Swiper, witches and crocagators, oh my!

My 3 year old daughter is having bad dreams just like I used to. I worry about it but we filter her television viewing to preschool shows and try to turn off the tv a lot. I know we read stories with bad people and I guess it's just going to happen. I am trying to talk about it more with her so it won't seem as scary. Here is a good article about nightmares and preschoolers on babycenter, my bible.

http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/preschooler/psleep/64922.html

Technorati Tags: bad+dreams, preschooler, parenting, swiper

'The Office' As a Training Tool

I started watching "The Office" a few months ago on maternity leave. Previously, it was too painful to watch as it reminded me of bad managers and unhealthy workplaces that I have experienced as a worker bee. Now I have been able to get past the pain and laugh. And laugh and laugh.

Here are some interesting insights into "The Office" and how it pertains to real life management and training in the workplace. Worker bees unite! Managers, please read!

NPR Business
'The Office' as Management Training Tool
Morning Edition, October 25, 2006 · The dysfunctional workplace portrayed in the TV show The Office rings true to many viewers. It also provides a roadmap of how not to manage a workplace.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6380073

Must See TV: Lessons from NBC's "The Office"
December 01, 2006
What can "The Office" teach you about managing a sales force? Plenty.
By Rebecca Aronauer
http://www.salesandmarketing.com/msg/content_display/publications/e3i778b0e5af917c8c649a51ebf1bd4fe4b?imw=Y

Technorati Tags: the+office, training, motivation, hr, human+resources, management, bad+boss

80s Music in Commercials

It is disturbing to see some of my favorite songs from the 80s infiltrating the tv commercial landscape.

The The has sold out to M&Ms which I never thought that I would see. The Cure was featured in a polaroid ad a few years ago, but there are many popping up now.

Our House for Maxwell House?
Don't You Want Me for Chips Ahoy?

This is getting ridiculous.

Here is a list of songs from the 80s that have been "butchered" by tv commercials:

Songs from the Eighties That Have Been In Commercials, Index

Well, it was bound to happen, and it has been happening now for a while, Commercials bleeding the memory of the eighties, for music. The first one I remember is "Like A Rock" and then "Born in the USA." Now it's food items. What's next? I'd love to hear your recomendations.
http://www.inthe80s.com/adsmusic/

Technorati Tags: 80s, music, commercials

Maternity Leave - 2 glorious weeks left of mini-retirement

I have two weeks left of my wonderful maternity leave before I have to leave my daughter at daycare (which will rip my heart out) and rejoin the ranks of corporate america. I return to work a bit older, and a bit wiser this time around. And a major fan of the tv show The Office.

My job is just that - a job. I work to live, I do not live to work. I have a great husband and two beautiful daughters and they are my everything. So now I am faced with the guilt most working moms feel. How can I leave my kids at a daycare and go work? Emotionally and financially, it is hard, but it is what I need to do for myself and my family.

My future goal is finding an ideal part time job by the time my kids go to school so at least I can be home when they get home. These times are different than when I was a child, but I don't think our children are suffering for it. My daughters are learning at an earlier age - social skills, learning skills, you name it.

Yes, it would be nice to be home and have the luxury of spending more time with them. But either way, the quality time you spend with your kids is so important. And yes, I can work and have a family balance and all that good stuff. How is it that men aren't questioned to balance work and family life, rather it is accepted, but for women, the same is not true?

I have friends who work and friends who are stay at home moms and there are issues and rewards with each situation. The battle we face internally and among ourselves is constant and the guilt is always there - am I doing what is best for my family? For me? And the judgment is out there. But I don't care if others judge me for working. I believe that you have to have time for yourself, time for you as a married couple and time for your family. I believe my job is part of my "me" time and I contribute towards our household which gives us many choices and a lifestyle we enjoy living. It also makes me feel accomplished.

I just hope that society will be more willing to accept working moms as a positive force and end the judgment that all women feel, whatever choice they make. In the end, we are all working hard and working moms - it's just a different title, office space and type of superior. For stay at home moms, the job never ends. For working moms, there are two jobs to balance - the one at work and one at home. Either way, it's a tough role. Let's all support each other as we make our way.

Waiting in Line Etiquette at the UPS Store

I don't know what topic to file this post under, but it's just plain wrong what happened to me.

I took my 2 month old to the UPS store this week so we could ship Grandma's Christmas gift in time to make it for the holiday. I walked up to the register and there was one person in the store other than the employee and she was making copies.

So I am waiting at the register with my infant in a car seat for about two minutes. The woman making copies goes to the other register and the employee waits on her first. Fine, she was already here, no problem. Whatever.

Then it's my turn. I give him my envelope and he weighs it. Then I see this large, tattooed, white-bearded man appear (no NOT Santa) and he starts complaining loudly how he "might as well go to the $#%& post office". So the employee gives me my package back and WAITS ON HIM. Then my brain starts going into complete shock and my face starts to contort.

