What Works For UsWhat Works For UsMom is a Software Engineer recently turned SAHM. A journey through family, financing and Freudian slips. And Mom usually doesn't know what she's doing. Either. 
Articles
A Hunk, A Hunk Of Burning Love
2008-02-14 01:00:00 Pure love. Be Wine, Valentine. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Love , Burning
The Little Castle of Horror
2008-02-11 21:03:00 My sister (yes, the one who bought us a toddlerific tent that held us captive forcing us to remodel our basement) lives 3 hours away.When she called wanting to drop off a little something, I was stupified.When she couldn't carry the little something into our home, I was terrified.When my son opened the litte something, I was mortified.When the compressor ran 5 hours inflating the little something, I was horrified.The Whatchoo-Talkin-Bout-Willis-Little-Castle -Mosh-PitUncle. I'm opening a children's gym and charging admission. Any suggestions for a good payback gift? I'm thinking a kegger of Jolt and a pair of rabbits might be in order.Need a laugh? Click the Donkey. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Horror
Haiku - Juno Is Numero Uno
2008-02-09 04:54:00 Thanks guitar heroI signed me up for Netflix.Movie suggestions?Went to see Juno .The ending, simply shocking.The plot, mahvelous. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Haiku
How To Make Dinner With A Toddler
2008-02-08 03:37:00 1) Irrationally hope for the best. Give him toys while you start dinner.2) 4 minutes after that tactic fails, put in a DVD. Long live Elmo!3) 2 minutes after Elmo fails, encourage a sing-a-long-you're-screwed tune.4) Reluctantly unlatch 1 childproof cabinet. 5) Allow him to obliterate the kitchen.6) Quickly, throw something together.7-12) Repeat steps 4 and 5 as needed.13) If all else fails, allow toddler to humiliate the dog**. Again.**No pets were harmed during the making of this post. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Dinner , Make , Toddler
Sour Flower
2008-02-06 01:44:00 Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Flower
Purge-atory
2008-02-05 05:44:00 Help. I'm stuck in purge-atory.It all started when I cleaned out my closets, which led to cleaning the ceiling fans and even the dreaded high-chair. This weekend we tackled basement boxes. Junk.o.rama. I haven't seen these things in 15 years; treasures from grade school thru high school.I'd like to think I could recycle or sell some of it, but me thinks I think too much.Let's take a look.Exhibit A: Ah, my coveted 3rd grade scratch-n-sniff sticker collection.Exhibit B: My 1980's floppy disk software programs that Bill Gates sold first.Exhibit C: My embrace-your-menstruation-welcome-to-woma nhood LIES manual.Exhibit D: My ceramic breakfast art entree (which I was awarded 9th out of 10th place thankyouverymuch).See what I mean? Back to purge-atory. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Purge
Bring The Spring
2008-02-02 06:22:00 Enough Sir Winter.We're sick of the frigid temps.-40? Cruel.Homebound hostages.We're all sick of the white stuff.Except one of us. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Spring
For Moi?
2008-02-01 04:30:00 You know that feeling when a FTD delivery van turns into your driveway, parks the van, rings your doorbell and presents you with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers you have EVER seen, because someone thinks you're worthy? Me. Neither.The Meshugganah asked me to hold them (salivate) for my absentee neighbor. Adding insult to injury, he woke my son up from his nap.There should be a florist pity rule that gives the holder a friggin carnation.I'm just sayin. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved.
My Alarm Clock
2008-01-31 05:30:00 Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Clock , Alarm , Alarm Clock
More Than You Really Wanted To Know
2008-01-30 05:18:00 Some of my blog-heroes tagged this blog-zero. I haven't been doing the nag and tag lately. But since you don't mind, I tag you Peppermint Princess; go earn your schniznit once again.First up, Rima, Ms. Mama Drama, herself tagged me about blogging.1- How long have you been blogging?A year-ish.2- What inspired you to start a blog and who are your mentors? I woke up one day and futzed with blogger. The rest is herstory. I'm in lurve with Dooce, Chuck and Coco. But who isn't?3- Are you trying to make money, or blogging just for fun? This blog just wants to have fun. Until last weekend that is. I checked my Google Ad-Sense account for the 1st time in 6 months. Holy hellza! Whomever is clicking ads, thank you! From now on, this blog may sport a gold-digger chain. 4- What do you love about blogging?The community.5-What three things do you struggle with?Feeling obligated to blog, finding time to blog and responding to comments.Next, JCK and Daphne slapped me with a high-5.Link 1:... More About: Wanted
Haiku - Once
2008-01-26 03:58:00 Finally saw Once.The movie is amazing;My heart so heavy. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Haiku
Reality? Check.
