Let The Music Play

Sometimes my son and I dance around the house until we are both out of breath. I seriously need to do this EVERYDAY and it would solve my exercise dilemma. Anyway, his two favorite songs are Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts (it’s the Cars theme song) and My Mic Sounds Nice by Salt-n-Pepa. Ha ha! Eclectic, right?

I play these songs (as well as others) over and over and we sing loud, off key and dance ourselves dizzy. I used to do this a lot by myself when I was a single gal and had my own apartment. I would have CD’s (and CASSETTE TAPES) all over my apartment and I would dance and lip sync in front of the mirror. This was seriously my workout back in the day.

I’ve always had a love affair with music. I love it just about as much as I love reading. Songs have the power to lift you up and make you smile or bring you down and hold you there for a while. I find music to be inspirational and empowering. Sometimes in the ears of the wrong listeners it can also be motivation for madness.

I have a particular affinity for “old school” music. I listen to everything from Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics to What Is Love by Howard Jones to I’ve Been Loving You to Long by Otis Redding to Sweetest Taboo by Sade to Baby Baby Baby by TLC. My most favorite music is anything by Prince in the 80’s and old school hip hop from the 80’s. The 90’s new jack swing era also holds a special place in my heart and I have every CD Jodeci ever made. And do I even need to mention the love for Tupac and Biggie? But oddly enough, I also LOVE Dolly Parton’s theme song from 9 to 5 and I think Kenny Rogers’ song, The Gambler is the best metaphor for life:
You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, Know when to walk away and know when to run.You never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table.There’ll be time enough for countin’ when the dealins done.

As far as current music goes. . .I think Jill Scott is phenomenal and I’m waiting with bated breath for Maxwell’s new CD. I like Raheem DeVaughn and Anthony David. Guess my tastes lately reflect a more “mature” woman. However I do like Lupe Fiasco (or maybe just that Daydreamin’ joint because of Jill Scott). One person I am NOT a fan of at all and I am scratching my head trying to not only figure out what he’s saying but how he got famous is Lil Wayne. Don’t get me wrong -back in my backsliding days I used to love me some Cash Money Millionaires, “Number one stunna- what, what what?” and I even liked Weezy’s first song, “The Block is Hot” but that madness he’s spittin’ lately? I just don’t feel inspired, empowered or entertained by much of the muck on the radio these days. I guess I really am getting old. Whatever. Let me get back to MY music. . .this was my most favorite song to lip sync to. . .okay, so I admit I was lip syncing to it last night! (And YES, I do the choreography complete with pretending to play the drums! Ha ha!)

Shelia E Glamorous Life

100th Post/First Baseball Game

Woohoo, this is my 100th post! I've had two other blogs and this is the first one I've posted to consistently! I'm enjoying myself if even no one else is. . .this blog has become an outlet as well as a means of creative expression and I'm going to try and hang in there for the remainder of 2008! It's really helping me to focus and move forward with other goals that I've set for myself. Yay for me!!

Moving right along. . .my husband and I took my son to his first baseball game. The thing that sucked more than the Astros was my son getting sick and totally not being that into the game. He had an earache and the chills. We hung in there (watching the home team get slaughtered by the Pirates) until the start of the 7th inning then we headed home.

Once he got a dose of Motrin and some Similasan drops he was a brand new kid! It was bed time but he got his second wind and was having a full blown conversation with himself in bed at 10:00! I guess that power nap he took in the car got him all refreshed.

I myself am NOT a fan of baseball so, the "make up game" will have to be just him and his father. I would much rather soak in a hot tub, give myself a facial or curl up with a good book! I know, I am such a girl!

(I took that picture from my phone, we had decent seats in the area over the Astros dugout.)

Choo Choo!

Looking for a fun summer craft project? How about homemade magnets?

