10/10/2011 10:33 pm
On a recent day where I dropped off Savannah at school, Mrs. D, one of Savannah’s teachers pulled me aside to let me know that Savannah and the rest of “the crew” had been in cohorts, taking time during recess to plan their upcoming playdates. She didn’t think that this planning was causing too much of a distraction from the practice of tracing and coloring between the lines, but she wanted me to be aware of it nonetheless. I guess I knew there was something going on…I had started to pick up on Savannah’s little hints and inquiries… “Mom, you think Delaney would like to see my room?” “Jake is my new best friend.” “Does Bella’s daddy want her to come to our house?” But, I really wasn’t familiar with “the crew” until after Back to School night. That was when the yellow room teachers pulled the parents of “the crew” together. There, in tiny little chairs, we got to know one another and shared the developments of our “crew’s” planning. We traded contact information and a family playdate was arranged.
On a Sunday, our three families met at a local fall festival. This venue provided great entertainment for the little ones so that the adults could engage in conversation over libations. I feel we all had a great time and the kids were in hog heaven. Their weeks of planning paid off and our families got to know each other a bit better. But I couldn’t help but think of how this “first family playdate” shared some of the awkwardness of a first date. Like for instance, how much do you share on the first family playdate? We talked about our jobs, but didn’t get into our hopes and dreams for the future. We talked about where we lived and if we wanted more kids, but didn’t talk about where we grew up and our family values. And yes, we had some drinks, but I think we were all wondering what is an acceptable number of beers before I cross the line from fun and responsible parent to messy mommy?
Tim and I are really just meeting many new families through the relationships Savannah is building at school and just like with all new relationships, these too will take time to grow. It’s funny…it’s like there are layers to relationships and these layers may be different depending on what type of relationship it is, but bottom line…we all peel away the layers at different rates and we all only expose what we are comfortable with at appropriate times. With that said, I think I am ready to get “the crew” together for another playdate. That is, if they weren’t thrown off by my inappropriate pole-dancing in front of the nuns? Kidding people, kidding.
Do you have similar experiences to share? Please do.
09/22/2011 12:02 am
I work at an interactive marketing agency (Rhythm Interactive) and I work amongst some VERY talented developers and designers. All day — everyday — we are building new websites and personalized applications and testing these marketing pieces on many different desktops and mobile devices. When I get home, the last thing I want to do is play on the iPad or stare at a computer. I want to go outside. I want to play in the fresh air. No gadgets needed for these free and healthy activities. But it worries me when so many kids are glued to devices and maybe it’s because we, as parents, are not being the best role models. I know I am guilty sometimes. I do on occasion talk on my iPhone while on a walk with Savannah. I do check e-mail on my phone while at the store checkout. Savannah sees this. And yes, Tim and I quite often bring the iPad to dinners so that once we have all eaten dinner, Savannah can play a game or watch one of her movies — it gives us that bit of quiet “us” time since we rarely do date nights without her. But on more than a few occasions when we have gone out to dinner, Tim and I have noticed kids that are completely tuned-out from the family conversation. Not only are they playing a game or watching a video, but they have their headphones on and never speak a word to their parents. This is disturbing.
Things just aren’t like the good ol’ days. When I was little and got home from school, the first thing I grabbed was a soccer ball or my bike. Not an iPad. I spent hours outside with friends till it was time to come in for dinner. Not hours playing video games. Texting was only a made up present participle for composing the written word. It is sad to think that many kids get bummed out when you ask them to go outside and play.
Here are some stats from the 2011 State of Mobile Etiquette: Parents, Children and Their Relationship with Mobile Technology report.
* 1/2 of children 8-12 years old report that they have two or more mobile devices.
* 1/3 of children report they would rather go without their summer vacation than give up their mobile devices.
* 59% of children have witnessed their parents commit common mobile infractions, including use of a mobile device on the road (59%) or during dinner (46%).
* Nearly 1/2 of U.S. children say they don’t see anything wrong with using technology at the dinner table.
* 42% of children think their parents need to disconnect more when they are at home.