2008-01-25 05:51:00 What's the best parenting advice you ever got?Today I made a quick run to Target to pick up a few, which incidentally turned into 30, things. We were approaching naptime and late for lunch. As our cart entered a quiet aisle, my eyes locked with Metro-Mom's eyes. She was 10ish years my senior and had snob embroidered on her coat (not really). My son started shabbering (shouting + jabbering) "MAMA, MAMA" repeatedly.Fearful of invading Metro-Mom's quiet space, I started to hush him. The tactic failed admirably. Between the rushing and the hushing, I only became agitated.Metro-Mom smiled and said "Please take my advice and enjoy that. Before you know it, you'll be begging him to talk to you."This complete stranger's advice spoke to me like a billboard on a highway. Maybe because it was raw, unbiased, unexpected and lacking any agenda. Self: Slow down. Enjoy the moment. It will be gone far too soon.From a mother to another. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. ... More About: Reality , Check
Branching Out
2008-01-24 05:56:00 Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Ranch
Contact
2008-01-23 05:14:00 Last week I accidentally switched frequencies on the Alert-Your-Freedom-Is-Over monitor. Much to my surprise, I heard a babypalooza going on. Contact . Our baby monitor picked up an unsecured frequency. Crystal clear. We couldn't determine which neighbor it was but my husband told me to turn it off immediately.So, arguing the need for homeland security, I turned the volume up as high as it could go. You'll never guess what I heard.Nothing.A toddler whining. A wife pleading. And a husband watching TV (way too loud I might add; the nerve, puh-leeze I'm trying to eavesdrop here guy). I realize they likely can hear us too, should they ever get that desperate. I'm certain our boredom could beat up their boredom. Any day. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved.
Tomorrow
2008-01-22 05:06:00 Tomorrow my friend WhyMommy has her double Mastectomy surgery. Having followed Susan from her diagnosis, chemotherapy and now her surgery, she is nothing short of amazing. A.ma.zing. Please go wish her luck.Tomorrow. I wish her the strength and courage she has inspired in all of us. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Tomorrow , Tomo
Important Game
2008-01-19 05:01:00 Any Packer fans?One more game until the bowl.Not too Favre away. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Game
Many, Many Birds. One Stone.
2008-01-17 19:25:00 MeMePhobia (noun): The morbid fear of geting tagged and being unable to fughettaboudit.This post is a combination of 13 tags from Serina, Bren, T With Honey, Melody, Mango Marie, Queeny and Andrea. Question #1: 8 things I'm passionate about:1- My husband2- My son3- My pets4- My family5- The environment6- Human rights7- Animal rights8- ExploringQuestion #2: 8 Things I want to do before I die:1- Be happily married for 60ish years2- Travel more3- Worry less4- Suprise myself more5- Be a rocking Grandma6- Volunteer more7- Climb a very big mountain8- Not completely suck at being a MILQuestion #3: 8 Things I say often:1- No!2- Stop!3- Nope!4- NOOO.5- No touch.6- NO. WAY.7- Sorry, no.8- I'm just sayin'... (an implied no)Question #4: 8 Books I’ve read recently:1- Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy2- Wikinomics - Don Tapscott3- The World is Flat - Thomas Friedman4- What to Expect The Toddler Years - Heidi Murkoff (an oxy-moron)5- The Cat in The Hat -... More About: Stone , Birds
Dog. The Bounty Hunter.
2008-01-17 05:16:00 Guilty admission: Yes. I occassionally watch it. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Hunter , The Bounty , Dog the Bounty Hunter , Bounty
I Shoulda Been a Hairdresser
2008-01-16 05:04:00 For 2 limited months in the 3rd grade I was a full-blown girly-girl. I was certain I would grow up and become a hairdresser. So certain, I gave all my Barbie dolls the Sinead O' Connor do. Then my Mom took them all away and I was back to tomboy tendencies in no time. Today was my son's first haircut. At 16 months he was starting to sport a chullet (the child mullet) and needed a trim.His hairstylist went out of his way to make him happy and comfortable, which in turn, made me happy and comfortable. And very thankful.Maybe I should embrace my inner girly-girl voice more often. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved.
