Mom Times Three

Moving? How to Choose a New Town/School

2010-01-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

About a decade ago, my husband and I moved from warm and sunny Southern California to the cold and snowy Northeast. We had several friends in the area we were moving to, and that was the dominant factor in choosing the community in which we would ultimately settle. As we didn't have children yet and were planning on renting for the first year, we didn't think much about schools, etc. As luck would have it, we landed in a town with good schools, very involved parents, and lots of activities for kids. There was also terrific support for new moms, which was of great help when my daughter was born.

By the time my sons were born and my daughter was in preschool, we came to the realization, that we would not be moving back west anytime soon, and we should probably think about buying a house - especially before my daughter started kindergarten. We enjoyed the town we were living in, and had made many good friends, but we weren't long into the house hunting process when we realized we would not be able to afford much more than a condo. So we began to look at other towns.

Like most parents, we were most concerned with the schools. Parents will often chatter about which towns have "good" schools, but when pressed for further details, few parents can provide any. In fact, most people judge the quality of a school by the socioeconomic level of the town and the school's test scores. While test scores can give some indication of a school's quality, it is by no means the only factor to consider.

When moving to a town or neighborhood, here are a few additional considerations:

1. Parental Involvement. Does the school have an active PTO/PTA? Does the school actively encourage parental participation? Are school events well attended? Students whose parents are involved in their school suffer from fewer behavioral problems and perform better academically.

2. The School Board. Take a long look at the local school board. Most local newspapers have an online archive which allows you to view past news articles. This is a good way to research the main issues facing the school district, and discover whether there is any animosity amongst the board members or between the school board and teachers. A contentious relationship between the school board and staff can have an enormous impact on the functioning of the school and the retention of quality teachers.

3. The Superintendent and Principal. While the superintendent reports to the school board, s/he really sets the tone for the entire district. A great superintendent requires a combination of skills from educator to administrator. Additionally, the superintendent needs to navigate the politics of the town and school board. Again, a little online research can give you a good indication if there are any problems. Similarly, when choosing among schools within a district (if that's an option), it is a good idea to meet with the principals of each school. All schools have a unique personality, even within the same district.

4. The Tax Base. This may be the most overlooked factor when people are comparing towns and schools. Of course, most people consider property taxes when choosing a house. However, the impact of the town's tax base has an enormous impact on the school's budget - an impact that is only increasing as state aid to schools declines across the country. The town we originally lived in was very cute and charming with a Main Street filled with local shops. The town we ended up moving to has some charming sections, but is also home to a large mall as well as numerous office parks. The result is lower property taxes and increased services. While other districts are facing budget deficits, our schools will have to deal with a smaller budget increase than previous years. We also do not pay additional activity fees or bus fees like most other surrounding towns. A district whose budget is primarily supported by property taxes can find itself in dire straits as economically strapped homeowners balk at increases.

5. Special Programs/Services. When comparing similar towns, it's important to take a look at what additional programs or services the schools may provide. For families with two working parents, an afterschool programs would be extremely important. Similarly, some districts offer full day kindergarten for free, some offer it for a fee and some don't offer it at all. Compare such programs when choosing between schools.

6. Class Size & Facilities. While it may seem obvious, some people may overlook these important qualities, especially in a town that is "supposed to have good schools." All parents want their children in small classes, and there can be sizable differences even within the same district. Additionally, it is helpful to take a tour of the schools you are considering so you can evaluate the condition of the building as well as its ability to serve the school's population (i.e, not overcrowded).

I'd like to say I took all of these things into consideration before we chose our current town - but I didn't. Like most people, we talked to other parents and considered test scores. We ended up getting lucky. We're in a well managed and well funded district. However, should we ever move again, I now know exactly what criteria I should consider - beyond the usual test scores.