I think it was my brother-in-law Tim who enforced Tech-Free Thursdays in his house. All gadgets must be checked at the door when everyone gets home from work or school. One night dedicated to talking to one another (crazy, I know), playing board games (yeah, they still have these and they are still just as fun) and maybe even a little song and dance (no, they aren’t the Osmonds). It’s funny…on Text-Free Thursdays laughter fills the house, conversations last beyond the bedtime hour and no one seems to miss their devices.
So, what are your thoughts? I know that their is a time and a place for all the gadgets and devices and being in the industry I am in, I know that they are revolutionizing how we live, do business and connect. I also know that these devices and the many apps out there can provide a different medium for learning. I just think as parents, we also need to lead by example. We can’t have our fascination with these devices take place of real, personal interaction and conversation.
09/08/2011 9:16 pm
A new family-friendly, ladies-in-need-of-libation friendly and boy-after-a-brew-and-fried-food friendly restaurant opened this past spring in Huntington Beach and after a recent visit I AM A HUGE FAN.
Mama’s on 39 is unique in many different ways and this is something I look for when going out to grab a bite or a drink. When Tim and I have a date night — which is not too often — we are not only looking for a good meal and a stiff drink, but a fun experience and one that sets itself apart from other restaurants. Mama’s takes the cake when it comes to providing an experience coupled with great food and a fun staff.
Upon entering Mama’s it’s hard to choose which way to turn. Veer right and you can get a scoop of Thrifty’s ice cream at the old-school ice cream counter straight out of Thrifty’s.
Veer left and you find yourself at the bar. Naturally, I turned left. But before you judge me…I had to rush to get a seat at the bar to take advantage of Where’s Your Wife Wednesday.
If you enjoy wine and having fun on a limited budget, you have to go experience this. Every Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 pm at Mama’s, you can get 4- 2.5 oz. tastings of different varietals for only $5 — and the wines are not too shabby. And yes, if you want to do the tasting twice (I guess some have done this or have asked if they can do this), Mama will allow it, but with the generous pour sizes, I think one tasting should suffice.
The other thing I get a kick out of at Mama’s is their menu item titles.
* Mama’s Gotta Fit In Her Jeans: Roasted spaghetti squash with rosemary, garlic, tomatoes, asiago cheese. SO YUMMY.
* What Happened Last Night?: 24 oz. PBR, 2 fried eggs, and a bag o’ bacon, crispy peppers and fries. If it was a really BIG night, you may want to add on the 32 oz. Mama Mary.
* Mac’n Cheetos: Mac and cheese topped with crushed Cheetos…no toddler (or mom and dad) can resist this combo.
So get on over to Mama’s on 39 (the 39 references the lifeguard tower at the end of Beach Blvd) for Where’s Your Wife Wednesday (and get an order of Fried Green Tomatoes and Mama’s Killer Street Tacos). Like Mama’s on Facebook too cause they post specials for fans. Hope to see you there!
Check out Mama’s entire menu and more here.
08/23/2011 11:09 pm
I am hoping — really hoping for fear that otherwise I look like the most evil of mothers — that many parents reading this can relate. I am not exaggerating when I say that everyday upon picking up Savannah from school I can expect to find eight to 12 different drawings, paintings, popsicle-stick projects, macaroni masterpieces, sticker-mosaics…you name it.
She is only three and I have two plastic storage bins full of craft projects she has brought home over the last year. At this pace — and considering my current dwelling confinement — I am pretty much screwed unless I want to dress my walls with Hello Kitty renderings and sketches of Buzz Lightyear.
I can’t help but feel bad when I filter through the daily art projects that come home in Savannah’s bucket. It’s similar to getting the mail and goes something like this…junk, junk, could be a keeper, junk, hmmm — that’s interesting, junk, love it.
Should I feel bad to toss some of my only daughter’s artwork? Or should I ask, how am I supposed to react when Savannah opens the trash only to find her precious water color ladybug mixed in a heap of old coffee grinds? I now find myself hiding the evidence which doesn’t in any way make me feel better. I feel like I am cheating on my daughter. I don’t want her to think that I don’t love all her sketches of flowers and butterflies, but I just can’t keep them all.
So, I have to ask, is this normal? Do we all toss some of the craps — oh, I mean crafts — that come home? Do you have ideas on ways to filter through the influx of crafts or have suggestions on ways to display such fine talent?
