and trying to raise them right. Did you see my post  A-hem A-hem Your Skirt is Too Short? )

I swear, it's so disheartening to see middle school and high school girls prance around with super short skirts with super high heels .....and now, super provocative sayings stitched to their bums.

Perfect.

Companies want to make money...they need to make money, that's totally fine. The teen/tween market is huge, you'd be an idiot not to target them....I get it.... but please, have some moral responsibility.

Whatever happened to "It takes a village to raise a child?"

Help us raise strong beautiful women.

What are your thoughts?

Woven Word

My found poetry for this week:

It's always hard as a parent to know if you have taught your children right from wrong. Will they be ok on their own? Will they make mistakes? The answer is yes.

Be assured that if you have truly raised your children to be kind and generous....fair and honest.... humble and gentle.....they will become great leaders among us. Have faith in them. They will make you proud.

Three for Me

This has been a busy week for me and I am just filled with excitement and energy! Energy?!

Crazy for someone who sleeps too late and is up too early (at least according to me). Anyhow, enough with my ramblings....

Here are the Three for Me this week:

1. My darling daughter (a.k.a. Squid) - This one is loving the stage. She recently play Bonnie Bones from a pirate play and she had the whole theatre laughing. In one scene she is scolding the children and my friend turns to me and says, "Wow, she's good. Sounds just like you." Yes, I admit it. I do sound like a crazy pirate when I'm yelling at the kids...how else am I getting them to listen! 

As you can see in one of the shots, Bonnie Bones bites the bucket and like any good actor, my daughter falls down and then with a dramatic flair twitches her arm and leg to signify the finality of dear old cursed Bonnie Bones! Great job to my darling Squid and her fellow cast mates and teachers! Arghhhhhh!!!!!

2. New Camera Tip - I was surfing the net and I found a whole bunch of wonderful photographers who share their tips of the trade to novice photographers such as myself. I love playing around with my camera....my kids often joke and say"is there anything you won't take a picture of?" Anyhow, I learned a trick from Kristi at Live and Love Out Loud on how to take a macro image without purchasing another lens.....the only major drawback for me is that I'm one of those types that gets motion sick from the tiniest of movements.....so after this little camera trick, I was nauseous for about an hour...need to get myself an tri-pod.

Not the best, but I'm still learning

3. Reese's Peanut Butter Easter Eggs!!!!!! I need someone to take these away! I've devoured a whole bag.....I purposely hid them amongst the Hersey's chocolate eggs, but that didn't stop me. I would just dig and dig till I found one. So yummy. What's your favorite?

heaven........

Have a wonderful weekend! My kids are off tomorrow and I've got family coming.....so I've got to get off my bum and get ready.

You know, I'm going to go right over to that jar and grab me some Reese's PB eggs.....ciao!

Project 52: Layers

{layers}

stacked

filled

crevices

hidden

character

more interpretations of layers on Bella's Project 52

My First Liebster Award!

This weekend, Ida from  Second Chances Girl nominated me....ME for a Liebster Award! You can't see me right now, but I'm doing back flips and singing.....

I'm so excited....and I just can't hide it......(Can you name the group?) 

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers by their peers in the blogging world....hey, we've gotta start somewhere, right? What does Liebster mean? I'm told from the blogging world that it's German....and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.


Don't you just love it! Thank you Ida so much!

Eleven Facts About Me:

1.  I love Snickers. I can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2.  I'm a Sagittarius....December is a great month for gifts!

3.  I really dislike the taste of lamb....yuck! 

4.  I'm a Trekkie, can't wait for the new movie to come out!

5.  I'm a night owl....average time I go to bed: 2am

6.  I'm an incurable romantic (I believe this is linked to #2)

7.  I have the worst memory ever! (possible link to #5)

8.  I use to dream that I would marry Simon LeBon from Duran Duran

9.  I truly enjoy reading Shakespeare

10.  I wanted to be a fighter pilot when I was younger

11.  I have a weakness for fries...all kinds, Cajun, chili cheese, etc...

Had these yummy fries @ Broome Street Bar in Soho 2 weeks ago

Eleven Questions From My Nominator (Second Chances Girl):

1. What is your dream vacation destination? Morocco! No doubt in my mind....ever since I was a kid, I've dreamed about going there....I want to visit the markets, smell the spices and drink Mint Tea.

