We attended the kindergarten open house tonight. The school administration and PTA did a very nice job of making the incoming kindergarten students and their families comfortable. Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by a friendly teacher who took time to speak with every child. The registration process was simple and there were plenty of people around to answer questions and provide information. After we signed in and collected some information we were directed to the multi-purpose room which is where we stayed through the presentation. After the first few minutes of the presentation, the incoming kindergartners were broken into two groups and led to the classrooms where they participated in activities with the teachers.
The presentation was extremely informative. We met the teachers and we learned about the staggered entry process that Wake County uses for kindergarten students. They presented information about transportation, lunches, and the day in the life of a kindergartner. After the presentation, we were asked to go to the two classrooms to see what our children had been doing. All of the children were having fun. Some were looking at the class pets – hermit crabs, some were playing in the various centers, and some were sitting at the desks. All in all it was a great evening. As we were walking out, our daughter wanted to know exactly when kindergarten started because she was ready to go. I’m excited for her but I don’t know if I’m quite ready for her to be in regular school.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Spring Cleaning and Organizing
I guess by now most of you have either started thinking about spring cleaning or have actually started the process. I’ve done a little of both. I went through the winter clothes to get rid of the items that won’t fit next year, I’ve given away some toys that are no longer used, and I’ve “thought” about tackling the closets. In my house, with 4 kids, it seems like I am always performing “spring cleaning”. I have a corner at the end of a hallway where I store all of the items that I need to get rid of. As soon as I remove the items and take them to various charities or give them to friends and neighbors, the corner is full of “stuff” again. As I go through bedrooms, closets, utility room and the shed, I continue to find unused items that somebody else may need or want. Sometimes I don’t even know where the stuff came from.
I’ve learned through reading various magazine articles and information that people posted on blogs and such that there are some good ideas for cleaning out areas of your home where things seem to collect. The following is a tip that I have tried and I like the best.
First, you tackle one area or room at a time. Generally there is some areas in your home where “things” seem to collect -- a desk, the kitchen, the dining room table, a closet, etc. It’s best to start with one area so you can complete the process before moving on to another area. You will need three fairly large plastic bins labeled – 1) KEEP, 2) GIVE TO CHARITY, and 3) PUT AWAY.
Second, start in the area you have chosen and put every item into one of the three bins. The items you put in the KEEP bin should only be those items you plan to keep in the area you are cleaning. These should be items that you use on a regular basis. The items that you place in the PUT AWAY bin should be items that you need to keep but you don’t use them regularly. Items that are placed in the CHARITY bin are those that you don’t need and never plan to use again. These can also be items that you have not used in several months.
Lastly, for the items you put in the CHARITY bin, take those and put them in a plastic trash bag or boxes and immediately put them in your car to deliver to your favorite charity organization. Next, go through the items you placed in the PUT AWAY bin and neatly pack them in places where you can access them when they are needed. Make sure you don’t pack up items that you will need in the future in a box and place it in an attack under items. This will defeat your purpose and you may end up purchasing similar items unnecessarily. Take all of the items in the KEEP bin and put them back in the location where you will need them. Some may go back in the are you are cleaning while others may need to be put back in other rooms.
If you follow this simple process for every area that needs to be organized or clean, you will accomplish what you set out to do and it the end result is very satisfying.
I’ve learned through reading various magazine articles and information that people posted on blogs and such that there are some good ideas for cleaning out areas of your home where things seem to collect. The following is a tip that I have tried and I like the best.
First, you tackle one area or room at a time. Generally there is some areas in your home where “things” seem to collect -- a desk, the kitchen, the dining room table, a closet, etc. It’s best to start with one area so you can complete the process before moving on to another area. You will need three fairly large plastic bins labeled – 1) KEEP, 2) GIVE TO CHARITY, and 3) PUT AWAY.
Second, start in the area you have chosen and put every item into one of the three bins. The items you put in the KEEP bin should only be those items you plan to keep in the area you are cleaning. These should be items that you use on a regular basis. The items that you place in the PUT AWAY bin should be items that you need to keep but you don’t use them regularly. Items that are placed in the CHARITY bin are those that you don’t need and never plan to use again. These can also be items that you have not used in several months.
Lastly, for the items you put in the CHARITY bin, take those and put them in a plastic trash bag or boxes and immediately put them in your car to deliver to your favorite charity organization. Next, go through the items you placed in the PUT AWAY bin and neatly pack them in places where you can access them when they are needed. Make sure you don’t pack up items that you will need in the future in a box and place it in an attack under items. This will defeat your purpose and you may end up purchasing similar items unnecessarily. Take all of the items in the KEEP bin and put them back in the location where you will need them. Some may go back in the are you are cleaning while others may need to be put back in other rooms.