08/17/2011 11:08 pm
My nieces and nephews are growing up so fast. When Tim and I started dating, my niece Madeline was born. Now she is 11. My other niece Keara is entering high school. As a mother of a 3-year-old, I feel like I can take some comfort in thinking those days are far off, but with the way time is passing me by, the teen years will be here sooner than I want them to be. I take some relief in having sisters and friends who can help guide me. Through experience, they can tell me what I am in for and help to prepare me for the heartbreak and the drama that is par for the course with many teenage daughters. While I think about what lies ahead, a large knot begins to form in my stomach. I am recalling my teenage years and the trauma my parents had to endure (let me apologize again mom and dad for my immature actions, lack of common sense and plain stupidity). With the evolution of time, technological advancements and the dawning of social media (yes, dawning…when I went to college AOL was the coolest thing since sliced bread and sending mail without licking an envelope and buying a stamp was — if anything — a revolutionary concept.) I am scared $#!tless for the teenage years and even more so for having a daughter. Here’s why…
My Top 10 Reasons for Dreading the Teen Years
1. Savannah is a Looker.
At only three, I can tell it is going to be hell. The boys are already loving on her.
2. Like Mom and Dad, Savannah Wants to be the Life of the Party (great, I can only imagine what college holds for her).
3. Social Media.
In my work I am on social platforms everyday. I see some things I would rather not and when I do, I can’t help think…”you have a mom and dad who would not be proud of you.” Look at these profile pictures.
This is what scares me and the fact that young kids on these networks do not know what they are getting themselves into sometimes. I love social media and how it has opened up new models of sharing and connecting with others, but when it comes to having a daughter…I want all social media platforms to be banned when Savannah turns 7.
4. Payback is a _ _ _ _ _.
I have heard it before, but as the clock ticks and as Savannah grows up more and more in the likeness of her mother and father, I know that the grief we both caused our parents will challenge Tim and I in a much harsher way than we could ever imagine (I know both our parents are laughing uncontrollably right now).
5. Tim was a Teenage Boy.
Enough said. Tim went out to buy a gun yesterday.
6. Clothing or Lack Thereof.
When I go to the mall, I look at these teenage girls and say to myself, “really, your mom let you go out wearing that?” Then I think…no, that little angel put that pair of bootie-tight shorts and revealing tank-top in her bag before her mom dropped off her off with a kiss at the library in a buttoned-up blouse and khakis. Crap.
7. Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kesha, Kardashians.
Put some clothes on. Stop dancing like that. What are you wearing? (OMG. I am totally losing it on myself as I write this!)
8. Curfew
My curfew in high school was 11 p.m. That was super late. Now self-serve yogurt shops are open till midnight and they pump music like it’s the hottest club in Vegas. I can’t even stay up past 10 p.m.
9. Drinking and Driving
This is a serious one. I hear of more and more drunk driving incidents involving young kids these days. It is horrible. As parents, we hope that our kids are not engaging in under-age drinking, but, truth is, many do. My dad made me sign a contract when I got my license and one of the line items on the contract read similar to this: If I was ever caught drinking or with alcohol in the car OR if I ever drove to a party and consumed alcohol and did not call one of my parents to pick me up, they would be disappointed in me and my driving privileges gone. It was the “disappointment” factor that made me call once and while my parents were upset, I think they were grateful I did not get behind the wheel (again, sorry mom and dad for the gray hair and loss of sleep).
10. I Don’t Want to Create a Monster
I don’t want Savannah to rebel. I don’t want her to hate me or her dad. I don’t want myself to turn into a monster of a parent.
There are so many things I don’t want to happen. But, this is all a learning curve — and together — with the support, love and understanding of our family and friends, Tim and I can make it through the teenage years. Right now, I am just trying to get Savannah to listen when I ask her to put away her toys. One step at a time, one step at a time.
08/09/2011 10:34 pm
I have hit a workout rut. I am a super active person and have run six 1/2 marathons in just over a year, but I think I have hit a wall. I am usually super committed and out of bed at 4:45 a.m. to get into the gym by 5 so I can put in a solid hour of either cardio or strength training before I head to work. But, ever since the last run, I can’t get myself out of bed.