2. What is your favorite family tradition? I love them all, but one in particular is our Chinese Style Thanksgiving dinner. When my "family" gets together, we are easily 30+ people and then there is always one mystery guest that has been invited. We eat your basic Thanksgiving fare and then on top of that we have several dishes of yummy Chinese food, prepared by my mom and her sisters! Sooooo good!

3. Do you collect anything? If so, what? I am a Cook Book Collector! AGHHHH.....my bookshelf is on the verge of collapsing....my bedroom floor has piles of books stacked in every corner....people tell me to go digital, but I just can't help myself....there is something so beautiful about a cookbook.

4. What is your favorite quote? Never regret what once made you laugh

5. Who is your hero? My Grandmother on mama's side....She was truly amazing. They sure don't make them like they used to. She loved, forgave, sympathized, taught and didn't have a selfish bone in her body. She endured so many hardships in her life....she was truly tested....but she never gave in. She was strong and loving and she was so loved by all who met her. She was and will always be my hero.

6. If you had thirty minutes of free time, what would you do? I would probably be blogging.....it's so addictive!

7. Do you believe in second chances? YES. We are human. I tell my children everyday that we all make mistakes...it's what you learn from them that matters and that's what makes you a better person. I still make mistakes....some big and some small.....I hope one day, if I need it, I will be given a second chance.

8. Why do you blog? I blog to release all that is locked up inside me....my thoughts, loves, creations, addictions and obsessions. 

9. Do you believe you have found your passion in life? If not, what are you waiting for? So funny you asked this question, because I just posted I Missed My Calling on Monday! So....I believe that I have found my passion (now that I'm 43) and I've decided to do something about it!

10. What is the one thing you wish for your children? If you don't have children, then for any young child in your life. The one common thing I with for my three children is for them to be HAPPY. I realize that the only thing that really matters is that you're happy with your life.....don't regret things....learn....move on....be happy.

11. Do you consider yourself happy? Yes, I'm happier now that I used to be....I think, like most people, life is full of ups and downs....a non-stop roller coaster that is totally unpredictable. Right now....I'm happy....ask me again when Game of Thrones season ends....

I Nominate The Following Blogs:

• The Owl's Skull 
• Dina Farmer Photography
• Sarah Croft
• SDBaird
• Withlove-Rachel
• Bear and Lion
• The Milk Machine
• Firefly Tales
• oh just stop already
• Crazy Little Love Birds
• Faded Ginger

Please don't feel pressure to do this....I personally was sooo excited, I couldn't wait to write this post. If you have already been nominated that's awesome....it's always so nice to be recognized by your peers.

My Eleven Questions to You:

1. What's your favorite book to give as a gift?
2. What is your favorite song right now and why?
3. Is there one thing that you can't live without?
4. If you had a chance to go back and do a redo, what would it be?
5. What is the greatest lesson you have learned thus far?
6. Of the people you know, who possess a quality that you most admire and what is it?
7. Do you sleep on the right side, left side or smack dab in the middle of your bed?
8. What's your hidden talent?
9. What's a topic you wish people would just come out and talk about?
10. What is your current obsession?
11. What do you want to accomplish through your blog?

Let me know if you decide to participate....it'll be fun....I can't wait to see your answers!

All Things Techie

tech·nol·o·gy 

it's useful

        it's fun

              it's sexy

                    it's the future

                                I love it!

1. For the music lover....look what's coming down the road. Mico Headphones! (read about it here on CNet) It senses your mood and chooses a song for you based on the signals it receives.....very interesting....unless you're totally depressed and it then chooses a song that makes you feel even more depressed....hmmmm they may want to tweak that part! 

Don't go jogging with these on.....
Image courtesy of Neurowear

2. For the photo nut in you....If you are like me and LOVE playing with your images on your phone take a look at beFunky (it's also available on the computer, with more options). What I love about this is that I don't have to share my images once I'm done fiddling with it, as is the case with Instagram....I can if I want to, but sometimes....girls just wanna have fun...(which songstress gave us those famous lyrics?)

This is my crazy dog!

3. For the Facebook junkie.....see what the future holds for you! Try these out.....very cool, but kind of scary when you think about it. Price for Power and Take This Lollipop (this one is creepy...)

Click here to try

And that's all things techie from me today....

I Missed My Calling

Yes, I missed my calling. It has taken me 43 years to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

huh? Let me explain.

