08
Introducing Your Kids To Democracy
Today is a big day in California. It’s the Primary Election.
I walked over to the polling station down the street from me with my toddler in tow. I didn’t have to take him with me. Grandma is coming over later to babysit and I could have waited until then. I also could have gone later today when the Dude returned from work. But I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to bring my 2 year old with me because I want him to be a part of this day, even if he’s 16 years away from casting his first vote.
It’s not the Monkey’s first election. He was first introduced to the election process at 2 weeks old. I remember strolling him down the street to our local firehouse in downtown San Francisco. Sure, he slept through all of it but I was glad he was there with me while I performed my civic duty. I hope he is always with me on these important days. (continues…)
31
Mental Monday: In Memoriam Of Former Selves
Every Memorial Day, I pay respect to the men and women who lost their lives for our country.
I also pay respect to my father.
My father survived a tour of duty in Vietnam and earned a Silver Star for his valor. He was only 23, and a newlywed, when he was drafted into the war. I was born about a year after the war ended, so I never knew the person he was before Vietnam. I cannot compare the father I know and love to the young man who left for war, but I do know one thing. He did not return home as the same person. He lost a part of himself on the battlefield, a former self that has never been recovered.
When one enters a war zone, it will be impossible to leave the same. Profound or traumatic experiences will do that to people. No one leaves war unscathed. And, for some, the psychological trauma will sustain long after physical wounds have healed. Like thousands of soldiers who have lived through war, my father deals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I will not go into more specifics out of respect for his privacy, but I will say that he has been doing exceptionally well despite it.
Not everyone is so fortunate. (continues…)
28
Surprise!
I’m having a surprise party over here at AYMB!
You see, I found out last night that one of my blog posts (THIS ONE) is being featured today over at The Secret is in the Sauce! Woohoo!
If you’re a blogger, you probably already know all about SITS. If you’re not a blogger, SITS is a wonderfully supportive community of women bloggers. It’s my favorite blogging network and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this group of fabulous women. Make sure to head over there and check it out!
I better get back to the party and start mingling with my SITStas. If you’re leaving me a comment today, I WILL get back to you as soon as I can.
Now, I think it’s time to make a batch of margaritas.
*cheers*
26
I’m A Guest Over At Tight Bod With A Pod Today!
Have you heard about Tight Bod With a Pod yet?
I was introduced to this fabulous website earlier this year and was so impressed with their helpful tips for mamas and mamas-to-be that I wrote a blog post about it. TBWaP has quickly become one of my favorite resources for parenting and lifestyle topics.
I am clearly a big fan, so it was an honor when they asked me to contribute an article. It’s up on the website now, so check it out! And while you’re there, make sure to sign up for their daily newsletter.
24
Come To This Park Often?
While at my neighborhood park the other day, I started chatting with a mom while our boys played together on the playset. This isn’t unusual for me since I tend to strike up conversations with other parents at the park, especially if our kids are interacting together. I’ll exchange a few pleasantries, chat about the kids, and then go on my way. Maybe I’ll see them again, but often I don’t. It doesn’t matter much to me anyways.
But this time was different.
This mom was really cool and I liked her immediately. We simply had one of those conversations that just *clicked.* Within a matter of minutes, we learned a great deal about each other and discovered we had quite a bit in common. I felt a connection and wanted to get know her more. I could tell she felt the same way, too. But, then the Dude arrived at the park to surprise the Monkey and, after an introduction and a few more minutes of chatting, she turned away to run after her boys and we started getting ready to head home. I didn’t quite know how to approach her after that, so I left without getting her digits.
I learned something that day. Picking up on other moms is hard to do.
It’s one thing to meet new mom (or dad) friends at playgroups, sports, lessons, or through school, but how do you ignite a friendship with someone you just met and connected with…but have no way of knowing if you’ll ever see them again? Is it weird to ask for a number or e-mail address (or offer your own) in a matter of minutes? I don’t have much, if any experience with this sort of thing. Nearly everyone I call a friend just somehow became a part of my world, mostly through regular interactions at places like work or school or through mutual friends. Between my real life friends, acquaintances, and online community of blogging buddies, I don’t actively look to expand my social network. But, just like when you’re looking for romance, friendships can often be found when you’re least expecting it.
I have a new appreciation for the men and women who are confident and brave enough to ask someone they just met for their information. I’m sure they fail at times, but I’m certain they ultimately succeed as well. And what’s the big deal if someone says no, right? At least they took a chance and asked.
I think I missed an opportunity to become friends with someone I thought was really cool. I hope I see her at the park again one day. And, if I do, I’ll make sure to take a chance.