I have always been sort of obsessed with working out. I just feel better about myself after a long run, hot yoga class, good hike or trip to the gym. When I don’t get in some daily activity, I am in a foul mood and not fun to be around (my husband can attest to that).
The working out thing has gotten harder since I have had Savannah and am working full-time. The mornings are really my only time to get in a good workout because post the 5-o’clock whistle, it’s all about Savvy-Mommy time.
I think that I try to stay in pretty good shape for Savannah. I want to be active with her. I want to be able to keep up with her on the runs at Mammoth someday. I want her to enjoy the outdoors and hope that we can share some good conversations on some challenging hikes (right now, she is not so into my 5 mile hikes — I mean, she is only three).
In any case, I need some help to get out of this rut. Any suggestions? I mean, I can handle a whole lot of love, but could really do with less love handles.
You got your tickets to this show?? The gun show.
07/26/2011 11:06 pm
If you have had a miscarriage yourself, or know a friend, family member or loved one who has experienced a miscarriage, you can attest to the fact there is nothing easy about dealing with the loss of a pregnancy. It just plain sucks.
Tim and I recently had to go through this again. Let’s just say the road has been bumpy with lots of obstacles when it has come to getting (and staying) pregnant and we have experienced two miscarriages within the last year. Both have been at very early stages, but that doesn’t make it any easier when you are hoping and trying to get pregnant. I think the hardest part is the emotional roller coaster. Finding out you’re pregnant=happy. Finding out you’ve miscarried=devastated. Your emotions do a total 180 with just one call from a doctor.
I don’t write this out of pity. I accept the losses and move on. We will try, try again. I know that when the time is right, all will work out. Do I sometimes question faith or think things are unfair? Sure. Of course. I think it would be abnormal to not get a little pissed off. But, I write this more for all those others out there that have experienced a miscarriage and feel alone. I really think it helps to talk about it. It helps to have the support of your friends and loved ones. When you keep it all to yourself or just between you and your spouse or significant other, it can sometimes prove harder to deal with. Sometimes sharing with a friend or family member outside the two of you helps both to release, decompress and find comfort. If you aren’t comfortable talking to others you directly know, there are many support groups out there and I even found groups on social platforms (there are more than a few on Facebook) and forums where you can ask questions and connect with others who have experienced similar situations.
So, for all those out there who have had to deal with the loss of a pregnancy, I am truly sorry. It ain’t fun. But when you are down, try to really look at all the good in your life. We are all thrown curve balls and all face challenges. I know the challenges I have faced have made me stronger. There would have been a time when I would have never shared this much personal information via a blog post…but, I want to be strong for others. Together, dealing with such experiences can be easier.
Things will work out. Tim and I will keep on trying (he doesn’t seem to mind) and when the time is right, we will be blessed with another miracle. One day at a time and all while enjoying good wine.
With hope and understanding -
Kristin (Savvy Mom) and Tim
07/13/2011 3:31 pm
The OC Fair starts this weekend and I couldn’t be more excited. Nothing says summer more than a good ol’ county fair. I have to admit, I was not a big fair fan before Savannah, but now, a day at the fair is a great way to spend time as a family and experience a little of everything in one place. It’s funny, when you walk through the ticket gates, the whole conjured-up image that is Orange County sort of disappears. There are all sorts of characters to be found at the OC Fair. The people-watching alone is great. But then you also have Centennial Farm complete with cows, sheep, goats and pigs. I mean here in the OC it’s not everyday you see a cow grazing in a pasture. Last year Savannah was very curious when it came to the pigs. The only pig she is familiar with sings and dances and her name is Olivia. Getting some face time with the livestock and walking though rows of hand-planted vegetables was a great learning opportunity for her. Savannah also learned first-hand about potential and kinetic energy when she experienced her first fair ride (interested in how roller coasters work, check out How Stuff Works). I am not too sure she wants to re-learn these laws of energy this year.