If you follow this simple process for every area that needs to be organized or clean, you will accomplish what you set out to do and it the end result is very satisfying.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Carolina Kids Expo Canceled
Back on April 29th in my post called "Triangle Events in May" I talked about the Carolina Kids Expo, a great event that is held every year at the State Fairgrounds. While updating my Events Calendar on www.trianglemomnetwork.com, I went back to the Carolina Kids Expo website and found that they updated the website with the following message, "The Carolina Kids Expo will not be held in 2009. Check back to find out what's happening in 2010!". I called the telephone number listed on the website and the message just said that the event is cancelled for this year. I sent an email to the maketing firm in charge of the event but have not heard back yet. This was to be the 8th year of the event and I was looking forward to attending. I've been to the event for the past three years and my children and I have always enjoyed it. I don't want to make any assumptions but I'm guessing that the economy impacted the decision to cancel the event for the year. The event depends on businesses and government agencies to set up booths, give away prizes and marketing items, and have people spend two days working at the event. With so many businesses struggling, I imagine it was difficult to get enough vendor booths to make the event worth the effort. I'm disappointed but I understand that everyone has to cut back and make decisions that is best for their businesses and families. Hopefully things will turn around and the event will be on in 2010.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Vacation Close to Home
Many people are going to skip going on vacation this summer due to the economy, increasing expenses, and threat of job loss. It is definitely not easy to plan a vacation away from home where you will spend money on travel, food, lodging, and activities. But, many sources say that going on vacation is good for your health and promotes quality family time so skipping your annual vacation may actually be bad for you and your family. Rather than totally eliminating the idea of a vacation this year you should consider other options such as day trips or short overnight trips to places that you can drive to.
I remember one year when I was a kid, we didn't have money to go on a vacation. Most of our vacations were camping trips to campgrounds that were fairly close to home but this one year, my parents determined that even a camping trip would not fit into the budget. So instead, we all took a week off from work and camp and took day trips. One day we took a picnic and went to the lake. On another day, we visited a farm where we milked cows, bailed hay, and even picked some vegetables from a huge garden. On one of the days we each (I have two brothers) invited a couple of friends over to play backyard games like tag, wiffle ball, and hide and seek. That was my favorite day. We even spent several hours of one day visiting people in a nursing home. My mother worked in a nursing home at the time so she was able to set up a time for us to go to sing and tell stories with the elderly people. We had fun and the elderly people had even more fun.
The week doesn't sound like much but it was one of the most memorable weeks of my childhood. We spent time as a family, learned new things, met new people and spent very little money. Times are different now and kids expect fancy vacations to resorts and amusement parks but I'm sure if planned out, a week of day trips will appeal to most children.
I remember one year when I was a kid, we didn't have money to go on a vacation. Most of our vacations were camping trips to campgrounds that were fairly close to home but this one year, my parents determined that even a camping trip would not fit into the budget. So instead, we all took a week off from work and camp and took day trips. One day we took a picnic and went to the lake. On another day, we visited a farm where we milked cows, bailed hay, and even picked some vegetables from a huge garden. On one of the days we each (I have two brothers) invited a couple of friends over to play backyard games like tag, wiffle ball, and hide and seek. That was my favorite day. We even spent several hours of one day visiting people in a nursing home. My mother worked in a nursing home at the time so she was able to set up a time for us to go to sing and tell stories with the elderly people. We had fun and the elderly people had even more fun.
The week doesn't sound like much but it was one of the most memorable weeks of my childhood. We spent time as a family, learned new things, met new people and spent very little money. Times are different now and kids expect fancy vacations to resorts and amusement parks but I'm sure if planned out, a week of day trips will appeal to most children.
Monday, May 11, 2009
"Mompreneurs"
There was a great article in the Work & Money section of the Sunday, May 10, 2009 edition of the News & Observer. The article was on the front page of this section and the title was "Moms who make it work". They used the term "Mompreneur" to describe moms who invent something that they see a need for then start a business by selling the product or service. This trend has been increasing over the past couple of years as more and more moms decide to leave the corporate world of travel, late evening conference calls, and long and demanding hours in the office. Starting a business is a great way to work a schedule that better suits a parent's need to be there for their children. When a parent can work from home, be there when children get out of school, and be available to transport children to and from activities -- it is the best of both worlds -- that is, working and staying home.
But, sometimes it's not all good. As I read through the article I saw that one mother was so successful that she actually works longer hours than when she was in the corporate world. And of course, there is the chance of failure. You may think your idea is great but if it is not marketable or you are unable to find sellers, you may find yourself creating debt but no income. One person in the article mentioned that it is wise to have a set amount in which you and your spouse agree is the most you can affort to spend on the start up of a new business. Once you have spent your budget, evaluate the situation before making decisions to spend more money.
I like the idea of "Mompreneurs". I read the magazine, Working Mother as soon as it hits my mailbox. There are thousands of success stories about women who start businesses and are very successful There are also stories of failures but anyone in business will tell you that sometimes past failures in business create future successes. You just need to be able to learn from your mistakes.