Math Anxiety

2010-01-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

I just read a story about a new study that shows that female teachers may pass on their math anxieties to their female students. The study found that first- and second-graders whose teachers were anxious about math were more likely to believe that boys are hard-wired for math and that girls are better at reading. As the mother of a second grade girl I find this troubling, but not surprising. Any time I hear a woman say, "I'm not good at math," I just cringe. It seems like the worst of the self-fulfilling prophecies. If you think you're bad at something, you will most likely fail. I have a good friend, very successful, who also has a second grade girl, and she has often remarked at how "bad she is at math". It drives me crazy. It's almost as if she's giving her daughter an "out". Well, if my mom is bad at math, then maybe I am too . . . or at least it's not such a big deal if I am.

I recently read the book, "The Myth of Ability" by John Mighton in which he describes his own early failures with math and his new theories on how it should be taught and how every student can flourish. One of the obvious concepts is that students must grasp certain basics before moving on to more challenging topics. I'm sure millions of students struggle with multiplication simply because they never memorized their math facts (you know...5+3 = 8, 5 + 4 = 9, etc.). If the foundation isn't there, it makes it really difficult to build upon.

I don't believe my daughter's 1st and 2nd grade teachers have math anxiety, but who knows -- maybe they do. However, I do know that her primary female role model - me - has always reinforced that math is fun and important. Hopefully, that message is sinking in.

How to Find the Right Preschool

2010-01-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

In many areas of the country, parents need to enroll their children in preschool long before September. As more children attend early childhood programs, it has become increasingly difficult to secure a slot for your child if you wait too long. So for those of you beginning the preschool search, here are some tips and things to consider to help you find the right school for you and your child:

1. Get Recommendations. Yes, this seems obvious, but it should definitely be your first step. Ask other parents in your community for their suggestions. There may be some schools of which you're not even aware. Some local mothers groups publish directories of preschools. Check to see if this is available in your town.

2. Review the Programs Offered. Some schools are more like daycare, with programs beginning at 7:30am and ending at 6pm. Other schools may only offer morning sessions. If you only plan on sending your child for a half day, do you want them in a program where many of the children stay the full day? Do all children attend the same days (i.e, M, W, F) or does it vary? Classes are generally divided by age, but this is not the case in all schools. Are any enrichment programs offered after school? Is there a program in which to enroll in the summer?

3. Student/Teacher Ratio. Schools vary a great deal in the size of their classes. Make sure you know the class size limits for each program.

4. Teacher Qualifications. Not all states require the same degree of licensure or certification. Check to see what your state's regulations are, and whether or not the school's teachers exceed the requirements. Also, it's important to learn the length of tenure for the average teacher. High staff turnover may indicate a larger problem, or at the very least, may lead to inconsistent teaching.

5. School Philosophy. Some preschools are highly focused on academics, while others are more play-based. Each parent is looking for something different in a preschool, so make sure the school you choose lines up with your expectations.

6. Schedule a Visit. Observing the teachers as they interact with the children in the classroom is invaluable. It is the only true way of getting to know a teacher's style, and discovering whether or not it will work for your child.

7. Parental Involvement in the Classroom. Some schools require parents to help out, others offer classroom volunteering as an option. Still others, may discourage parental involvement in the classroom.

8. Safety. What are the school's strategies for ensuring that only staff, parents and approved school visitors have access to the school? What is the dismissal procedure? Is the playground fully fenced in? Is all of the playground equipment functional, with no missing or broken parts?

9. Communication. How do the teachers communicate with parents. Are weekly updates sent home? How often are parent/teacher conferences scheduled?

10. Potty Training. Some schools require children to be potty trained before they can attend a preschool program. For those with children still in diapers, this is an important consideration. You do not want to be desperately trying to get your child potty trained two weeks before school begins.

Beginning preschool is an exciting time for children and parents alike. Hopefully these tips will help you feel confident in your school decision.