You can purchase magnetic paper for your laser/ink/deskjet printers from the local office supply. Find a picture of your child's favorite animal, cartoon or superhero and paste it in a word processing document and hit print. Cut along the edges of the picture for a customized look. If you want to be a little more creative try a free hand sketch of a flower or other design on the paper with permanent markers.

My son and I made a train magnet. I found a simple train engine coloring page online and printed it on regular paper. I then cut out the train and used it as a stencil to trace the image on the magnet paper. My son completed the magnet by adding his own artistic touch coloring it a variety of colors. Another masterpiece!

For the time being it has a place of honor on the front of the refrigerator but it will probably end up on the washer and dryer (remember my OCD, I can't have a cluttered refrigerator door!).

Movie Review: Kung Fu Panda

Okay, so I broke down last weekend and bought my son a Happy Meal (something I had been really good abut NOT buying because after spending $1million on Happy Meals I finally wised up and realized all he wanted was the toy) and he gets this Kung Fu Panda toy and he starts saying he saw the “commercial” on t.v. and he wants to see the movie.

So, we go as a family last night (in shock and awe that my husband agreed to attend) and almost $50 later we were seated to watch the feature presentation of Kung Fu Panda. It started off interestingly enough like a flat cartoon (like I used to watch as a kid- without all the 3-D wizardry) but it was just the main character, Po having a dream.

I found the movie to be funny and very clever. Dustin Hoffman is awesome as Master Shifu, he sounds like an ancient Asian sage. As a fan of martial arts movies I thought the creators did a good job of representing the genre. However I was shocked that some parts were so dark, serious and real. I realized that maybe it was a bit much for our son, who has only been 4 for a little over three months, when my husband and I both look down at him in the middle seat and he looked a little. . .um…petrified. His eyes were twice the size and he had suddenly gone mute. We asked if he was scared and he shook his head, “no” but he admitted later that he was a little scared.

The fighting scene when Tai Lung breaks out of prison is very cool but also pretty violent and it kinda came out of nowhere so, I think it totally took my son off guard. Although he likes to “play” karate, jump off the stairs, wrestle, and run into walls he’s really a softy at heart and he doesn’t like it when people (or animals) get hurt for real. So, I had to assure him repeatedly that it was all just pretend. I thought he was going to have nightmares for days but it turns he wasn’t as traumatized as I thought because he fell into a deep coma like sleep and didn’t wake up at all throughout the night.

So, a word of caution to anyone making plans to see it, beware that there are some parts that might startle or frighten young kids.

And the Winner Is. . .

My son has developed a serious competitive streak at the age of four. I don't know if it's "hereditary" (his father is ridiculously competitive) or if it's a boy thing. But he ALWAYS wants to win. And when he wins he gloats about it, "Oh, yeah I won, I won," and when he loses it's more like, "No fair, I wasn't ready, you cheated,"

So we have stopped letting him win at games to help him cope with reality and the fact that there will always be someone bigger, stronger or better but you never give up and always try your best. Now, when he loses we make him shake the winner's hand and say, "Good job," and he adds, "But I'm going to win next time," Baby steps.

He received a trophy at the end of T-Ball season and he was beyond ecstatic to get his first trophy and although everyone on the team got a trophy he said, "Look what I won," Geesh.

I want to make sure he strives for excellence throughout his life but I don't want him to think life is over if he doesn't come in first and I'm not just talking about sports or games. I'm talking life in general- school, work, relationships, etc. When you give 100% and never give up then that automatically makes you a winner regardless to whether or not you take home the trophy. (Yeah, I know but it sure does feel good ;-)

Collage Calling

Gather up your old magazines and let your child flip through them to find things they like or places they want to go. Cut out the images and have your child arrange them in any order on a poster board or on a large sheet of construction paper. Be sure to leave room across the top for a title like, “Ahmad’s Favorite Things” or “Places Jasmine Wants to Visit”.