The theme of the fair this year is Let’s Eat. And why not? Don’t we all think of what deep-fried concoction we are going to try when we go to the fair. Every year there is a new item added to the menu of deep-fried delicacies and this year it is deep-fried kool aid. I have to be honest, I am a pretty healthy when it comes to what I eat and have never really liked any deep-fried foods. I guess my one weakness would be sweet potato fries. One year I tried the deep-fried avocado and I was completely turned off. The avocado was warm and soft and just yucky. I will stick to eating this wonderfully natural snack straight out of its skin. My husband on the other hand was a big fan of the deep-fried oreo. Savannah gravitates towards cotton candy. Now, if you are counting calories, there are some leaner menu items to choose from including my all-time favorite, roasted corn on the cob (it doesn’t even need the butter…just try it with the seasoning salt). Others include: grilled chicken and veggie rice bowls, sushi (only at the OC fair), grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs, turkey legs (for you pure protein buffs), sugar-free lemonade, salads and fresh fruit.
And talk about entertainment. The day in itself is pure entertainment, but there are many exhibits and special attractions that take place daily. The popular Ice Museum is back again and this is seriously cool (literally as well). With your paid fair admission, visitors can experience the Art of Ice while cooling off their inner body temperature (it gets damn hot at the fair). Daily ice carvings are performed by The Chainsaw Chicks and The Ice Queen (that is what my husband calls me sometimes) and it really is something to plan the day around. Speaking of planning your day at the OC Fair, make sure to download the free OC Fair app that features special fair deals, a listing of general fair information at your fingertips, shows all the special exhibits and times for shows and a map that helps you locate where that deep-fried item is you want to try. It even has a feature that helps you find your car at the end of the day (nice, now I don’t need to sharpie it on my inner arm).
Then there is Pacific Amphitheatre and the line up of concerts. Last year Savannah saw her first concert with us after a full day at the fair. She was only 2 and we thought she would either lose it or fall asleep (we saw Faith Hill, not KISS). We took our chances and went in knowing this could either really suck or make for a fun date night. Savannah loved the concert. She rocked out with us and engaged with all the people around us (she is a total social butterfly). Dad carried her out at the end of the show and right when she was in the car seat she was out. All in all — a great day followed by a great night.
Win a 4-pack of tickets to the OC Fair! Comment on this post by completing this sentence: The best thing about the OC Fair is ________________. I will pick a winner using random.org and the winner will be notified by July 21st. Good luck!
Congrads to Alyssa W., the winner of our 4-pack of OC Fair tickets!!!
See you at the fair!
06/29/2011 2:11 pm
I write. Tis what I do. I blog. I journal. I keep a notepad by my bed to jot down random thoughts. I try to log the important milestones and even pen silly stories pertaining to Savannah. I spend a great deal of time writing for work whether it be strategic marketing proposals, articles or press releases. I can polish a tweet like no one’s business. I always consider proper grammar and correct sentence structure before sharing a Facebook post. Yes, I am a little nuts, but I hold a passion for the written word and as much as I love social media and the advancements in technology, I also feel that these new channels and developments have played a pretty significant role in the demise of the hand-written letter.
I still personally write thank you notes for the gifts I get on my birthday or for Christmas. My husband on the other hand loathes writing and will do whatever in his power to get out of writing a card or thank you note. After seven years of marriage, I have given up and I am usually the one who writes the messages from Tim in cards to his parents…I guess I am his muse of sorts. At least the guy put me on his payroll for helping with his marketing messages. I am not really sure if my husband’s parents made him write thank you cards when he got gifts as a child, but I know my mom sure did with me and I plan to do the same with Savannah (hmm…makes me wonder what the postage rate will be in a few years or if postal service will still be around at all??). I don’t think a “thx 4 the gift. u r the best” text is the same as getting a thank you card in the mail. If I provide you a tip via twitter, it is cool to RT me with a thanks — that is acceptable — I have no need for a letter from a twitter follower (actually, that would be a bit scary). Now for Facebook, I guess you can message the person who gave you a gift and make that message a little more personal, but I still think this is taking the easy way out. Believe me, I know we are all strapped for time. Sometimes I know I could forego the thank you’s and alleviate a little stress, but for me, the stress and guilt begins to build when I think about not getting that written thank you out.
When was the last time you wrote a letter at all? Are the old stories of finding love letters between couples a thing of the past — only to be stories documented in movies? I guess Sleepless in Seattle was the e-version of The Love Letter. Are love e-mail chains the new paper-form love letter? Or will it be a history of Facebook wall posts or tweets?
What do you think is acceptable when it comes to thank you’s for gifts? Does a Facebook thank you post replace the need to send a written thank you? A text?
