Friday the 13th: Looking for better luck!

Okay, so here' s goes my um. . .weekly post. I know I lied but I did try. I tried to keep up with the blog and tried to keep it relevant just like I've been trying to keep motivated at work, engaged with my son and enchanted with my husband. That last one has been tough considering dude was working my nerves for a about a month or so at the end of the year!

At any rate, I've felt like a major failure on all fronts. Of course I'm thinking a good idea is to totally blame EVERYTHING on this pregnancy. I didn't do it all with my first pregnancy (I was like ridiculously calm and energetic) so I figure I'm going to milk this excuse until this kid is at least TWO! Ha ha!

Anyway, my life is back to feeling like I'm being tossed around in a food processor at high speed. This month, this short little month of February, I have SEVEN of my family members- close family members (hubby, mom, both/only nieces, uncle, only aunt and step daughter) who have birthdays- three of which are milestones (16, 18 & 60). Everybody is having a party or celebration that requires my attendance and there are only FOUR weekends in the month. You do the math.

Then March rolls around and that first week my son turns 5 and is having a party on the 7th. Then I've been told a baby shower is being planned for me on the 14th. That leaves FOUR short weeks until Bambino Number 2 makes her debut. Oh, but wait in between that time I have a presentation due for school AND a ginormous project at work that I've just been told is expected to be completed before I go on maternity leave.

And on top of all of this my laptop is out of commission. . .I have been forced to use the antiquated desktop in our game room that is temperamental as hell. But the best part of my week was being sick- I'm talking complete with throwing up soup (sorry I know that's TMI)- for most of this week. Fevers, night sweats the whole nine. Just some random bacterial thing going around. My son was down for the count also so, I'm blaming those snotty nosed kids at his school! No, really I'm blaming their parents- I never send my son to school if he's really sick, i.e, has a FEVER of 100.9 or higher. Everyone knows or should know if a kid is running a fever they are more than likely infectious/contagious and can make other kids sick!

Ah, but I digress. . .or not, this started off as a rambling post and I guess it's best to finish it that way. Tomorrow is my husbands b-day, yep he's a Valentine's Baby. His defense when I tell him he's being a little too touchy-feely- he says he can't help it because number one I'm so irresistible (yeah, me and these extra 24 pounds) and he was born on the day of love. O. . K. I bought him this gadget from the Apple Store that he's been wanting and my son and I plan on making heart shaped cookies. I know the restaurants will be a mess tomorrow but it's been kind of a tradition to go to Pappasito's every year so, I guess we'll get started early.

Hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day! And be careful not to let any black cats cross your path tonight! Although it might have the opposite effect on luck for me. . .

Don't Believe the Hype

I've said it before and I'll say it again. . .I consider myself to be pretty involved and engaged when it come to politics in this country but that's not why I started this blog- to debate or promote my views. HOWEVER I am compelled to throw out factual information in the face of bullshit. (Note: This is from a credible unbiased Associated Press writer.)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080904/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_fact_check

P.S. If the audience at the Republican National Convention is any indication of WHO McCain and Palin are representing then I think we all know what needs to be done. . .

That's What's Up

This makes me swell with pride as if he was my own son. . . .

Say It Loud is a youth film that explores the importance of education for African-American boys. When Jordan Coleman was 10-years-old he became a voice over actor on Nickelodeon's Nick Jr. show The Backyardigans; he's the voice of Tyrone the moose. Jordan's parents challenged him to use some of his earnings to make a positive contribution to his community ... he hired a film crew and began interviewing African-American boys and men for his Say It Loud film.

Check out his website: http://www.sayitloudfilm.com/

School Days

My son will be entering kindergarten in THIRTEEN short months. My husband and I are contemplating sending him to a charter school versus a public primary school. Currently he enjoys learning and he is very interested in reading, writing and exploring his artistic side. We want him to be in an educative environment that will nurture these interests and not have the same expectations for every child by teaching to a standardized test that will measure (often inaccurately) their level of knowledge and intelligence.

