uhh my keyboard is messed up..


meant to say they each have their strengths.

I tried to teach them before school, or at least give them a foundation for learning to read. DS learned to read around 3-4ishh and that was with me reading to him everyday, pointing to the words I was reading. I also labelled everything in the house (chair, table, piano, etc) with big blocky letters and also let him play spelling/reading computer games. He has been in the advanced reading group in pre-K, K and 1st gr.

However, I do this with my youngest, who is 4 now...and she is not reading like DS was at that age. She'll read when she's ready, but I still like to encourage it. I won't be upset if its a couple years before she gets it...they each have t

Some moms use medicine to reduce fever, other moms don't. If you choose not to medicate, it doesn't mean your not being a mom. If you choose to medicate, there are also different tactics to do so. It's just a difference of opinion and technique...

I'm glad OP's daughter is fine now.

I wasn't aware that he denied it, in which case that would baffle me too.

why are so many people rowled up over his bow to the Saudi King? In many cultures, bowing is a respectful greeting. This is done all over Asia and the Middle East. I bow to my old Chinese friend when I see them because its their custom, they love that I do that even though I'm not Chinese. It doesn't mean I'm renouncing my citizenship or bowing down to their rule. It' just a greeting custom.

I don't have cable, just basic tv, which doesn't have a lot of options. I'm so glad we got rid of cable. The kids play a lot more now. I keep a big stock of art supplies and they are always drawing, crafting, building, designing books (aww they take after me : ) building legos and a bunch of other creative activities. I do have a lot of computers, so they play games and watch an occasional movie on them...but I don't have a big DVD collection...so the creative stuff pretty much dominates their time. But I love it when they pop in the Yogakids DVD and actually do it. Oh and playing with the cats keeps them entertained! Card games, board games, dominoes, puzzles.There's a million ways to live without tv.

I'm with you. I was more enthusiastic to go to work maybe 5,6 years ago. But my interests have changed and the publications I work on now are not something I am passionate about. I do like that I get to be creative everyday, but don't like being behind a desk for 40 hours. If I worked on a dance magazine, I'd probably be more excited about my design job. I do however LOVE my PT Zumba job....I miss it on my days off. I can't go very long without my class or I'll start to have withdrawals. : )

How much would a teacher just starting out make at a high school or community college? I have thought about teaching design one day.

I only wish that would happen to me! I'd do it in a heartbeat.

I don't go to church regularly, but will occasionally visit the National Cathedral, a Buddhist temple or a Unitarian Church. My grandmother keeps asking me to take the kid to mass, but I don't feel it is crucial to their upbringing. I was brought up in a Catholic church, and have nothing against it...but I don't consider myself Catholic and I'm so not into religious labels. I feel you can get in touch with your spiritual side without the church or baptisms. Like the yoga teacher above, I am drawn to the eastern philosophies and enjoy learning about world religions objectively. Most of them have the same fundamental belief in god anyway, just different prophets and customs. Anyway, I'd rather spend Sunday morning yoga-ing with my kids trying to get them sit still for an hour in church. I never listened to the sermons anyway when I went as a child. But I don't think going to church is a bad thing for those who want to go.

Anonymous wrote:What's a food sculptor and how do you get that job?

She started as a receptionist for Edible Arrangements (I think that's what its called). After a year she moved up to food sculptor (I don't know the actual job title), but she makes these wild creations and beautiful party platters with fruit. Whatever doesn't get used she gets to keep and give to me! It doesn't pay that much, probably $12 an hour....but worth it to let go of all that deadline stress.

I eventually want to get away from my FT job...I can't see myself behind a desk for the rest of my life.

But I also know another HR lady who isn't quite as enthusiastic as my friend.

I know someone who left the rat race publications world and now works as a food sculptor PT. The many stress-related medical conditions she had working FT for 20 yrs in a deadline driven environment are now gone. Although she is not making as much, she's happier and much more relaxed now. And I get free chocolate strawberries.

I know an HR lady who loves her job. She says she loves finding talented people and matching them up with career opportunities.

I don't think all the suggestions were pathetic. Some people might enjoy working at a nursery or a book store or being a yoga teacher. I know I lllllove my PT job way more than my FT job, and it is anything but boring!

What about a massage therapist, or a PT nurse, wedding planner, art gallery assistant, photo archivist or an outdoor job in parks/recreation?

sounds like fun...I'm looking for good places to take the kids if you have any suggestions! TIA.