I'm Just Saying

2010-01-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

I understand why the TV networks aired re-runs during the holidays, but I expected to see some new episodes or new shows at the beginning of January. Unfortunately, I was wrong. We've had to wait until this week for most new shows to start (like American Idol). Do the networks think people are still hungover from New Year's and won't be interested in television the first week of January? Do they not realize that many of us (and even more this year) are hunkered down inside, trying to stay warm and pretty much a captive audience? It really seems to me the perfect time to try to gain new viewers. Way back when, Fox debuted the original 90210 in the summer - which was a season the networks had historically ignored. Partially because it was the only new programming on, 90210 was able to attract an audience - an audience that may have been too busy to notice had the show not debuted until fall. I think there are plenty of new shows or returning shows that begin this week that could have benefited from airing without the threat of American Idol.

Take the Plunge

2010-01-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I finally succumbed to the pressure and joined Facebook. I had resisted it for a long time - afraid I didn't have enough time, didn't know if I wanted to reconnect with people I haven't talked to since elementary school, etc. However, I must say, I'm really happy I took the plunge. Yes, it has already taken up too much time, but I've renewed relationships with people I really like, but had lost touch with due to time and distance. I tend to think if Facebook had existed way back then, we may never have lost touch. So for anyone else who has been reluctant to join - take the plunge. I think you'll be surprised at the results.

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger

2009-12-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I'm not really sure how I feel about the whole Tiger Woods car accident fiasco. On one hand, I feel like it's none of my business. On the other hand, I can't deny that I'm fascinated by the seemingly never-ending titillating revelations. At the very least, for someone who has handled his image so carefully, he has really fumbled the ball on this one. Whether or not the public has a right to know the specifics, Tiger definitely underestimated the media's scrutiny and the 24 hour news cycle that demands to be fed. If the cheating allegations are true, it will be a disappointment, but at the end of the day, that's between him and his family. He's still the world's greatest golfer, and I will still be rooting for him next year at Augusta. Anyone else think that somewhere Phil Mickelson is chuckling?

The Babies Movie

2009-12-01T06:55:00.000-08:00

I just discovered the trailer for the upcoming documentary "Babies". Check it out:

I think it looks absolutely fascinating. The film was made by Thomas Balmes and is scheduled to be released by Focus Features in April 2010.

Finding the Perfect Wedding Shoes

2009-11-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

When I was planning my wedding ten years ago, I had only one requirement for my wedding shoes. I did not want high heels! Not only is my husband not tall, but I did not want to be in pain either walking down the aisle or dancing at my reception.

Well, apparently I was in the minority. I searched in both bridal shops, major retailers and boutique shoe stores. The only white satin low heeled/flat shoes I could find were almost $200. Yes, they were adorable, but as my dress was floor length I doubted anyone would get to see them. Nevertheless, I ended up purchasing them.

Oh, what a difference a few years can make. Now you can find a great selection of bridal shoes online. Zappos even allows you to search by heel height! Of course, now the problem would be so many cute shoes, it might be hard to choose!

Help for the Project Runway Silk Screen Kit

2009-11-30T16:54:00.000-08:00

My eight year old daughter is very into "fashion" - or at least her version of fashion. Basically she has very specific ideas as to what she wants to wear and the way in which she wants to combine outfits. As a big fan of Project Runway, I decided I would allow my daughter to watch the most recent season, Season 6. She absolutely loved it (Carole Hannah was her favorite), so when relatives were asking for birthday suggestions last month, I suggested something from the new Project Runway line of toys. My daughter was very excited when she opened the Project Runway Silk Screen Fashion Designer Set, and was eager to make her first creation.

I had seen an online video on HSN (the home shopping network for the uninitiated) that showed the product (actually a slightly different one that had over 200 pieces...ours was not as extensive), and it certainly seemed very easy to use. I pulled out the directions, and noticed that they were only marginally more helpful than those supplied by IKEA. In other words, some pictures, but no actual directions. I studied the photos and thought I had it all figured out. Except I was wrong.

The pictures (kind of) show you how to insert the silk screen into the back of the plastic frame. The next photo shows the plastic frame right side up with the pink stencil now firmly in place. Except, you can't install the pink stencil on the front side of the frame - it is too big. So, though this is not in the instructional photos, I took the silk out, put the stencil in the back and then reinserted the silk...except now it didn't fit well. ARGH!

