. . . I know what the setting should be - the Sooner Mall "PlayPlace".
Let me say first off, that so far Davie is angelic. She is so sweet and kind. This is all the more aggravating when some rowdy 3 year old pushes her down for no reason.
I understand the idea of the "PlayPlace". A little temporary escape for your kiddos to burn off some energy and you can rest your barking dogs. However, this little refuge is abused by parents who sit idly by texting or people-watching or doing anything but keeping an eye on their offspring. And it seems to be the parents of the bullies who aren't watching.
The other day Steven and I took Davie to the PlayPlace at Quail Springs for a bit. The little angel takes a while to warm up to new people and places, so she kind of stood there on a little toy for 7 or so minutes just watching the other kids. She was standing right there on the edge when a little boy jumped down beside her and then slowly started ooching her off the side. She started crying before she even fell down. I went to comfort her, and the boys dad went to make him say he was sorry. Then the dad walked away leaving the boy there where he was. Ah well, I thought. So I carried Davie to a new area and let her go. Steven showed up and I told him the little story. So we both were keeping our eye on the boy. Then the boy walked up to where Davie was kneeling, got up in her face, and then stood up and kicked her in the rear! She cried again. This time the dad went to the boy and said, "We don't kick people." Once again, he walked away leaving his kid there to continue playing and bullying. I took Davie to a new area and let her go again. At one point the boy started walking very closely behind Davie, preparing to pounce, and Steven leaned over towards him from where we were sitting and said, "Hey. You need to leave her alone," in a stern voice. The boy ran off. Steven got a phone call and walked out to have his conversation. The boy walked toward Davie and started to get in her face, and she just burst into tears out of fear!!! Break my heart in to a million pieces. I ran over, told the boy to stay away from her, and then we packed up to leave. The rest of the day Steven and I were seething over the boy and his dad. If that were my child, there would've been more than a reprimand - maybe not letting him play anymore, or something more concrete. I told Steven we were going to put her in self defense classes as soon as appropriate, and I was going to teach her that it is okay to beat up people that are bigger than her if they are mean to her or other people, but that she must always protect people smaller than her no matter what. He laughed at me, but I am serious!
Then for some reason I felt we would try again at the Sooner Mall PlayPlace. It was even worse. There was like 30+ children, and maybe 4 parents sitting around on their phones. The big kids were running wildly by knocking into the small ones. They were climbing up the slide, while the little ones were trying to go down. It was insane. Was I the only one watching the children?! I had to tell some kids to stop climbing up the slide, and to go up the stairs if they wanted to use it. They didn't really listen to me. Jerks. So I have banned the PlayPlace from our repertoire of fun things to do. Sorry Davie . . . I'm sure you don't mind.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Who needs a first word, when you could have a first phrase . . . or two?!
Davie consistently says what we know to be "Here you go" when she is giving you something, and "Thank you" when you are giving her something. It sounds just a tad more muddled than that, usually leaving out most of the consanant sounds and rolling her tongue around way too much. But that is definitely what she is saying. She does it all the time. The other night my dad and I just took turns handing her envelopes, and letting her hand them back to us, and we squealed with delight at this new development.
Here's my analysis of this random "first". Davie KNOWS so many words and phrases that we say. Yet she has zero interest in saying or repeating these things. She CAN say "mama" and "dada" and other little things, but she doesn't often, and never about her actual mama and dada. We already know that she is incredibly rhythmic and loves music. I think she is using these first phrases because we so consistently say these things to her, and we say them in a very specific way. A little sing song tone and rhythm. I think that interested her and she picked up on that very quickly. Maybe some day soon other things will interest her besides music, otherwise we'll just have to start singing EVERYTHING . . .which I am probably okay with. She fascinates me.
In other news, I have not been doing my little experiment the past couple of days. I just . . . can't . . . yet. I still really want to do the whole 30 days in order, but I'm just not in any kind of routine right now, and I just can't make myself do it.
My husband is embarassed for me - and should be. I tried to defend myself by pointing out all the things I have successfully stuck with: college, career in education, MARRIAGE. But when if it's not a big deal, I do have a hard time completing things. I need to make an appointment to see a psychologist . . . but then again, I probably wouldn't go.