Now, some of you might already know this, but I am a pharmacist by trade. Well, I hate it. I absolutely, 100% hate being a pharmacist.

How did I end up with a RPh behind my name? Well, thanks to my stereotypical Asian upbringing, I falsely thought that the only job options out there for me were to either become a physician, an engineer or a lawyer. Since I couldn't stand the sight of blood, Physics would literally make my head explode and I never ever won an argument..... I decided that the reasonable choice was to became a pharmacist.

Big mistake. Big. Huge. (Do you know what movie this is from?)

Don't get me wrong, pharmacy is a great profession, especially for a mom.....but it's soooo NOT me.

I'm not the type that gets all giddy over drug interactions, glomerular filtration rates or what's new in the drug market....and this is not for the lack of trying.

If you were to take a look at my resume, you would see that I have done almost everything. I have worked in retail....I have worked in mail order....I have worked in a psych hospital....I have worked in a regular hospital....I have worked with insurance drug data and I have worked as a long term care consultant pharmacist....and guess what? I still hate it!

Nope, pharmacy is not for me.

So.....what tickles my fancy if not drugs and pharmacokinetics?

Simply put......computers and all things techie.

Geek? Yes, I'm a geek. I can spend hours upon hours on the computer looking at codes figuring things out and playing with different tools I come across when surfing the web.

Codes are so pretty.... :)

When I read about some new cool technology that's coming out......I get all giddy!

Just a couple of weeks ago, I listened with envy, as people talked about taking the Startup Bus to Austin with other techie entrepreneurs (it's 48 hours of brainstorming and development of possible startup ideas).....pouting....I wanted to go on that bus.....I wanted to attend the super techie South by Southwest convention.....I wanna be a techie!

SXSW 2013

Unfortunately for me, my interest in computers didn't occur until later in life. I grew up in the age of floppy disks and prime computers (you remember them right? ...the black screen and bright green flashy cursor that moved at a snails pace.....) I even remember my dad having stacks and stacks of the hole punched computer cards! Yuck! Computers back then just didn't do it for me.....

So, here I am years later... a reluctant pharmacist, who wishes she was a  techie, hacker computer gal....

Now that I know what it is I want to do when I grow up, I think I might look into taking some computer courses. Until then, I'm gonna start a new segment on my blog highlighting all things techie that I come across which piques my interests. So, keep an eye out for All Things Techie...you might find out you are a closet techie too!

Are you doing what you love?

Carving Out Me Time

How many times have you heard yourself say...."Let's get together when things settle down"...."I can't wait for this week to be over"...."Just one more thing and then I can relax"...."Thank God it's Friday"?

For me, these phrases are constantly popping out of my mouth. But the fact of the matter is.... Things NEVER settle down....the week is NEVER over, it just continues....there is always ONE more thing that needs to be done.....and Friday?! Friday is just as bad, because that means the next day, the kids have games, practices, birthday parties and anything else that we couldn't fit in during the regular week.

....sniff....sniff....

I once wrote about being totally overwhelmed in Mom Overloaded and guess what? It hasn't gotten any better.

Some days, I just want to throw in the towel and run away....run far, far away....still running....you think I'm thinking of something to say? Nope, just picturing myself running in a field of beautiful flowers on a golden summer day....butterflies flitting from flower to flower.....bees searching for nectar....and a white stallion with a handsome young kn--......huh?!

Sorry, got carried away....back to the post. Ummmmmm...... wait.....I have to go back and re-read what I wrote, won't take but a minute for me to gather my thoughts....

Right, I was running away. 

Well, in reality, I can't run away. There's no running in a field of flowers or  chasing pretty little butterflies and certainly no "golden summer day".....it's freakin' cold here!!!!!

So, in an effort to avoid a one way trip to Shutter Island, I need to carve out some ME time.

Yesterday, I decided that I seriously needed to relax, so I picked up the phone, called the salon and voila! Here I am....relaxing....ok, maybe not totally relaxing - I'm finishing up this blog....but it is a creative outlet for me, so that's a good thing.

The staff at the salon were cracking up at this photo -- I love it!

No, I haven't lost it yet...hanging out at The Chateau Salon

Here is my challenge to you. Today, I want you to find a morsel of time in your crazy nutty schedule, even if it's just for 10 minutes.....lock yourself in the bathroom if you have to (although that doesn't deter my kids) and breathe.