I then decided I couldn't possibly be the only person with this problem, so I Googled "Project Runway Silk Screen Fashion Designer Kit help". That didn't provide any useful information, so I tried "problem with Project Runway Silk Screen Kit". Still no help. I found a lot of sites from which to purchase, but it seemed like either we were one of the first users or no one else had had a problem.

Finally, I decided to look for that HSN video that had made the Project Runway silk screen kit so easy to use. Obviously, I had to blow through the big sales pitch, but eventually I got to the product demonstration, where I discovered the error of my ways. The pink stencil goes underneath the silk. Yes, the instructional photos were misleading. After fastening the silk into place, you then insert the stencil underneath the silk (there are tabs which will hold down the stencil), so that the stencil is closest to the t-shirt or whatever item you are decorating. Now this may seem obvious to some of you silk screen experts (like my husband), but I had no idea, and certainly the enclosed instructions were misleading.

So if your daughter happens to receive this gift this holiday season, I hope my experience will save you a little bit of frustration. Make it work!

2009-11-01T17:07:00.000-08:00

I was recently laid off, so I did what millions of other unemployed people do and searched Craigslist for any openings. After searching through a few relevant categories, I clicked on "etc" - that's the catch-all category for jobs that don't seem to belong anywhere else. One of the postings announced casting for a new reality show. While I have no interest in appearing on a reality show, I am a fan of many of them, so I clicked on the link in hopes of learning about some upcoming program I may want to view in the future.

There was very limited information in the ad, but there was a website to which you were directed for further info. So, since I suddenly have a lot more free time, I thought I would check out theparadisebuilders.org.

The introduction provides a vague overview, but references other well known reality series (Survivor, Fear Factor) as well as dramatic programs (Lost). It seems like another "Survivor" rip-off in which people will be "stranded" on a remote island. I continue to read the description, because I'm wondering what the angle is - what is making this show different. The second section describes the "island" on which cast members will be living. It sounds somewhat similar to Survivor - no roads, no cars, no houses. When I read the third section, "the stay on the island" I got my first inkling that this would be no ordinary show. It wasn't the mention of the challenges of the hunter-gather lifestyle, but rather the reference to "exploring love without boundaries" that made me pause. Did I just read that right? And does that really mean what I think it does? Nah! Can't be. So, I read the next section - "The Tribe".

The tribe will have a core group of 6 people, with additional members being added over time up to a total of 25. Seems like a rather large cast, but whatever. However, I was not really prepared for what came next: "Besides making a commitment to apply an all-raw hunter-gatherer diet, tribe members will agree to a polyamorous lifestyle, meaning allow themselves to love more than one person whenever opportunities arise." Yes, that's right. The show seems to want to be the NC-17 version of Survivor!

There is a lot more information on the website - including the minor detail that participants must pay for their food and accomodations (on an uninhabited island - how much could the nightly rate be?) for the first 3 months and 3 weeks (the "trial period"). There will be no compensation and the minimum commitment is ONE YEAR! Though they do have the aforementioned "trial period" after which you can leave - or they can kick you out.

Not surprisingly, The Paradise Builders has no distribution and it's not even clear what form of program they hope to cobble together (documentaries, tv shows and web programs are mentioned). The whole experiment is being put together by the Institute of Genetic Anthropology. Google turns up nothing on this group other than its own website. On their website, they mention a "Board of Advisors" which includes names of faculty members from prominent universities (Harvard, Cambridge, etc). However, it's only after you read the fine print, that you discover this is a list of experts from whom the Institute eventually plans on seeking assisatance. I would say "Board of Advisors" is very misleading.

Maybe I'm out of touch, but are there really enough polyamorous, raw foodies who can afford to skip off to an island for a year? Are there many people of any inclination who can drop out of their lives for a year? And if you can afford to do it, would you really want to be on a reality show that you and your fellow participants are funding? Something tells me there will never even be an "episode one" of The Paradise Builders.