The charter school we’re considering is a constructivist environment. The term constructivist refers to the idea that learners construct knowledge for themselves---each learner individually (and socially) constructs meaning---as he or she learns. I know it sounds a little hippie-ish but if a child is in an environment where they have the opportunity to learn things in their own way then I feel they will stand a better chance of thriving and being successful in their studies.

My son is very bright and is already mastering many of the things that educators will focus on in kindergarten and I have absolutely, positively no doubt that if he attended public school he would do very well. . .that is until he no longer finds it challenging, which is what happens to a lot of children in public school. The lesson plans become monotonous and on many levels I think it stifles children’s intellectual growth. That is why so many public schools have “honors” or “gifted and talented” programs. I don’t think that it’s necessarily because the children in those classes are geniuses but mainly because those children have outgrown the lesson plan in the traditional classroom setting.

The biggest investment you can make in your child is their education. I want my son to know from DAY ONE in kindergarten how important it is for him to go to school and get an education not to mention I want him to be engaged and concerned about his academic future. So, we’ll sign up for the “lottery” in March to see if he will get into the school we have selected. The lottery is allegedly “random” but I think it’s all about how impressive you come across on your application. So, mama is planning on working her MAGIC to make it happen!

Pay it Forward

I've talked about my passion for reading and how my son is following in my footsteps not to mention how we both get giddy about trips to the library. Well, in addition to checking out books from the library I also buy a lot of books. So you can imagine that our bookshelves are little over run from time to time.

We have some books that are like old friends, they contain a favorite passage or they were a special gift or perhaps they were signed by the author- those books we will cherish and keep forever. Other books that we enjoyed but have no interest in reading again are finding new life at the local library.

We donate our used books to the library and even if the library has those titles already they have programs that give the books to needy children or children in hospitals or they will sell them for a $1 at their annual book sale to raise money for library programs.

So, I encourage you to gather up all those books you don't read and have forgotten about and take them to the library! I think it teaches children a good lesson too when they feel they are doing a good deed for someone who may be less fortunate or like my son says, "a little kid who is learning to read will like these books,"

Whatever the case it's a great thing to do and your local library will be extremely grateful.

Backyard Fun

If you get a chance be sure to check out the Backyardigans Live show when it comes to your town. This is my son's FAVORITE show and soon as he is off of house arrest he can resume watching it.

The Backyardigans is an animated musical-adventure series for children ages 2 to 5. In each episode, the show's five high-spirited preschool friends--Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha, and Austin--rely on their vivid imaginations to transform their backyard into a fantastical 3-D landscape, and together they embark on amazing epic journeys.

The Backyardigans are on the NickJr./Noggin network and are the creation of a sista named Janice Burgess who has also worked on Little Bill and Blue's Clues. If you're not already a fan of the show be sure to tune in for some backyard fun!

Masterpiece

Looking for a fun activity to do with the kids? Unleash their inner artist! Pick up a couple of blank art canvases (Garden Ridge, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc.), washable finger pants, and small art brushes.

You can use a paper plate as a palette paints by placing a few dabs of each color on the plate. Allow kids to use their fingers or the brushes to create their masterpiece. Art is an extremely important part of a child's development. It's been proven that early exposure to visual art, music, or drama promotes activity in the brain. Art nurtures inventiveness as it engages children in a process that aids in the development of self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperation, and self-motivation.

This masterpiece was done by my son and is titled, "My Garden" can you spot the bugs, rain and flowers?

Buzz Words

The past three days have been very interesting to say the least. I am a member of the NBCDI and the mission of the organization is quite simple: to improve and protect the quality of life of Black children and families.

On Saturday the Houston chapter hosted a Spelling Bee in the Cuney Homes Housing Project. We had about fifteen kids participate from ages 9 to 12. It was my first BCDI event and it was quite rewarding. Make no mistake about it despite the circumstances under which many of them are living these children are incredibly bright. All participants received McDonald's gift cards and the final three won trophies. Afterwards we stayed and served hot dogs and nachos to the participants and their parents (plus a few others. . .word spread fast about the FREE FOOD).