Once you get the desired design apply glue to the back of the cut outs and affix them to the poster board/construction paper. A couple of cool effects include letting your child trace the outline of the cut-out with a marker or crayon, applying a glitter border or you can find old photo’s (like that photo you made 20 copies of on their 1st birthday or the 75 wallets you have left over from the school pictures) and cut out your child’s face and place it on the bodies of the people in the collage. See picture of my son’s collage for an example. . .we pasted his face over the picture of all the children in the collage doing things he likes.

Once the masterpiece is complete find a place of honor on the wall in their room or on the refrigerator (I don’t do refrigerator art in my house- drawback of OCD). This project is fun and very easy, just be sure to pack your patience!

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?

H-Town Reviews: Discovery Green

There is a new park in Houston. This park is not your typical run of the mill park with slides and swings- in fact there are no swings but there are a few slides. The park is somewhat "upscale" (if a park can be described as such) and nestled in the heart of downtown across from the George R. Brown convention center and surrounded by Minute Maid Park, The Hilton Americas hotel, a plethora of high rise luxury buildings, and the Toyota Center.

The park has a jungle gym play area, manicured lawns, splash pad, dog runs, concert stage, grassy knoll, mini lake to run (and rent) remote controlled boats, and two restaurants. One restaurant is just for snacks- burgers and fries but the other "The Grove" is tres chic. Very upscale atmosphere. We took our son to play in the park yesterday and joined friends for dinner last night. I recommend the salmon and chile-lime corn. The only draw back is that the restaurant closes at 11:00pm. While we were sitting at the bar last night a fireworks show erupted. It was really nice.

Not many people know about this gem since it just opened in April. I really hope it stays nice, clean and classy. Because it's a free park that's centrally located anyone has access and we witnessed people allowing their kids to run up the slide and block the water holes (there was a BIG sign that said NOT to do this). You know some folks just don't care about keeping things nice but hopefully Discovery Green will continue to shine.

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!

Tagged, Part Deux

It seems I never have time to exercise anymore. Between hectic projects at work, homework, family and social commitments there is just never enough time for ME! So, this week I've been spending thirty minutes a day running around the backyard with my son playing his new favorite game: FREEZE TAG!


I. AM. SO. OUT. OF. SHAPE. Let me tell you just how pathetic I am: I kept making sure to position myself near a patio chair so that at the precise moment he "froze" me I could have something to sit/lean on. Ha ha!

At this moment, the freeze tag game has commenced so, I have to run (literally)! Find a way to incorporate some fun with the kiddo's into your exercise regime too!

T-Ball Thursdays

My son plays Tee Ball on Thursdays at the YMCA. My son plays Tee Ball Thursdays at the YMCA and his dad is responsible for taking him. I use this day and this time for a little "me time". At first I felt guilty because I thought I was missing out on something or that I should be there to support him. After attending one session, I quickly got over it. Most of the kids are running in circles, kicking the dirt or staring into space.

Now I relish my free two hours on Thursdays to read, watch t.v., shop or do whatever I feel the desire to do without one iota of guilt! I'm happy that my husband and son have this bonding time but I'm even happier that Mama has time to relax, relate and release! When my boys return home I'm refreshed and happy to see them. The best part about Tee Ball Thursdays is that they have a post-game ritual where Daddy takes him out to eat so, I don't even have to worry about dinner!

Ah, Thursdays the BEST day of the week!

Power Strangers

We had to redeem 1,000 tickets/coupons from the games at Rocket City Fun Station to get these little "action figures". All five of them probably don't weigh an ounce. Seriously, they are feather light and made from the cheapest plastic ever. The black one obviously came from a bad mold because his left hand is webbed. . .or is that how it's supposed to be? My son has probably seen ONE two minute scene from an episode of the actual Power Rangers show but these are suddenly his new favorite toys.

We spent yesterday evening playing a game: the object was to see who could knock them down by spinning a Matchbox car towards them. Whoever knocked the most down won- The Genius was the victor. I was glad we were able to get through the game without one of those cheap plastic figures crumbling to pieces!

He is just so easy (for the time being, anyway).