The woman, then leaving the store, stops by to tell me that it's okay, he was here first, but he just WENT TO KROGER and then came back. As if it would make me feel better. During the busiest shipping week of the year.

Uh, in my book, when you wait in line, you WAIT IN LINE. You don't leave for another store and keep your spot in line. There is no invisible Georgia line holding law that this jacka-- was covered under. And I absolutely cannot believe that the employee started to wait on me and then stopped when the man started bickering and waited on him. Shame on you, UPS store in Cumming GA. I will never go to your establishment again.

I don't know who to tell about this, Clark Howard or Dane Cook.

Anyway, my two month old fussed less than that tattooed old man. Bah humbug to you old man and employee who waited on him.

You have one bad experience, you tell 30 people. That employee needs to remember this...

Now what do you do? Well, I will tell everyone I know.

Do NOT go here!

The UPS Store 4473
2659 Freedom Pkwy
Cumming, GA 30041 USA
770 886-7774

A New Mom the Second Time Around

The Second Time's the Charm!

When I had my first daughter, I felt a wild hormonal mix of elation and anxiety as I tried to figure out how to care for my newborn. I thought that she was so fragile that she could break and I was afraid to change her clothes. Her cries ripped at my heart and my blood pulsed heavily through my body as I tried to determine the cause of my sweetheart's discomfort. It eventually got better and I was soon a pro or at least semi-pro by the time she was a few months old.

There is good news for moms pregnant with your second born if you felt the same way: the second time around, I feel more a mix of hormones, elation and energy. I am more confident in handling my second daughter and I am more patient and calm when she is upset and fussy. It is still tough - the sleep depravation still exists, finding time for my husband is challenging and now I have a preschooler to tend to as well as a newborn, but I am definitely stronger this time around. My family is growing and so have I!

My husband and I are very proud of our family and are baffled that we have come so far from the teenagers we were when we met. It is important to have time as a couple, a family and as individuals.

Anyway, back to parenting the second time around. Trying to communicate with and listen to my daughter as she communicates with me is an important part of the parenting process.

Which is why yesterday's Oprah had such an impact on me.

A guest on the show has studied cries of newborns and has determined five essential messages that babies communicate by instinct. Check out the video and details for yourself. If you have a child from 0-3 months, this is a must-see/must-read. I am already deciphering differences in my daughter's cries and it makes all the difference.

Here are the links and good luck!

The Secret Language of Babies on Oprah
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/200611/tows_past_20061113.jhtml

http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200611/20061113/slide_20061113_350_101.jhtml

Watch the video of babies and their different cries
http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200611/20061113/slide_20061113_350_102.jhtml

The Dunstan Baby Language DVD - order your copy at www.dunstanbaby.com.

Auburn defeats Alabama in Iron Bowl for 5th year in a row.

War Damn Eagle!

Is it me or did CBS' commentators seem like they were broadcasting from the Alabama Network? Anywhoo, Auburn defeated the Crimson Tide and has bragging rights for a fifth consecutive year. Woo hoo! Fear the thumb!

High five. Low tide.

Auburn wins 5th straight 22-15 over Bama
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/college/4345663.html

Auburn Seniors Get Lifetime Supply Of Bragging Rights
http://www.nbc13.com/news/10362096/detail.html

ClayNation Dixieland Delight College Football Tour: Auburn at Alabama
http://www.sportsline.com/spin/story/9817786

Technorati Tags: auburn+football, auburn+university, iron+bowl, war+eagle

Great October Movies to Watch

I just watched my annual viewing of Donnie Darko. It's an awesome, dark and brilliant movie to watch in October. The soundtrack is also an excellent mix of dark alternative 80s music with the movie being set in 1988. Jake Gyllenhaal is at his best and it's a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.

What's it about, you say? Watch it and tell me. There are many theories out there. There are also some cool web sites analyzing the movie. Check it out.

Official Donnie Darko web site
http://www.donniedarko.com/

Fanlisting for Donnie Darko
http://creative-escape.org/donniedarko/

Cellar Door
http://ruinedeye.com/cd/

Other great October movies (besides the classics - these are newer ones)
The Butterfly Effect - director's cut ONLY
The Grudge
The Ring
The Skeleton Key
Constantine

Technorati Tags: october, movies, donnie+darko, halloween+movies

Flip This House!

I have discovered this show and it's pretty interesting to watch.

I also have a client who buys/sells Atlanta wholesale residential investment properties that people invest in or flip, and this industry is booming.

But I still think it takes money to make money. People need to be careful when getting into residential real estate investing. Do your homework, get good business references and have fun. Good luck!