Luna Bar's New Recipe

2009-09-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

Why, oh why, is there a new recipe for Luna Bars? The old version was so delicious, but this new version is just not quite right. I love, love, love the Nutz Over Chocolate flavor. Last year I had to go without my Nutz Over Chocolate Luna bars because of that little salmonella problem that Peanut Corporation of America had. You remember how it seemed like half of all the products in America had to be recalled because of PCA's less than sanitary manufacturing facilities. For months there were no Nutz Over Chocolate Luna bars on the shelves. You know how that works. It just makes you crave them that much more. Finally, one day I'm shopping in Target when I suddenly see my beloved bars! Hallelujah! But just a few months later, I noticed the labeling had changed, and it said "New Recipe". I was a little skeptical, because I didn't see any need for change. Why in the world would they do that? From the website there is some generic information about additional Vitamin D and other important vitamins being added. However, they forgot to mention they also increased the fat grams and decreased the protein. Of course, the most important thing is the taste - and unfortunately, for me, the new recipe is not so great. It's a bit sweeter, and just has a somewhat odd flavor. I quickly tried to buy up as many bars of the "old recipe" as I could, but alas, I've already run out. Maybe I'll get used to it . . . or maybe I'll find a new substitute.

Levi Johnston Talks

2009-09-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Have you heard about Levi Johnston's interview with Vanity Fair? If you haven't, then you must be on some sort of self-imposed media blackout. He claims Sarah Palin wanted to cover up Bristol's pregnancy and later on adopt the baby. He also claims Palin and her husband Todd have frequently spoken of divorce. Of course, the most shocking may be his claim that she barely attended her son's hockey games! The issue is on sale in NY and LA now, and goes on sale nationwide on September 8.

I'm Back!

2009-09-03T19:25:00.001-07:00

Did you think I had abandoned my blog? It certainly seems like it . . . but I haven't. I just had an incredibly busy August. We had lots of trips to see family, had other family visiting us, and in between I had to manage to get all of work hours in! Fortunately the kids are going back to school, and we have no more trips scheduled for awhile. Of course, we do have family coming to visit in a few weeks, but it's a shorter trip.

It Had Better Be A Really Good Pizza

2009-08-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium? It's been reported that ordering a pizza in one of the $800,000 luxury suites will cost $90.00. Yes, that's not a typo - it's ninety dollars - for a plain cheese pizza. I guess the toppings will be extra. Oh, and that $800,000 it cost to get your name on the suite? It doesn't include game tickets! And if you'd like to wash down that pizza with a cold brew, it will cost $66 for a 12-pack of beer (domestic, of course). Guess they haven't heard about the recession in Texas.

Packing Woes

2009-08-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

I hate packing! It's bad enough to pack for myself, but having to think of everything the kids might need can be exhausting. It's definitely gotten easier as the kids get older - I no longer have to figure out how many diapers to bring, remember to pack porta crib sheets, etc. Yet still there are too many items on my list. I'm trying to decide at what age the kids can pack for themselves, and whether I am ready to suffer the consequences if they forget something important (rain jacket...underwear...). I have a friend who started making a list for her kids when they were around eight, and they are now 11 and 13 and pretty much do all of their own packing with very little input from Mom. So maybe I'll try that with my daughter. Of course, my husband couldn't even handle packing for the kids by himself....so I'm not really sure how it will go with an 8 year old . . . but I guess there's only one way to find out . . .

It's Still Summer!

2009-08-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

August is always a strange time of year. We still have several more weeks of summer, yet it also feels like summer is over and school is about to start. We haven't even taken our "big" summer vacation yet, but the stores are already showing back to school clothing. I haven't even purchased everything we need for our vacation, yet the stores are only showing Fall gear. Thank goodness there is online shopping. Am I the only one who still needs to buy her daughter a swimsuit? I still remember the February when my daughter lost one of her gloves. I ran to the store, and was able to purchase the last pair they had! I'm not sure what happens to the poor child who loses a glove in the middle of March.