The final word that crowned our winner was exactly how I felt to be a part of this event:
P-R-I-V-I-L-E-G-E-D

Now I guess I should have started this posting talking about what happened when I woke up Thursday morning. I woke up feeling all twisted in a knot like I had been practicing contortionist moves in my sleep. I stretched and did some basic yoga moves to get my blood flowing. After a hot shower everything felt pretty good except my right arm. I had a little "twinge" but figured it would be all good by the time I got to work. After being at work most of the day typing at a furious pace and using my mouse with my right hand in rapid fire motion- my right arm started to HURT.

I went home and put some ice on it and elevated it- because by that time my elbow was swollen. I am in straight panic mode and thisclose to going to the ER. But I wait it out and fall asleep upright in the big chair and head to my doctor first thing in the morning. I was referred to an orthopedist to make sure I didn't have a fracture (!), which now I'm looking at my husband crazy because I'm thinking, "Did he jack me up in my sleep?!" So, I go in for -x-rays at the orthopedist office and I cry like a baby because my arm is literally locked in place and the x-ray tech has to try and stretch it out to get the x-ray.

Once I pull myself together the films are ready and I go back to take a look with the doctor and there is this little ball out to the side of my elbow that he refers to as a "calcification" build up. Better known as "tennis elbow". I have NEVER EVER in my life played tennis. I don't even play sports. In fact, the only time I'm exert any energy outside is when I go check the mailbox. Dang, that mail must have been heavier than I thought! He said, I probably had some trauma to the elbow a long time ago and slept on it wrong and aggravated it. I have banged my funny bone really hard before but I didn't think any damage had been done. After giving me a sling and a Rx for Cortisone tablets I was told it is a chronic condition that can flare up again if I'm not careful. (Despite my injury I was at the Spelling Bee serving hot dogs!)

The thing that is so wild about this entire freak occurrence is that Sunday was my birthday (yes, on Mother's Day) so it was quite appropriate that I celebrated another birthday on Mother's Day because getting old is a mother-shut-yo-mouth!

Somebody Has To Say It

Why are school resources for pre-k and summer school programs in Texas being allocated mainly for children who speak English as a second language? And only one group is being benefiting from these programs- Hispanics.

You know how Anglo folks do before they say something disparaging about blacks, "Some of my best friends are black," Well, truthfully some of my dearest friends are Hispanic. However they were born and raised in this country and are entitled to the same benefits as any American and like any other American they pay taxes and can't stand the current President.

I am referring more to the illegal immigrant population whose children are born here and are automatic citizens by default yet their parents don't speak the language or pay taxes (not paying taxes upsets me more than anything, I don't want to pay taxes EITHER!). Because there is such a large population of these children entering school unprepared I feel the school districts are in a way discriminating against other groups of people by excluding anyone who doesn't speak English as a second language- in America? Are you serious?

I could go on and on 'til the break of dawn but I will stop myself. I just had to put it out in the Universe after a conversation I had with a co-worker who says the school district where she lives has gone STRICTLY to non-English speaking pre-k students only. The other criteria used to be if you were below a certain income level but now, if you can speak English they feel you already have an "advantage" and you can wait to start kindergarten. . .where no doubt the teacher will still be focused on getting those students with "language challenges" up to speed.

I wonder if I go Mexico will they let my son in to Pre-K?

Computer Literate

If it wasn't just an over indulgent and unnecessary purchase I might break down and get my son his own laptop. Seriously. I have a personal laptop, my husband has a work issued laptop that he brings home daily and we have a desktop. Granted the desktop is a bit of a dinosaur but it is still fully functional. But my son never wants to play his games on the desktop he has the nerve to say it's too slow.

So, he asks to use my computer and then get this- he places a timer on his use. He'll say, "I'm going to play my games until 7:35, okay?" Um- no, it's not okay I have stuff to do little boy! I'm glad he is getting exposure on the computer and can navigate it like a champ but he might need to save a lot more money in his piggy bank to get his own laptop!

