Food Fight - Changing the Food in Elementary School

I really loved this article at CNN about how second graders took on the "establishment" and won! Way to create activism early on! They didn't like eating cooked frozen green beans at lunch, so their teacher had them go on a letter writing campaign to change things.

Our daughters' school cafeteria leaves a lot to be desired. My oldest daughter has said more than once that they really need to improve the quality of the food. Before school got out last year, she even got a sandwich in the lunch line that was frozen solid! She loves strawberries, but tells me that she can't eat them at school because they are so runny, goopy, and horrible tasting (quote). That is just pitiful.

When I went to school, the lunch ladies actually made the food. Now lunchrooms seem to buy frozen, prepackaged food to heat and eat. Where is the nutrition? Also, they do not require elementary school students to take all of the items they serve. I've gone to school and seen the kids just take the entree-- not veggies, not fruit, sometimes not milk. Yet, they are charged for a full meal. What happened to take it all and get exposed to new foods! Heck - I may have to go on a letter-writing campaign myself! They don't even serve whole grain breads and this is one of the best school districts in Florida. Help your kids have a voice in government - FOOD FIGHT!

Common Home Insurance Mistakes

I found this list of common home insurance coverage mistakes. It's very relevant given the supposed increase in potential hurricanes starting on August 1st. So take a look, Moms and Dads! Don't be crying and scratching your heads when something bad happens! My BIL's house nearly caught fire and burned down last week due to some frayed wiring in the attic. Things can happen! Oh, and check your fire alarms in your home - the batteries were out of theirs cause they had beeped too much!

1: Flooding Not Included
About 33 percent of policy holders still think flood damage is covered by a standard homeowners or property and liability policy, according to the study. To get flood insurance you need to get it through the government. Here's your first move: Go to floodsmart.gov. You'll be able to gauge your risk of flood and get price estimates for your home. If you live in a flood zone, you don't want to be without this coverage.

2: Prevent Mold
34 percent of homeowners think mold damage is covered. But mold, like rot and termite infestation, is generally not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. There is no separate mold policy you can buy. But there are steps you can do to minimize your risk. Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 percent and 60 percent by using air conditioners or dehumidifiers. Put exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. And don't install carpets in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.

3: Sewer Backups Are Your Responsibility
37 percent of homeowners think damages from a sewer line break on their property that connects to their sewer system are covered. But homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house and the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main, usually located under the street, and the building. The cost for coverage is about $50 a month according to the Insurance Information Institute. Water-starved tree roots may be a big factor in sewer blockage. These tree roots make their way into sewer line cracks and grow over time. So, if you have a lot of trees in your area, you may want to investigate these policies.

4: Get Earthquake Coverage
Just like flooding, Earthquake coverage is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. You can get coverage from private insurance companies. Deductibles can range anywhere from 2 percent to 20 percent of the replacement value of the structure. In California, homeowners can also get coverage from the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), a privately funded, publicly managed organization. Did you know that Charleston, SC had the largest earthquake in the southeastern United States and that it will happen again one day?

5: Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
We just want to mention one more misconception: the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost. 12 percent of people surveyed didn't know which kind of coverage they had. Remember, actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to a home and its contents AFTER depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a home or repair damages without deducting for depreciation. An actual cash value payout could be thousands of dollars lower than a benefit calculated at the replacement cost according to the NAIC.

Is Tina Fey Still Cool?

Well, apparently Tina's glasses still are setting a style trend. I went to the optician yesterday to do my "once every ten years" glasses purchase. I normally wear contact lenses most of the day and my glasses are my night reading wear. So they don't really wear out, they get scratched. Also, I rarely leave the house in glasses unless I have to. I still get flashbacks from fifth grade when someone pushed me into the bushes saying "you're just a geeky glasses gifted girl" or something to that effect. So glasses still can make me feel weird.

The whole wall was Tina Fey style glasses. I found only two pair that were even slightly rounded. The rest were all some version of squared off, funky-like stuff. The woman who assisted me was at least 60 years old and when I picked up the round pair, she said, "no, no, no....you want to be cool, don't you?" Well, I don't want to be geekier than the 60-somethings, so I let her show me the styles.