But even as I prepare for our summer vacation, I'm also looking forward to the whole back to school season. I do love buying some new outfits for the kids each Fall. I'll have to do an inventory, but I'm pretty sure my boys will need some new outerwear. I'm thinking of getting them matching Patagonia jackets. My husband and I each have one, and they last forever. Besides, I think they'll look so cute in them! As for my daughter, I know enough not to bother to pick something out for her. She's got very specific taste, so we'll have to shop together. See, and now here I am rushing away the rest of the summer! No time to waste on that - I've got to get back on the swimsuit search. Hope everyone enjoys these last few weeks of summer!

Turks & Caicos

2009-07-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

I was watching House Hunters International the other day, and fell in love with Turks & Caicos. The show followed a British family who had relocated to Turks & Caicos and was now looking for a new house. The house they were leaving was quite nice, but the houses they took a look at were fabulous....and the views were extraordinary! The crystal blue water and pristine sand beaches were really spectacular. So what did I do next? I started researching properties in Turks & Caicos! As if there's even a chance that we would be moving there some day! Well, I guess a girl can dream. At the very least, I think I've added it to my future vacation spot list.

Summertime

2009-07-23T18:47:00.001-07:00

Can you tell I'm a Mom and it's the Summer? In other words, the kids are home from school, and between my job and the kids I've had no time to devote to my blog! At least we're having lots of fun...

Grease is the Word

2009-07-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

I sometimes think my daughter may be the only 7 1/2 year old who hasn't seen High School Musical. If you've read some of my previous posts, then you'll know I'm pretty conservative in what I let my kids watch. I just feel like in my daughter's case, she's not that interested in boys yet, so she doesn't need to be watching a movie that prominently features a boy/girl relationship. Yes, I've heard from lots of moms that it has a really great message - "be true to yourself", etc, but I still feel like she's still a year away from being focused on boys, and I don't want to rush it!

The other day my kids were watching some other Disney movie, and at the beginning of the DVD is a promo with clips of all of Disney's big hits - old and new. During the promo there was a clip from High School Musical which I swear was filmed in front of Rydell High (in the real world Rydell is Venice High School, but I think High School Musical was shot elsewhere). That got me thinking about one of my all time favorite movies - Grease. And let's face it, High School Musical is a G rated version of Grease - girl and boy meet on vacation where they share a duet, surprise suprise when school begins girl is a newly enrolled student at boy's school, musical numbers and love ensue. Anyway, I don't want to knock High School Musical, but it's no Grease. So I realized that I think I'd like my daughter to completely skip High School Musical, but when she's old enough, I would love to introduce her to Grease. I wonder though if I'm wanting her to share in the excitement of discovering a great movie from my childhood - but at the expense of sharing a common experience with those of her generation. I still have a little time to decide, but I'm hoping by then High School Musical will be so three years ago!

Is Jon Gosselin Really That Stupid?

2009-07-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard by now, Jon Gosselin has been photographed in France this week with his new girlfriend. He was seen on Christian ("Ed Hardy") Audigier's yacht in St. Tropez, and is rumored to be discussing some sort of deal with Audigier. Oh, and his new girlfriend is the daughter of the plastic surgeon who performed Kate's tummy tuck! Yuck! This is the same guy who just a month ago was swearing he had never cheated on his wife. While that may be true, it's pretty revolting that within a few weeks of announcing their divorce, Jon is already jet-setting with a much younger girlfriend. Obviously he knows he will be photographed, so he must want the world - including his children - to know that he has moved on. His recent choices make me a lot more understanding of Kate's behavior towards him. It definitely sucks for the kids, but Kate is better off without him.

Mario & Sonic in Vancouver?

2009-07-12T17:52:00.001-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

Obviously I'm not on top of all of the latest video game news, but I just found out that SEGA has announced that they will be releasing Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games in time for Vancouver 2010. If you've read my previous post, then you'll realize what exciting news this is for my family. It seems obvious that they would release a Winter version based on Vancouver, because the Summer Beijing version has been so popular, but I was happily surprised by the announcement. It should be release in time for Christmas 2009. I hope it picks up some of the flavor of Vancouver. One of my children's favorite things about the Summer version is the images of the Bird's Nest from Beijing - so I hope the Winter version includes some iconic images. Of course, if we get the game prior to the start of the Winter Olympics, none of those images will mean anything to us yet! Either way, I know what's going to be on the Christmas list.