Flip This Show on A&E
www.aetv.com/flipthishouse

Atlanta Investing
www.atlantainvesting.com

With Birds I Share This Lonely View

Remember when you heard a song on the radio and sang what you thought the lyrics were? I have made many a singing faux pas with my pals - from Guns N Roses "take me down to the very last city" (paradise city) to Billy Idol "I supply the fish." (eyes without a face)

Thank goodness there are now lyrical web sites available to save you from embarrassment and a future of years of teasing. Here are some good ones to reference. I am still trying to learn Green Day's Holiday. I love it but I can't figure out the words! Good luck and happy singing.

http://www.lyrics.com/

http://lyrics.astraweb.com/
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/

http://www.lyricsondemand.com

Books on Amazon:

Blinded by the Lyrics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0806526955/ref=reg_hu-wl_list-recs/104-4743677-2343902?ie=UTF8

Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy and other misheard lyrics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0740759930/ref=reg_hu-wl_mrai-recs/104-4743677-2343902?ie=UTF8

Technorati Tags: song+lyrics, lyrics, song

Planet Pluto

Poor Pluto. I grew up with 9 planets in my solar system and now they decide to change that, among other things. I will fight this! When my daughter has to make a shoebox diorama of the planets at school, this family is including Pluto! Stop the madness!!! How many schoolbooks have to be changed now? Calling Pluto a dwarf planet is like demoting it. It's just wrong.

Astronomers: Pluto just a dwarf
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-08-24-pluto_x.htm

Pluto, and ya don't stop
http://blogs.usatoday.com/techspace/2006/08/pluto_and_ya_do.html

Snakes on a Plane!

This is one of the coolest movie promotions that I have seen. You can send your friend a personal message from Samuel Jackson regarding the movie over email or the phone. Check it out!

http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/

Canon MP390 printer problems

I am having many problems with this all in one printer. After reading message boards about it - I recommend NOT buying one. Canon discontinued it and many people are having problems with the printer head. I cannot print pictures at all. It has been a total nightmare. Warning to all!

Hilton Head Island

I am heading to the beach with my family for some much needed r&r. It will be fun to see my 3 year old daughter play with her cousin on the beach. Palmetto Dunes is beautiful and we are ready to go. Even though I am very pregnant, I will be poolside with my gossip magazines. Escape! Serenity now!

Road trip! Here are some fun HH and Summer music links for anyone going to the beach this summer:

www.hiltonheadisland.org

www.hiltonhead.com

www.palmettodunes.com

Songs of Summer 2006
http://spinachdip.blogspot.com/2006/07/rating-songs-of-summer-2006.html

http://www.stereogum.com/archives/002811.html

http://www.npr.org/programs/asc/archives/summer06/

Lake Lanier at Low Level Thanks to Army Corps of Engineers

Our lake days are seeing low levels once again only this time it's because of human error. A faulty gauge released 22 BILLION gallons. They also miscalculated the lake levels and reported the level was higher than it actually is. How do you miscalculated a water level?

And they are responsible for fixing the New Orleans levees? Good God.

Faulty gauge drains Lanier Low levels could prompt drought declaration on brink of summer
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/0619lanier.html

Faulty gauge costs Lake Lanier lots of water
http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/14854687.htm

IKEA US web site needs help

I tried to order my daughter's bedroom set online today from IKEA to pick up at their downtown Atlanta store, but they wouldn't let me. If you order online, you have no option for store pickup, just shipping. I also tried searching items from the catalog using their search feature and things would not show up that I later found through the categories. You would think such a large company would have thoroughly checked their web site for products and made them easier to find. So now we have to trek downtown with our printouts and find the items to buy. I guess large corporations are still not at the top of their web site games either.

www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/
Just try searching for a bed rail

Freelance project marketing professional in Atlanta

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Small business marketing help is here.

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

- Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Nanny nanny boo boo

As my 2 1/2 year old daughter smiles at me and says "nanny nanny boo boo," I stop and ponder where that phrase originated. I mean, I said it when I was little and I'm sure my parents' generation said it and so on. It is just a special something that she picked up at daycare. It is funny what gets passed on and even if you try to keep your kids from learning this things, it is inevitable.

The same goes with riding the school bus. I rode the school bus but only from like 3rd grade on to public school. I do have an issue with my daughter riding one at 5, but only because there aren't any kids on our street and she won't know anyone, plus the fact that 10 year olds will also be riding that bus. I think kindergarten is a little young and I wouldn't have issues if she had friends in the neighborhood to ride with. Well I'll cross that bridge when I come to it in about 2 years.

For now, nanny nanny boo boo.

Random mom thought #452

You know, that Johnny in Johnny & the Sprites on Disney looks like a young, cute Ben Affleck. Boy do I need to watch some grown up tv. hee hee hee


http://disney.go.com/disneychannel/playhouse/johnny/