I ended up picking (or she helped me pick) a cool pair of obviously squarish, red, rimless bottomed Tina Feys. She commented that maybe now I would leave the house in glasses, cause I looked so cool. Man, she knows how to sell and market! So I will post a pic of me in them when they come in. But here's a pic of what model I think I ordered.......keep in mind that I had eye dilation going on....Have you ever had some weird glasses experiences in your life? Let me know.

Off to the Dentist Today!

My children love the dentist! When I said to dd2 that we were going, she jumped for joy! Today's dentists know who they are marketing to these days.....hot pink toothbrushes, cookies and cream toothpaste, treasure boxes with mounds of toys - these are the reasons my girls say they love to go. And the little one actually flossed in anticipation without me asking her.....and she is five years old! They have video games in the holding area and they play the newest videos in the waiting room....who wouldn't love it. This is the second dentist we've been to like this so it is more than a trend.

When I was a tween and got braces back in the good ole 70's, I thought I had it good at my orthodontist. The waiting room was a beige, staid, parental-friendly place with elevator music. Back in the pain chamber, it was a different story. We had pinball machines (remember those?) and shag carpet and a million funky blacklight Elton John posters. He played the latest music all the time, blasting! The parents never had a clue - they never went back there. I think he made millions off his then cool marketing concept. Now - they all do it! How is your dentist?

Trouble Sleeping...

Lately, I am having more and more trouble staying asleep through the night. I don't know if it is related to my recent hysterectomy and recovery, aging, back pain, or whatever - it is a pain in the ****. I got up today at 5 a.m. and I don't have to...yet. The kids and I are supposed go swimming at dd2's friend's home today. They have a beautiful pool - the kids keep asking when we are getting a new home. I have no answers. Yesterday was quite wearing, but we had fun. No Hairspray movie though - they opted for Transformers. I liked it....and as it has been reported, I would say it is definitely a boy/guy movie more than a girl movie. Lots of explosions, robots and hot chicks. Now, my husband will read this and go.

Just One of Those Days.....

I broke my toe yesterday...I slammed the little one right into the 800 pound Kirby vacuum. If you own one or ever did, you'll know what I mean. It turned black and actually looks worse in person. also reminds me that I need a pedicure. This reminds me that I haven't been able to bend over properly to do one, so I need to go get one at a spa! (due to my little operation that I have mentioned before here).

Tomorrow one of my daughter's friends is coming for the day and I think we'll go to see Hairspray. I think she thinks it will be lame, but I know it will be good with John Travolta and her little High School Musical sweetie Zac Efron in it - it seems like it will be fun for everyone. Sidebar: we looked at school supplies today at Target and they had folders with pics of Zac Efron/High School Musical and then ones with Hannah Montanna. I said I liked the HSM one, but she chose Hannah. That means we get a few more years before things change - I hope!

Her friend coming over can be a little high strung, so I'm sure I'll be worn out for good tomorrow. Have a nice day!

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows is Perfect!

I did a grand speed-reading record yesterday - I received my Harry Potter in the mail at 11:00a.m. and finished it at 9:00p.m. with just a few bathroom breaks and meal breaks, but usually I was reading at those times. I did not read the end first. I don't think I've ever read a book so fast, and I'm a very, very fast reader....just ask my family....I will ignore them for the time it takes to finish any book I like.....at least I do it quickly.

I have got to agree with the many reviews out there that this is indeed the best of the series. It is a truly masterful completion bring all the story arcs and characters together for a finale that is better than any of the other fantasy stories of all time. I can't wait to see how they make this into a movie! I won't giveaway plot or other tidbits for those who are still reading, but it contains many twists and answers so many unanswered plot questions. If only Lost would do the same! I am very pleased with the entire outcome! So will Stephen King.

Harry Potter Almost Here!

I saw on the morning news that record numbers of the Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows have, of course, been ordered. I have mine coming from Walmart.com, but Amazon.com says the 2nd largest mail order came from the zip code across the river from me in Orange Park, FL! That is in the entire USA! Maybe we'll go to one of the parties there tonight. By the way, the number one city ordering books was Falls Church, VA. So those government types like Harry too!

Quidditch Anyone? Harry Potter is a world of it's own

I loved this article about how college students created a way to play Harry Potter's magical game Quidditch in real life. I think the last line says it all...

"Running around on brooms does appeal to a surprising number of college students."

I think I'll send my kids there ;)

In the meantime Happy Harry Potter Weekend! I have my copy coming in the mail on Saturday!

The Summer is Long...Keep Kids Busy!