....relax.....do something fun....do something for yourself....

....cause if we don't carve out a little time for ourselves......you and I will be bunk mates carving out our names in a cinder block wall on Shutter Island.

How do you find time to relax?

Woven Words

For those that know me, you probably realize by now that I love to write, be it poetry.....blog posts....and even children's books ~ (I self-published one....my friends & family all liked it....although I hope it wasn't out of pity....)

I have decided to take this passion for poetry and writing to add another feature post to my blog. Here on Woven Words, I will post my attempts at poetry. I have decided to keep the style of poetry open so that I can try my hand at various things....branch out and explore....see where it leads me.

Today's poem falls under the style of Found Poetry. I was inspired to write this in order to do my little part in helping out a cause that I believe in.

Please click on the poem to view in larger screen.

Malala by Jules

Inspiration:

I mentioned Malala a few weeks back right before I went to see the screening for Girl Rising.

Her story, as well as stories of other girls that were depicted in Girl Rising, has made me that much more aware of the pressing issues surrounding the need to educate and help women and girls around the world. Right at this moment the United Nations is working with Johnson & Johnson, The Huffington Post, Baby Center and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to inspire people to help improve the lives of  mothers and their children.

I decided to write this poem using the words of Alyse Nelson in her article that she wrote as part of the Global Mom Relay. If you get a chance, please click on her name and read her post and help by sharing her article.

We can all be an agent for change by doing one simple act.....all you have to do is share a Relay Post on Facebook, Twitter or Email. Or, if you want, donate $5 or more.

For every share or donation, up to $8000 per day or $500,000 total will be donated by Johnson & Johnson and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to one of the various programs that are currently established to help women and children around the world. These include initiatives such as Girl Up, Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA), Shot@Life campaign and the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves.

Learn more here:  UN Foundation site for Global Mom Relay

I hope you enjoyed my poem!

Three for Me

It snowed again last night, kids had a 90 minute delay and I want Spring to come! Here are three things that I love....and snow isn't one of them!

1. My Mom. I love my mom. She's been the pillar in my life for which I have leaned upon time and time again. She gives without hesitation, expecting nothing in return and loves me unconditionally....even when I have disappointed her and broken her heart. Being the oldest of eight, my mom has taken care of her family since she was very young. She started working full time at the age of sixteen, got her degree in accounting, landed her first job in America with only a smile (she didn't say a word at the interview because she couldn't really speak English), raised two daughters and is now a grandma to five very lucky grandkids. Today is her birthday and I just wanted to say.....thanks mom for always being there for me and for loving me, even when I didn't deserve it. I love you with all my heart. Happy Birthday!

2. Kilts & Bagpipes. Yes, you read that right.....for some very odd reason, and for as long as I can remember, I've always fancied men in kilts who can play a mean bagpipe. One of my favorite bagpipe memories occurred years ago when our good friend played the bagpipe at his wedding in Edinburgh. He wore his family tartan, proudly representing his clan and played a beautiful melody for his new wife. So romantic......hmmmmm.... do you think my husband would be willing to put on a kilt and take bagpipe lessons...yea, I didn't think so. Well, lucky for me St Patrick's day has given me a little fix to hold me over until the next parade....so, whether you're a Irishman or a Scotsman.... here's to all the men in kilts who play the pipes. Cheers! Here's a picture of our friends as they were leaving the church....it was such magical day... (I had a picture of the groom playing the bagpipes, but I didn't want to post it without his permission, so I decided to go with my favorite picture from that day)

G + C = beautiful couple

3. Brigadoon. I can't talk about MIK (Men in Kilts) and bagpipes without thinking of this movie. Brigadoon is one of my favorite movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Its a love story between a man who happens upon a Scottish village, that only appears for only one day every one hundred years, and a woman named Fiona, who is bound by the curse of her village. It's a musical starring none other than the great Gene Kelly and beautiful Cyd Charisse....it's old Hollywood and I love it. If you are a lover of old Hollywood musicals and you enjoy wonderfully choreographed dance routines, this is a must.

A-Hem.....A-Hem...Your Skirt is Too Short!

Don't look now, but have you taken a good look at the length or lack of length in the clothing that young girls are wearing these days?

Courtesy of Samantha Villagran

I love fashion and I think it's a great way to express yourself, but when you are thirteen or fourteen years old, there has got to be some limitations. Don't you think?

