I find most people's hobbies are what they enjoyed doing as a child.

I ignored my hobbies in my 20s to focus on career. When I turned 30 and realized how long it had been since I danced or wrote or painted, I went on a mission to weave them back into my life again. One dance class a week became three, four, five and now 13!

Now I am illustrating/designing a book I wrote over the past year. I work on that one, here and there, usually after the kids are in bed.

I would love to paint more, but it's one more mess to clean up!

Oh, and Edie Brickell and Tracy Chapman

Breeders - Cannonball
4 Non Blondes
Alanis Morrisette - Uninvited
Xtreme - More Than Words
Lisa Loeb
Pearl Jam

I agree, Portishead rocks. I love the song that says "...just want to be a woman."

Anonymous wrote:I make my 15 month old do ten-15 mins of scales every night

lol. I gave DS 15 minute music lessons in utero, 5 days a week.

Mine was practicing piano, tradititonal style, 20 minutes, 3-4 times a week.

grouchy old neighbors who don't like kids

I think the tennis outfits are cute.

Rock it OP. I like your positive vibes!

ugh, sneezing a lot this morning! I'll keep him home. I don't want him sneezing all over the other kids.

He has no history of allergies, and blew a big wad earlier today. Oh I hope I don't get it!!!

I heard DC cough a few times, he has clear nasal drip and stuffy looking eyes. No fever, but a little less energy than normal. With the whole SF thing going on...should I keep him home for minor symptoms?

Mine was like that and this is what worked for us. Nothing sweet after 8pm. I give him foot rubs/back scratches when he lays down. After I kiss him goodnight I tell him to work on his dream and that I used to tell him I'd be back in 10 minutes to check on him.I think it helped him to know I'd be checking on him.

Sometimes I help him start a dream, by telling him to close his eyes, asking him what he sees in his mind. I'll start a random story about whatever, and get him thinking about it by asking questions or making suggestions. "What is the kitty or astronaut doing? What color? Maybe he's looking for something." I tell him to continue the story in his mind.

At first, I'd wait 10-15-20 minutes, a little longer each night. But after about a month I was able to leave the room after saying goodnight, sweet dreams.

I also noticed he did better when I added soothing music or one of those ocean waves or tonal CDs.

I think of it as a necessary tune-up for your mind and body. We tune up our cars regularly, make sure fluids are right, alignment is right, joints are mobile, etc. The human body is a living machine and should be tuned up regularly, IMO...I yoga not for the fun of it, but because I know I need it to stay calm, limber, resilient and balanced physically/mentally.

I don't go to classes like I used to, but I squeeze in 15 minutes here and there. A spinal twist in bed after a long day...or some deep breathing when I don't want to wake up yet. And there all kinds of poses for various aches and pains.

You do sound like an awesome mom! I agree with 13:07 and 13:10. Handmade gifts from a child are so precious, and he won't be able to complain about "misused" child support.

Anonymous wrote:Once I made plaintain chips out of thinly sliced green plantains (sprinkled with salt). People started following me at the front porch and by the time I was inside I had a small crowd with me

Ooh that sounds yummy! I make fried plantains with brown sugar sprinkled on them...but I eat them hot right out of the pan.