But, sometimes it's not all good. As I read through the article I saw that one mother was so successful that she actually works longer hours than when she was in the corporate world. And of course, there is the chance of failure. You may think your idea is great but if it is not marketable or you are unable to find sellers, you may find yourself creating debt but no income. One person in the article mentioned that it is wise to have a set amount in which you and your spouse agree is the most you can affort to spend on the start up of a new business. Once you have spent your budget, evaluate the situation before making decisions to spend more money.
I like the idea of "Mompreneurs". I read the magazine, Working Mother as soon as it hits my mailbox. There are thousands of success stories about women who start businesses and are very successful There are also stories of failures but anyone in business will tell you that sometimes past failures in business create future successes. You just need to be able to learn from your mistakes.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac
I don't know about your back yards but ours seems to be full of poison ivy this year. A couple of weeks ago I was pulling weeks and by the next morning my arms were covered in red bumps. By the end of the week I was miserable. I had poison ivy for the first time last year but it wasn't bad. In fact I didn't even know I had it until I went to the doctor for an annual exam and the doctor told me a I had poison ivy. This time it was so bad that by the fifth day I had to go to the Minute Clinic because I wasn't even sleeping at night. Apparently, poison ivy actually gets into your blood stream so it isn't just a condition on your skin. Now it seems like I can't get rid of it. It has been several weeks and although it looked like it was gone for a while, it came back again.
I did some research on poison ivy, oak, and sumac after I visited the nurse on duty at the Minute Clinic. It seems that the plants actually have to touch you and the reaction comes from an oil (uroshiol) on the plant. The poison can be passed on from pets who walk through poison ivy plants but it can not be passed on from human to human. And, the myth that it spreads when you scratch is actually not true. The places in which you have poison ivy is actually where the plant touched your skin. Again, it is actually in your blood stream so it can take several days to several weeks before it is no longer visible. You can read more about it on www.webmd.com which is a considered a reliable source for health information.
I was told by both a doctor and the nurse at the Minute Clinic that the actual diagnosis is Contact Dermatitus. Most poison ivy, oak, or sumac rashes can be treated successfully at home. Initial treatment consists of washing the area with water immediately after contact with the plants. To relieve symptoms, use wet compresses and take cool baths. Nonprescription antihistamines and calamine lotion also may help relieve symptoms. Moderate or severe cases of the rash may require treatment by a doctor, who may prescribe corticosteroid pills, creams, ointments, or shots (injections).
After this most recent reaction, my opinion is that you should learn about what the poisonous plants look like and STAY AWAY. Not everybody has a an allergic reaction to the plant but you don't want to find out if the hard way if you are one of the unlucky ones who is allergic.
I did some research on poison ivy, oak, and sumac after I visited the nurse on duty at the Minute Clinic. It seems that the plants actually have to touch you and the reaction comes from an oil (uroshiol) on the plant. The poison can be passed on from pets who walk through poison ivy plants but it can not be passed on from human to human. And, the myth that it spreads when you scratch is actually not true. The places in which you have poison ivy is actually where the plant touched your skin. Again, it is actually in your blood stream so it can take several days to several weeks before it is no longer visible. You can read more about it on www.webmd.com which is a considered a reliable source for health information.
I was told by both a doctor and the nurse at the Minute Clinic that the actual diagnosis is Contact Dermatitus. Most poison ivy, oak, or sumac rashes can be treated successfully at home. Initial treatment consists of washing the area with water immediately after contact with the plants. To relieve symptoms, use wet compresses and take cool baths. Nonprescription antihistamines and calamine lotion also may help relieve symptoms. Moderate or severe cases of the rash may require treatment by a doctor, who may prescribe corticosteroid pills, creams, ointments, or shots (injections).
After this most recent reaction, my opinion is that you should learn about what the poisonous plants look like and STAY AWAY. Not everybody has a an allergic reaction to the plant but you don't want to find out if the hard way if you are one of the unlucky ones who is allergic.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Oak Park Pool
Another one of my commitments other than work and family is my position as the interim president of Oak Park Pool and Tennis Club. Our family became members of this great pool, which happens to be very close to our home, just last year. At the same time, I "volunteered" to take on the Membership Director board position to help the president recruit new members. It went well. I put out a Money Savers coupon which allowed families to try out the pool during opening weekend which was Memorial Day weekend - we have the same coupon this year just in case your interested. We were able to gain enough new members to cover the members we lost due to children growing up and moving out of the house. Now this year, I took on the interim president position while we find a president. Nobody wants this position as it is a lot of work with no pay. It is a true volunteer position and is much more political than I would have ever expected. This is a community pool with just over 100 family memberships but there are people who have been members for years and are very passionate about the history of the pool. Anyway, I took the position to help get the pool open this year. I am lucky to have a few supportive board members who have taken on additional responsibility to help me. I don't mind the work and I'm learning a lot about the political process and the importance of upholding old traditions. There are a few people who may not be happy with some of the decisions that we had to make but the volunteers are working very hard and doing the best they can with the resources that we have. I will come back to this topic again as I want to spend some time talking about the importance of the pool in our community and how people from outside of the neighborhood may enjoy the friendliness of the pool and members.
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