Last year, I attended an event where the father of the birthday girl commented on the inappropriate attire that their guest were wearing. A sea of crazy heels, strapless tops, short dress...and a constant battle between adjusting and readjusting filled the room. He mimicked the girls.... as they desperately pulled their dresses up to keep it from falling only to shimmy it down to cover their tushies... Ridiculous was the only word he could mutter.

For those of you who have children in middle school and high school, I'm sure that you have heard parents whispering in corners.....look at that dress....it's soooo short....she can't even walk in those shoes.....oh my God, would you let your daughter wear that....

Would you?

How do you tell your daughter "No", when all her friends are wearing short party dresses and 5 inch heels that they can barely walk in? (UGH....one of my biggest pet peeves is seeing a woman wobble her way across the room....it's so unattractive....)

I really honestly don't know what the answer is, but I think that we need to sit these girls down and have a serious talk.

So girls, listen up!

You're young and beautiful. Be confident in who you are. Don't parade yourself around in short skirts and high heels, thinking your all that.....cause honestly, it's back firing.....you're giving off the wrong signals. Be classy......leave something to be desired. Don't give it all away at first glance, because they won't be coming back for more.......or if they do, it's not for who you are as a person.

Too harsh? Maybe....but it drives me nuts to see these young girls primping themselves up as if they are these sexual creatures ready for the picking....and I don't care if they're wearing this designer dress or that designer dress....women and girls are different....what might be appropriate for us is just not appropriate for them.

I'm not a "hater"...I know where I am in my life and I embrace it wholeheartedly, flabby tummy, wrinkles and all (and to my girlfriends out there, if you ever catch me wearing an outfit that is TOO young for me - tell me!).

I'm just sad.....

...sad to see the beauty and innocence of young women fall victim to society's depiction of what is considered "attractive".

How do you feel about this? Do you think that society and the media have skewed the perception of beauty for young women? Have they under-minded our daughters and and shaken their self confidence? What's the solution?

Before I started writing this post, I had discuss this topic with a good friend of mine and she sent me this message that was posted by a friend of hers:

I see more and more girls & ladies who have one thing missing that they should never lose... what is it? Class. Agree? Be classy girls, keep your standards up there. Be hard to get. Accept nothing but the best for you. You are worth it. And ladies... just picture a classy gal in your head, look up the word and strive for that. It's a good thing.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

I believe that we as women and mothers, should unite and firmly stand our ground. Let's not let our daughters measure their self worth by their hemline.

And girls, know this.....you deserve only the best....don't lower yourself and your standards, instead, raise them and rise above them.

Be strong.......Be classy......Be girls.

It is a good thing.

Courtesy of Ignacioleo Leonardi

Lyrics to Love

Good morning....good afternoon....good evening....whatever time it is you are reading this, I thank you.

Did you read the post Time Out for Family Time from yesterday? Did you answer the question at the bottom?

Well....if you did, let's see if you got it right. These lyrics make you really think about family time and how quickly it slips through our fingers.

Courtesy of Doriana S

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad
You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today
I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head and said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then 

Cats In The Cradle, Sung by Harry Chapin

Love this song!

The lyrics to this song originally started out as a poem written by Sandra Gaston (Harry's wife). The inspiration for her poem came from her first husbands relationship with his father and a song she had heard once on the radio. Harry Chapin also said that this song reflects the relationship that he had with his own son....and "it scared him to death."

When I listen to this song, it scares me.....I get goose bumps and vow that I won't be like that. I swear to myself....I will change and spend as much time as I can with my kids.....but it's hard.

Time Out for Family Time

The sands of time waits for no one.

I will be the first to admit it......I do not spend enough quality time with my children.....and time is running out.

Our family has always been and still is Overbooked and whatever time we do have together often falls short of what I would deem quality time.

Our days..... consists of me driving the kids all around the county, practically live in the car  (easily putting about 20,000 + miles on my car in less than a year). When we're home, it's a total frenzy....cooking, phone calls, homework, cleaning, lessons.....and then next thing you know its bedtime, which is another battle that I wish I didn't have to deal with (check out Bedtime Battles).

And, it seems to me that all I ever say to my kids are.....hold on a minute....I'll help you later.....let me finish this....I'm on the phone....wait, I'm doing something....or (and I'm just telling you this because I want to be honest here) leave me alone.....I can't think with all of you bothering me!!!