Here's my analysis of this random "first". Davie KNOWS so many words and phrases that we say. Yet she has zero interest in saying or repeating these things. She CAN say "mama" and "dada" and other little things, but she doesn't often, and never about her actual mama and dada. We already know that she is incredibly rhythmic and loves music. I think she is using these first phrases because we so consistently say these things to her, and we say them in a very specific way. A little sing song tone and rhythm. I think that interested her and she picked up on that very quickly. Maybe some day soon other things will interest her besides music, otherwise we'll just have to start singing EVERYTHING . . .which I am probably okay with. She fascinates me.
In other news, I have not been doing my little experiment the past couple of days. I just . . . can't . . . yet. I still really want to do the whole 30 days in order, but I'm just not in any kind of routine right now, and I just can't make myself do it.
My husband is embarassed for me - and should be. I tried to defend myself by pointing out all the things I have successfully stuck with: college, career in education, MARRIAGE. But when if it's not a big deal, I do have a hard time completing things. I need to make an appointment to see a psychologist . . . but then again, I probably wouldn't go.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Day 3 -Fruit and Veg Cleanse
Oy.
It says in the book that the great thing about today is you can eat all you want . . . as long as it's fruit and vegetables. Not a great consolation when you want a bowl of cereal or a breakfast burrito.
BREAKFAST:
Anyways, for breakfast I had a berry fruit smoothie, it wasn't great. I used a frozen bag of berries (no sugar added), 2 cups of hot water, and 3 leafs of spinach (just trying a lil bit). I tasted it and had to add some orange juice, which helped. As I was feeding Davie some of her banana this morning, I dipped some in my smoothie and ate it. Not bad. Maybe I should've added some banana to the mixture. After breakfast, I don't feel satisfied. Seriously thinking about baking a potato just to have something starchy.
BRUNCH:
Had an apple. Not bad . . . but not as good as, oh say, a brownie.
PRE-LUNCH:
Out of habit, I ate a little handful of Cheerios as I was giving some to Davie. They tasted SOOOOOOOO good. I so desperately want another handful or 12. BE STRONG!
LUNCH:
I made a giant salad including spinach, red bell peppers, carrots, grape tomatoes, avocado, a little broccoli, mushrooms . . . and I did use some red wine and olive oil for dressing - who eats dry salad?!
I also made a big ole baked potato, and used salt and pepper. I ate alot . . . and it still didn't kill my craving for the brownies that are on my counter in the kitchen. I can't bear to throw them away. After all, this cleanse is only for 24 hours! It's weird. Yesterday I didn't even glance at them. Also, I can't get Sonic out of my mind. I didn't have a Dr. Pepper all day yesterday and didn't even care. But I want one BAD today.
POST-LUNCH:
This is just sad. I have voices in my head telling me different things. "Why in the world would you do this experiment during the holidays?" "Just skip this one assignment, and do the rest." "Tomorrow you can eat whatever you want . . . almost."
Anyways, I had a bite of pineapple and some grapes, but I didn't want them. I have a wicked headache, but that could be for any ole reason. BUT it could be a withdrawal symptom from any number of things I haven't had today. OR it could be a detox symptom.
PRE-DINNER:
Headache got worse, like nauseating. Broke down and drank a chocolate instant breakfast - felt a little bit better.
DINNER:
Hit the low of the day. Made some Tuna Helper. I know, I know. But I made it this far, right?! I should start a new blog called "The Failed Trials of Kinsey Charles" so all the world can get a kick out of my shenanigans.
One success though - I drank 64 ounces of water today! That's a record I think . . . and NO Dr. Pepper. Good for me.
Tomorrow I go red-meatless. That shouldn't be too hard. But you know tomorrow will probably be the day I am dying for a T-bone steak or something. I haven't decided if I want to carry this experiment on past the 30 days yet. I should probably at least do a little while after I carry out all the steps, just to see if I can keep it up. We'll see.
It says in the book that the great thing about today is you can eat all you want . . . as long as it's fruit and vegetables. Not a great consolation when you want a bowl of cereal or a breakfast burrito.