I guess there are others out there like me. Others who miss getting letters in the mail versus the overload of crap mail. Maybe I need a pen pal or maybe I just need to send myself a few love letters once in a while. Weird.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Write-Real-Letters
http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-who-love-handwritten-letters
http://www.facebook.com/MilitaryPenPals
06/14/2011 10:47 pm
Father’s Day is this coming Sunday (June 18th). Unlike many moms (myself included) who constantly pester their spouses (and their kids) months before Mother’s Day as to what special plans are in store, dads just don’t seem to care all that much. Moms want spa packages and pampering, dads want a cold beer. Moms want cards and flowers, dads want a cold beer. Moms want to be waited on hand and foot, dads want the moms to HAND over a beer and FOOT the bill. But here’s where I stand — I am going to milk Mother’s Day for all its worth cause I think us mommies work darn hard and deserve a little pampering once and a while. And as for all the dedicated daddy’s out there, you too deserve some special treatment this coming Sunday. So live it up and celebrate all the joys of being a father.
Moms/Daughters/Sons - If you are still thinking about that perfect gift for the dads in your life, here are some suggestions from some top dads I know.
Tim Bush, State Farm Agent in Newport Beach
City of Residence: Huntington Beach
Kids: Savannah, 3; Buddy the dog, 7
Ideal Father’s Day: A family bike ride and afternoon BBQ/beers.
SWEET Gift: A new Weber charcoal BBQ and some spicy rubs.
Hannes Meyer, Creative Director, Rhythm Interactive
City of Residence: Huntington Beach
Kids: Bryant, 14; James, 12; Kirra, 19 months
Ideal Father’s Day: A nice breakfast with the family and spend the day at the beach.
SWEET Gift: A fish (not the slimy, stinky kind…but a surfboard).
Gerry Tschopp, Senior VP Public Affairs, Experian
City of Residence: Aliso Viejo
Kids: Jake, 11; Ryan, 7
Ideal Father’s Day: Playing basketball in the morning, then spending the day with my entire family, including my dad, my brothers, niece and nephews, a little BBQ time with some burgers, listening to some good tunes and drinking a few Pacificos.
SWEET Gift: Lakers seasons tickets.
Chris Guadarrama, Senior Art Director, Rhythm Interactive
City of Residence: San Clemente
Kids: Aden, 5
Ideal Father’s Day: A day at the beach…only steps from my new pad.
SWEET Gift: The bad @ss BBQ I just got!
Chris Walton, Commercial Real Estate Broker, Cushman & Wakefield
City of Residence: Rancho Santa Margarita
Kids: Olivia, 7.5 months
Ideal Father’s Day: A day of golf followed by a little Patron.
SWEET Gift: Red Dot Golf Guide
Craig Cooke, CEO, Rhythm Interactive
City of Residence: Ladera Ranch
Kids: Evan, 5; Hayden, 2
Ideal Father’s Day: A complete day of fun and relaxation with family, no work, no stress, just fun.
SWEET Gift: I know my gift in advance this year and it’s awesome. I get to drive a racecar for 20 laps at Irwindale Speedway.
Abel Munoz, Front-End Developer and Rockstar, Rhythm Interactive
City of Residence: Santa Ana
Kids: First due in December!!
Ideal Father’s Day: A BBQ at home.
SWEET Gift: All expenses paid trip to see Circa Survive.
August Sebastiani, President, The Other Guys
City of Residence: Sonoma
Kids: Gabriella, 5; Sophia, 3; August Jr., 2 months
Ideal Father’s Day: Taking in whatever sports are on, drinking fine wine and enjoying quality family time.
SWEET Gift: An old-school Weber BBQ and a hammock.
Daniel Newell, Senior Application Developer, Rhythm Interactive
City of Residence: Aliso Viejo
Kids: Alex, 7; Rachel, 4
Ideal Father’s Day: Sitting at Doheny State Beach, fishing pole in hand, peace and quiet. Pretty much like Zac Brown says…”Toes in the water, @ss in the sand, not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand.”
SWEET Gift: A little peace and quiet and maybe a big bite on my fishing line.
Here are some other great Father’s Day gift ideas …love the dog collar/beer opener!