So, where is the quality time we see families sharing on TV? Okay....maybe not so much on current TV, but more so on older shows like..... Little House on the Prairie? yes....I'm that old.

That's what I want!

My husband works insane hours at several different places and a lot of his shifts are overnights, which makes family time that much harder to coordinate.....rarely, do the stars align and we are all home together at a normal time.

So, lately, out of desperation for quality family time, I've actually kept the kids home from their scheduled activities so that we can spend time as a family unit.....not really husband approved, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

Just the other day, my husband and I really made an attempt to hang out with the kids, on a school night to say the least. We played a modified version of Pictionary, or we would have been there forever....but it was still tons fun and we got to laugh and joke around with the kids....and really enjoy each others company.

Can you guess what these were suppose to be? answers at bottom of post

You know....we've all said it before...."the kids are growing up so fast"...."in a blink of an eye they will be gone".....all this is so true and I don't want to miss anymore than I have.

As parents, we are so busy with trying to stay afloat, doing this and that for the kids, that we lose sight of the fact that we really should be doing things with them. There's going to be a day when we are finally able to slow down and spend time with them, but they may be too busy for us.

Does this happen in your home? How do you carve out true family time? Please share your secret to true quality family time......

answers: Bite, Doctor, Cheerleader, Healthy

Can you guess what song lyric I will be posting on Lyrics to Love tomorrow?

Three for Me

This past weekend, after the snowfall, the weather started to warm up....the birds started chirping and the sun was peaking out to say hello.

That was when my best friend and I hopped on the ferry and headed off to New York City to watch Girl Rising. Although the movie was showing later on in the day, we decided to go in early so that we could do a little shopping in SoHo...shhhh, don't tell the hubby.....Unfortunately for us, we left the stores empty handed. Anyway, despite the frozen toes and fingers we had a good time.

The Three for Me this week are:

1. My Best-est Friend: Rita. Okay....I know that this is going to sound like a dating channel, but it's all true.....Rita is a beautiful, fun loving and passionate woman. She loves street art, painting, music and dancing (my partner in crime when we go clubbing). She has been beside me through thick and thin and we have shared many tears and laughter together. She is very near and dear to my heart and I honestly don't know what I would ever do without her. Sure....we have not always seen eye to eye on things and we have had our little moments, but she has stood by me through it all, even when I'm the one who messes up. I love ya!

Here we are after a Maroon 5 concert last year
We tried to get a nice photo of us this weekend,
but they were all out of focus! :(

2. Strand Book Store  I love this place! Rita and I came across it quite by accident. We darted into this corner bookstore in search of warmth and were immediately transported into a different world. I was in awe. The towering shelves full of books, both old and new, stood proudly and majestically in front of me. Rows and rows of bookshelves juxtaposed in a quirky and deliberate manner entices you to wander through the labyrinth of books.... one could get lost in here forever.....I wish I could have stayed there all day.

If you haven't been there yet, definitely make the trip.... I can't wait to go back!

3. Girl Rising. This was the reason we ventured into the city this past weekend. I mentioned this film in a previous post called Girl Rising....Girl Power, but just to give you a quick synopsis, this film was made to bring awareness to everyone on the importance of educating girls throughout the world. The stories were very moving and made me realize how very luck I am. I strongly believe in their cause and it is my plan to take action. I will definitely keep you updated as I move forward. Have you seen this? If so, what did you think?

Thank you so much for reading and letting me share my Three for Me with you.....Now, it's your turn.

What are three things that made your weekend special? Do you know of a hidden garden somewhere in the big city? Who do you share your moments with? Is there an organization that you are passionate about?

Defining My Blog

Today my post is actually my About Me page.

I spent a good amount of time, in between cooking, driving and laundry trying to define my blog and why I'm writing one.

Blogs are fluid pieces of work. They are constantly being reshaped and molded and I know that there will be changes in my goals and expectations for my blog as the months and years pass. However, for now, I think that I have defined what A Dose of Jules means to me and what I would like to accomplish through it.

Take a look and read About Me ..... let me know your thoughts.

If you're interested, here is my Who Am I post I wrote awhile back....not much has changed, so it will give you good insight into my crazed and dazed life.

Geeks Rule the World

So, it's been over a week since I wrote this post and I've had some time to edit and contemplate if I should or should not post it.