I Love Mario & Sonic!

2009-07-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

A few months ago we got a new Wii game - Mario and Sonic at the Olympics. It fast became a favorite in our house. In fact, my kids are so into it that it has inspired them to try a variety of Olympic track and field events. We go to our local high school track where the kids run the 400, the 100 and the relay (or tagging race as my boys call it). They also enjoy the long jump, and have been disappointed that I do not have a javelin for them to try! I know "they" always say that video games are a leading cause of childhood obesity - but in my house they've definitely been an impetus for increased exercise.

First Tennis Lessons

2009-07-07T17:15:00.000-07:00

My sons started taking tennis lessons this week. They are only four and a half (they never let me forget the "half"), so it's really just for fun. They were so excited - I think they thought they would get to play a full game (or play "versus" as they call it). Basically they learned how to hit forehand, backhand and volley. The funniest thing was seeing how my two very different boys behaved. One of my sons is very competitive - he was running to the line, hitting (or trying) to hit the ball, and then running back. My other son had a comment and opinion on everything, and took a much more laconic approach to the game...slowly sauntering up to take his turn, chatting about why he liked forehand more than backhand, etc. Though they had two very different approaches, they both loved the lessons. Of course, now they want to take lessons every day . . . we'll have to see how that goes.

Happy Independence Day

2009-07-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

I think it's a combination of watching the Iranian people as they struggle for more freedom, and as my daughter learns and asks more questions about our own nation's birth that I've become much more sentimental this Independence Day. While you learn about the Revolutionary War as a kid, the amazing courage and strength exhibited by those patriots of long ago can not be understood until you're an adult. It's only after you realize how much they risked, how much they had to lose by going against the King, that you truly appreciate how lucky we are that 233 years ago we declared our independence. So on this day of fireworks and barbecues, take time to remember and give thanks to all of those that came before us and helped create this great nation we call home.

Health Insurance Rant!

2009-07-03T17:52:00.000-07:00

Every time I hear a senator or congressman talking about how we don’t want to have the government run health care it makes my blood boil. These very same critics are well served by their government run health plan. I would be thrilled to have the health plan that Sen. Mitch McConnell (R- Kentucky) and the other senators and congressman enjoy. Another favorite tactic is to try to scare people – you don’t want some government bureaucrat making decisions about your health care – those decisions should be between you and your doctor. I guess these people have never had to argue with an insurance company about getting a test or procedure covered. We long ago abandoned a system where the doctor is in charge – so I don’t see any reason that a government plan can’t work. In discussing a government sponsored health plan, Sen. McConnell said “We know that, if the government gets in this business, pretty soon nobody else will be in the business.” I guess that would be news to FedEx, DHL and UPS. They got into the mail delivery business long after the post office had been established, and I think they're they're profiting. Aren't the Republicans the party that always advocates competition and that we should "let the market decide"? So why should Blue Cross or Aetna be afraid of a US government health plan? Oh, that's right, they'll have to actually provide more service at a reduced rate. They'll have to cut inefficiencies. And they won't be able to deny pre-existing conditions.

My husband and I are self-employed, so we purchase our health insurance on our own. Until you've been forced to purchase health insurance without benefit of a big corporation, you have no idea what the market is like. For a family of five, with no major pre-existing conditions (one of my sons has asthma), we pay over $13,000 a year in health insurance premiums - and that's with a $2,000 per person/$4,000 family deductible!! We have $20 co-pays, and most other items seem to fall under the deductible (in other words we have to pay out of pocket). I'm guessing Mitch McConnell pays less and has more comprehensive coverage than we do. Yet he's going to tell me what the American people need. Infuriating.