Here are a few fun and educational sites:

http://www.noggin.com/

http://www.nickjr.com/

http://www.pbskids.org/

Fairytale Classics

Today my son and I went to the library after I got off from work. After reading the Little Boy Who Cried Wolf, it occurred to me that my son has not had much exposure to the "classic" fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs or Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Initially I didn't think it mattered whether or not he read/heard those stories. Instead I focused on buying books and reading stories that had characters who looked like him. I searched high and low to make sure his personal library contained titles written by and illustrated by black authors and illustrators.

But I may have been wrong in my thinking. It seems that in early education curriculum they do refer to the fairytale classics and children are expected to be able to relay the theme and talk about the characters. So, in an effort to ensure my child is well prepared and totally equipped to meet the educational challenges- we are on a mission to read all the fairy tale classics.

Our trip to the library today was more than fruitful. . .I only intended to get the three books I mentioned but we ended up with a lot more plus THREE movies. Did you know you can check out DVD's for FREE at the library and keep them for SEVEN days? I get giddy just thinking about the library, it's truly one of my favorites places. I know, I am such a geek! Thank you :-)

For the Love of Money

An actual conversation:

TheGenius: Mama, you never brought me the Tip the Tractor game

Me: When did I say I was buying the Tip the Tractor game?

TheGenius: Well, I asked you to buy it.

Me: You have a million toys that you don't play with.

TheGenius: I don't have a million toys.

Silence

TheGenius: So are you going to buy the Tip the Tractor game?

Me: Save your money and buy it yourself.

I seriously think my son believes money grows on trees. Sometimes in an effort to "expose" and "provide" our children with things (material) that we didn't have growing up, we are unwittingly creating a generation of children who will not appreciate working hard to get the things you want because they know Mama or Daddy will get them whatever their little hearts desire.

I'm trying to squash that nonsense in my household. I told my son he has to EARN his money by helping out around the house. Yes, he reminded me that he was only four and I assured him he wouldn't be four forever. So, there is no time like the present to start learning valuable life lessons. Including the lesson that EVERYTHING costs money. He's been more mindful of asking for things- until after he finds out how much it costs. He still really doesn't have a concept of what's expensive and what's affordable. But he's learning.

I bought him a piggy bank and he saved his birthday money plus the dollar I gave him for helping me clean out my car (all he did was take HIS stuff out of my car). He has a total of $13.32. The Tip the Tractor game costs $15.99 plus tax and shipping (only available through Amazon.com). So, he is well on his way!

Even though I can more than afford to purchase the game for him, I think this is an opportunity for him to learn a valuable lesson not to mention he's so proud of all the "monies" in his bank and he's getting to use his counting and addition skills! There I go trying to sneak in something educational again. :-)

Side Note: He is BEYOND obsessed with Disney Pixar's Cars movie and it's characters. Didn't that movie come out two (or three) years ago?!

Little Learner

It's never too early to start your child on the right path with education. The expectations in today's classroom have changed drastically since we were in elementary school. The main focus I'm told is on reading and comprehension. Not only is it important that your child know how to read but they need to be able to answer questions about the theme, setting and characters in the story.

From day one you should not only let your children know how important a good education is but how important it is to YOU as their parent. Congratulate and reward them when they do well in school. Be sure to touch base with their teachers periodically to find out how they are doing. If there are issues the more advanced notice you have the better chance of correcting or mitigating any problems.

My son attends a "daycare", which is the legal name but they provide a Pre-K (A Beka) curriculum and he is really thriving in the environment. He is excited about learning and is always so proud when he gets to bring his folder home on Friday filled with all the work they've done during the week. I give him high fives and let him know that I'm proud of him. I've even purchased workbooks from Wal-Mart and he LOVES doing "homework" and impressing me with his knowledge. He will write a word and when I feign surprise he says, "See, you didn't even know I could spell that word. I'm really smart," Yes, he is!

I'm praying, keeping my fingers crossed and will stay active and involved in his education to help ensure it continues! Besides I'm raising a future doctor who just might discover the cure for cancer!

Really?

As the mother of a little boy who will be entering the public school system in about eighteen months I have mixed feelings about the “sexual harassment” policy that some schools have adopted.