The Traveling Toddler
2008-01-15 05:54:00 Every year we take a vacation. This year we're visiting my parents in their winter home in Southern California. Sun, sand and free baby-sitting. Oh wait. Have I mentioned we're flying 3 hours with an 18 month old toddler for the first time? I'm nervous (twitching-terrified). After 40 minutes in a car seat. He. starts. to. lose. it.Immediately, I chatted with Meta (Debbie-Downer) Mommy for advice. I'm now considering sitting alone in first-class with headphones and a wine filled sippy.So who has traveled with a toddler on a plane? Please share your stories and advice. Good and bad. This mutha needs to know what she's up against. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Toddler , Traveling
Haiku - Craptacular Closets
2008-01-12 02:08:00 Need to clean closets,they're a complete disaster.Why do I keep crap?I vow to clean thembefore any more blogging.May never return. Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Haiku
Operation Toy Room - The Finale
2008-01-11 06:15:00 Operation Toy Room is complete. It took 3 months, 2 ulcers, 1 canned contractor and lots of sweat-equity. I could write paragraphs about our contractor but it would only fill me with angst and you with boredom.We built our house 7 years ago and thought we'd never run out of room. Then our son was born. And the toys have held us hostage.When my sister bought our son this evil tent monstrosity (which dayum he loves), it pushed us over the edge to remodel our basement.We added a toy room, a family room, an exercise room and a bathroom. Nothing fancy, just extra space I don't have to clean up if I don't want to.[images] Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Finale , Operation
Paying It Forward
2008-01-09 05:01:00 I've fallen (behind) and can't catch up.This is what happens when you neglect to take care of blogging decency and pay it forward in a timely manner. So today I'm catching up.I'm so happy to be proud of Miss Andrea's daily dose. She rocks.I'm forwarding this to AFF, Rima and thee Playgroupie; a few of my favorite humorous addictions.NapWarden said I'm a Crib Rocker-thx! And check out NW Designs.I'm paying it forward to Rhonda, Verb and Rachel because they really do rock.The Hip Hydster said I'm a cool wise owl. Thanks Heidi!I'm forwarding to the brilliant Autumn Dahlia, Such Simple Pleasures and Melody; they are far more wise.The One and Only AFF gave me an Emu-Zing award. Thanks AFF!I'm paying it forward to Leanne, Marie and Cecily because they are my favorite unique blogs.Sweet Serina granted me Winning Tude (not her Wii).Thanks Serina!I'm paying it forward to Amanda, Heidi and Tommie because they are poster blogs for winning tudes.The photo genius Corey gave me a l... More About: Forward
Hi-Def Hell
2008-01-08 05:41:00 I don't like getting my picture taken. Never have.So when my husband, in attempt to learn my camera and be funny, took my photo while I was getting dressed, I was less than amused. I told him to delete it. He nodded. Life resumed.During 1 of many boredom-enriched moments at our family holiday party, my glazed holidazed self suggested a camera photo slideshow on our TV. When the crowd roared at slide #25, I knew something was amiss. Kid photos, although cute, get boring after 2 slides or less when they aren't your own.There I was. Consuming 62 high-definition inches. In my underwear and bra.I gave my husband the stare of damnation. And vowed to never, ever let him touch my equipment again (camera or otherwise). Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Hell
Haiku - Early Terrible Two's?
2008-01-05 05:34:00 Son has found toilet.He has flushed nuk and blanket.Is this just a phase?The terrible twos,a distant 8 months away.So, should I be scared? Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Haiku , Early
Well. You Asked.
2008-01-04 04:40:00 www.flickr.comThe most frequently asked questions I repeatedly receive (besides the drama-filled conclusion to operation toy room, which I will finally lay to rest next week) is what camera do I own and what camera would I recommend. Disclaimer: I'm obviously not a professional and have a lot to learn but I do wish everyday were Wordless.Q1: What camera do I have?My latest addition is a Canon Rebel XTi DSLR. Q2: What camera would I recommend? If you're going to always shoot in auto mode, want to capture videos and need something small, go for a Point and Shoot. A Canon Powershot S5 is a fine choice. I also own a Sony Cybershot DSC that I like.But like most PS cameras, I had severe shutter lag and was missing my toddler's photogenic action shots by 2 seconds. Enter DSLR land. Nikon's are excellent cameras, but I have a personal preference for Canon. 30D, 40Dand, XTi are all decent mid-grade Canon DSLR models.If you're a photo enthusiast and willing to learn and experiment with...
Ball? Someone? Anyone?
2008-01-03 04:54:00 Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Ball
Happy New Year
2007-12-31 20:25:00 New Year = New Me. Hear ye, hear ye. I changed my profile name. My 16 month son said "Mama Gee" (translation "Mama Geek") and it stuck. So WorksForMom is now MamaGeek. We had a fun, fast, memorable Christmas. Our son loved opening gifts more than the gifts themselves, was mesmerized by anything with wheels attached and has completely fallen for Elmo.Anything. Elmo. Am I doomed?We've had 5 holiday par-tays in the past 7 days and I'm tired (and completely sick of taco dip). I need a restivus following this festivus. Happy New Year Everyone! May you party like a rock star. OR, stay home, rent a movie and fall asleep before midnight (my personal favorite). Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: New Year , Happy New Year
Happy Christmas
More articles from this author:2007-12-23 08:34:00 So this is Christmas And what have you doneAnother year overAnd a new one just begunAnd so this is ChristmasI hope you have funThe near and the dear oneThe old and the young -John Lennon Copyright ©2007-2008 What Works For Us. All Rights Reserved. More About: Happy , Happy Christmas 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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