Obviously, you're now reading this, so here we go.....

Let's talk about an issue that strikes a cord with many of us. No, it's not religion and it's not politics....well at least not politics as in the who's ruling our country thing....but more like "politics" as in who's ruling our schools.

You see...today, like every other day, I was driving my son to school....and  like every other day, I tried to give a little motherly advice. I like to use this precious time I have with the kids to administer a little "word to the wise", with the sincerest hope that it will help them deal with various issues that might arise during the course of the day -- and believe me, there are a lot of issues in middle school.

So, this brings me to why I am writing this post. I'm a bit annoyed at myself. As I drove towards the school and started my little "talk", I was instantly shocked with what was coming out of my mouth. The advice I was giving was not at all what I believed in and I couldn't fathom why I would even suggest this to my child. (in retrospect, my "advice" stemmed more from fear/worry) What did I say? Well, read on.

Now, my son is an artistic and a fairly smart kid. He is as skinny as skinny can be, non-athletic and just down right......"geeky" as he would call himself. He knows he has weaknesses, but most importantly, (and I love this about him) he knows he has strengths....he knows himself and he is comfortable with who he is.

My son...I wish I could see the world through his eyes

Luckily and surprisingly, my son really has not be been "bullied" according to him. He has had a few run ins with certain kids, but nothing major - yet. However, because of those incidences, calls from the school and information that was shared with me in confidence by other mothers regarding their kids -- I basically told my son, on that car ride to school, that when it comes to the bullies, "I want you to ignore them and mind your own business"? Say WHAT? .....slap-slap-slappity-slap-slap!

Ugh! Really? Did I really just say that?

I have always taught my kids to try and stay above the fray. But, now it seems more like resignation and defeat:

If they push you, just be the better person....
If they call you names, just try and ignore them.....
If you see kids doing something they shouldn't, stay out of it.....
If they...
If they...
If they...

Well, truth be told, part of me wishes I told him - If they bother you, I want you to...

STOP them!
PUSH back!
FIGHT back!

Yea! That's right!...shuffle-shuffle-punch-punch....take that and that and that! 

Let them know that you are not afraid and you will stand up for yourself.

My only hesitation with this plan is that when kids do fight back (and I've seen this happen), they end up being the ones reprimanded....they are either singled out in front of the whole class (which makes things worse),  called down to the Principal's office or in some cases suspended. For what?? For finally taking a stand, while the bullies don't even get a slap on the wrist.

So, what are we teaching our kids?

Is this fair or just? What should I be telling my kids? Should I be telling them to turn the other cheek? Shouldn't I be telling them to fight and stand up for themselves and others like them?

My son has only been occasionally picked on and it hasn't really bothered him too much. I think it bothers me more. We are lucky that he is confident in himself and that he embraces his geekiness, despite what the bullies might say or do. But, I can't help wondering if I need to rethink my advice.

It seems like such a hard line to walk....fight - don't fight.... what do you do?

What have you done to help your children cope with injustice in the school hallways?

How have they learned to deal with bullies and what suggestions might you have?

But, all is not lost. Recently, I heard that there was a study that came out showing that when bullies grow up, they end up working for the so called "geeks and nerds". So, in the grand scheme of things..... the bullies may rule the schools but the Geeks Rule the World.

**update **


It must have been fate, but as I was writing this post, I came across a very powerful and amazing poem/video by Shane Koyczan. This is a very moving and inspirational.

Lyrics to Love

As I sit here and watch the snow fall, I think of how beautiful life is.

Too often in this world, we find ourselves face to face with heartache and pain. We get lost in the maze of life and don't realize we haven't taken a breath until we are at the brink of drowning.

When I feel hope is lost or beyond my reach....when I feel that my voice will only be met by my echo...when I feel that my hands can not reach out and help....I take comfort in this song.

These lyrics are beautiful. Can you guess the artist?

If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these

I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear

(chorus:)
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken

Poverty stole your golden shoes
It didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn't ever after

We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
'Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing

chorus x1

In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters
I will get down on my knees, and I will pray (x3)

chorus x2

We are never broken
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's mind
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's heart
We are God's eyes
God's hands
God's eyes
We are God's hands
We are God's hands

Photo Courtesy of Chelsea Turner

Hands by Jewel

What song do you take comfort in? What lifts your spirits and makes you feel renewed?