I totally understand and support the idea that no child should be put in a position where they feel victimized in any way by another student (or teacher for that matter). I would personally come to the school and deliver a public ass whipping to my son if I thought he was intentionally hurting or harassing another child without provocation (or depending on the situation even with provocation). But I don’t know how I feel about labeling a CHILD (under the age of 10) as a sexual deviant or even insinuating that they have the capacity to harass someone sexually.

I mean do we really live in such a debauched society that our children are capable of sexually violating each other at SIX YEARS OLD?!?

I think early on when inappropriate behavior is identified it definitely needs to be corrected. Regardless to if you are a boy or girl, you should keep your hands to yourself and not “grope” each other. But sometimes in the innocence of childhood play especially with boys I have seen where they tend to do things that will spark a reaction. For example, last night my son kept acting as if he was going to spray me with water because I kept shrieking and telling him not to. . .he thought it was a game because Mommy had not put on her “serious” face yet.

I think in some part due to images they see (whether in person or on t.v.) no matter how innocent, a couple kissing in a commercial for example, they try to emulate those images to get a reaction from the intended. I refuse to believe that a male child in elementary school who swats a female classmate on the behind (which is dead WRONG) is doing it with the intention of trying to “cop a feel”. Again, they need to be pulled aside and told that the behavior is unacceptable because if it’s not corrected early on- then as they get older there will unequivocally be a problem. But I think that if punishment is going to be doled out it should be for “hitting” or even “touching” but when you say “sexual harassment” and essentially treat a child like an adult you are in many ways taking away that child’s innocence and potentially placing deviant thoughts where they never existed.

Here’s what started my rant. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AsSeenOnGMA/story?id=4585388

Texas Statistics

I’m taking a government class (don’t ask) and we were given an article to comment on called Texas on the Brink. The article listed areas such as education, health care, housing, etc. and where Texas ranked in each category. To say our rankings were pathetic is an understatement. We are the worst state (according to this report) in terms of health care insurance for children and the elderly. We also spend more on housing prisoners than we do on educating our children.

At first I took offense to the report, because yall know Texans LOVE their state! Then I was outraged- as a tax paying citizen- that my state’s leaders are apparently a group of inept, incompetent fools who keep getting re-elected. I realize the lack of health care may have to do with unemployment in most households but I think that the main reason the ranking was so low is because of the individuals included in the study. It is no secret that Texas has a huge problem with illegal immigrants, whose children are born in this country and are legal citizens of the state but because a lot of their parents don't have health insurance the kids don't have insurance. This lack of coverage (not all by children of illegal immigrants) is putting a huge burden on our state subsidized (FREE) clinics and hospitals. This issue really needs to be a priority for Congress instead of getting funding for zoo projects!

The health issue aside my biggest concern is the education statistic. Are we seriously spending $7,142 per student in Texas and $20,232 per prisoner?! That is UNACCEPTABLE! It almost supports the conspiracy theorists notion that they are preparing a place in prison for anyone who can’t afford go to college. We need to provide more opportunities and college bound programs for children in the inner city, public schools. Speaking as a suburbanite who pays school taxes for the district where I live- I understand wanting the tax money to be used for students (i.e., your children) and programs in your area. But if we don’t start sharing the proverbial wealth, Texas will be on the brink of losing its ability to compete and provide economic opportunities for all of its citizens.

There is no reason that ALL schools in the state of Texas should not be equipped with the proper amount of teachers, textbooks and computers. Remember how outraged we all were about the property tax hike? So, we protested (well I didn't actually physically participate but I was yelling and screaming at the t.v. in protest) , picketed, and wrote letters to Austin. And they ACTUALLY lowered the taxes! Never underestimate the power to make changes (especially during an election season). We need to be just as outraged if not more that the state does not have a more comprehensive plan in place to ensure all children have access to the same quality education. We cannot afford to just be concerned about what’s going on in our own backyard- Texas is our backyard and if we don’t tackle this issue head on then we may as well make room for more prisons.

Read full article here: http://www.borderhealth.org/files/res_880.pdf

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