School starts later this year, like August 24th, instead of the usual first week of August. I really don't mind the kids getting a longer summer this year - but they are getting bored. We just sent them off to camp again. DD2 is at a free bible camp that she really enjoys - you really can't beat them for free entertainment and learning, no matter what your values might be. DD1 is at a free Marine Science camp for the week. We got her a scholarship based on her academic abilities and our low income as of right now.

We really appreciate having this opportunity for her. I believe in the pay it forward philosophy, so when we can, we will financially support such endeavors for others. Still no job opps for me - they seem to only want experienced teachers in our district, despite the high need projected everywhere. Never mind my 25 years of real world experience - vs. the new college graduate - that doesn't seem to matter.

Didn't you always want to do this as a kid?

Take a look at this article - didn't you always want to do this? Let's all try to fly away in our lawn chairs!

Florida woman leaves toddler in car while shopping for meat

Now here's the thing: she said she went in for one thing, but the sales were too good to pass up.

Oh... that explains it.

Moron! You don't leave toddlers locked in cars while you go into a store! What are you thinking? Here's a list of bad things that can happen:

1. The kid overheats, dehydrates, gets brain damage, and dies.
2. The kid is snatched by a pervert, gets raped, and dies.

Yep, that should just about cover it. No need to go further with that list. I'll leave out the part about, when those things don't happen but you get caught, the kid gets taken away and you go to jail.

Here's a link to the source article: Woman leaves toddler in car - in Florida!

Teach a child to make a friend

Stacey and I are both introverts by nature, me more so than she. Our oldest is introverted as well, but probably at about the same level as her mother. She isn't completely crippled in social situations like her father, she's just not a natural. If you prod her, give her a line, she handles it like a champ. Like many bloggers, I just play an extrovert on the internet.

Our youngest is the complete opposite - an extrovert's extrovert. She's open to others to the point of fault. We're constantly reminding her not to approach strangers. She is in the habit of chasing down every pet owner she sees. A perv with a puppy is our biggest fear.

But, I'll write about teaching stranger-danger some other time.

I just read a post about starting a quality conversation, written by Penelope Trunk. Her post is targeted to adults, and probably more specifically to networking/job situations, but there are many points that work well in pure social situations as well.

It occurred to me that a lot of this could be applied to children as well, if we just put it into a context they'll understand.

Finding a friend on the first day of school

If you think about all of the "first conversations" you've had, most of them probably start the same way. You see someone and they see you and you probably both smile. One of you said "Hi", and the other one said "Hi" back. You may not have said, "My name is ___", but you should because people like to know other people's names if they're going to be friends.

Next, you probably talked about doing something, like playing a game or working on schoolwork. This is a great way to start a conversation! Just ask the person, "What are you playing?" or "What are you doing?", and they will tell you.

Some kids stop here, because they don't know what to say next. Here are some special words to remember to keep a conversation going long enough to make friends:

• Who - "Who do you know in this class?", "Who are you playing with?", "Who is your Mom?"
• What - "What did you think of that?", "What are you reading?"
• Where - "Where did you get that?", "Where do you live?", "Where did you come from?", "Where are you going?"
• When - "When are you playing?", "When did you start?"
• Why - "Why do you like that?", "Why are going there?", "Why are you doing this?"

Did you notice something? Everything I wrote above I wrote as a question. The best way to let people know you like them is to ask them questions about themselves and what they are doing. As people get better at conversations, they will ask those same questions of you and -BINGO! - you have a great conversation and the beginning of a friendship.

You have a chance to make friends with everyone. Most people like talking about themselves, so if you ask questions, they'll remember you as someone that was interested in them. However, there are special cases of kids that really, really want to be YOUR friend:

The New Kid.

I moved to lot of different schools when I was growing up, and it was never easy to be the new kid, especially when you're shy. I was always grateful to the kids that took time to ask me questions and show me around the school and tell me stuff I needed to know. Sometimes, those kids were just naturally friendly kids that were helpful, but we didn't become best friends. Other times, they were kids that turned into great friends.

But, none of us ever knew which was which until after we started talking.

And remember - SMILE!

Back from Hysterectomy

Doing much, much better so far - I am hoping it stays this way. I have reduced posting because I can't sit here too long. But I do highly recommend the laprascopic surgery hysterectomy! Faster recovery - feeling one hundred percent better than prior surgeries!