BREAKFAST:
Anyways, for breakfast I had a berry fruit smoothie, it wasn't great. I used a frozen bag of berries (no sugar added), 2 cups of hot water, and 3 leafs of spinach (just trying a lil bit). I tasted it and had to add some orange juice, which helped. As I was feeding Davie some of her banana this morning, I dipped some in my smoothie and ate it. Not bad. Maybe I should've added some banana to the mixture. After breakfast, I don't feel satisfied. Seriously thinking about baking a potato just to have something starchy.
BRUNCH:
Had an apple. Not bad . . . but not as good as, oh say, a brownie.
PRE-LUNCH:
Out of habit, I ate a little handful of Cheerios as I was giving some to Davie. They tasted SOOOOOOOO good. I so desperately want another handful or 12. BE STRONG!
LUNCH:
I made a giant salad including spinach, red bell peppers, carrots, grape tomatoes, avocado, a little broccoli, mushrooms . . . and I did use some red wine and olive oil for dressing - who eats dry salad?!
I also made a big ole baked potato, and used salt and pepper. I ate alot . . . and it still didn't kill my craving for the brownies that are on my counter in the kitchen. I can't bear to throw them away. After all, this cleanse is only for 24 hours! It's weird. Yesterday I didn't even glance at them. Also, I can't get Sonic out of my mind. I didn't have a Dr. Pepper all day yesterday and didn't even care. But I want one BAD today.
POST-LUNCH:
This is just sad. I have voices in my head telling me different things. "Why in the world would you do this experiment during the holidays?" "Just skip this one assignment, and do the rest." "Tomorrow you can eat whatever you want . . . almost."
Anyways, I had a bite of pineapple and some grapes, but I didn't want them. I have a wicked headache, but that could be for any ole reason. BUT it could be a withdrawal symptom from any number of things I haven't had today. OR it could be a detox symptom.
PRE-DINNER:
Headache got worse, like nauseating. Broke down and drank a chocolate instant breakfast - felt a little bit better.
DINNER:
Hit the low of the day. Made some Tuna Helper. I know, I know. But I made it this far, right?! I should start a new blog called "The Failed Trials of Kinsey Charles" so all the world can get a kick out of my shenanigans.
One success though - I drank 64 ounces of water today! That's a record I think . . . and NO Dr. Pepper. Good for me.
Tomorrow I go red-meatless. That shouldn't be too hard. But you know tomorrow will probably be the day I am dying for a T-bone steak or something. I haven't decided if I want to carry this experiment on past the 30 days yet. I should probably at least do a little while after I carry out all the steps, just to see if I can keep it up. We'll see.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Day 2 - Know the Basics
Day 2's assignment is to research the vegan lifestyle for at least 30 minutes. However, I've pretty much already done that, so knowing that tomorrow I have to do a 24 hour fruit and veggie cleanse, I went grocery shopping. I love my vegetables . . . but I am still way nervous about tomorrow. The idea is to eat raw fruit and veggies tomorrow all day - and try to stay away from frozen and canned as much as possible. However, if I get through the day without touching bread, I'll count it a great success.
I need everyone to know that I am completely aware that I get gung-ho about these things and rarely follow through. But it is a 30 day experiment. I think I can at least follow these rules for 30 days. We'll see.
I need everyone to know that I am completely aware that I get gung-ho about these things and rarely follow through. But it is a 30 day experiment. I think I can at least follow these rules for 30 days. We'll see.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Day 1 of Vegan in 30 Days
I actually read through the whole book today! It is only about 100 pages, and not daunting whatsoever (although the diet is I know)! Anyways, now I am going to go through one day at a time and try to master the goals.
A few years ago Steven and I went to Hueco Tanks near El Paso for a climbing trip. We met the nicest couple, and I will never forget them. Sashi and Bethann! Sashi was a tiny Indian man and Bethann was his extremely athletic wife. They were probably mid-50s and were full-time RVers. They were hardcore vegans . . . hardcore hippies too. Bethann hadn't seen a razor in some time. They also grew their own beansprouts in their windowsill! They talked to us about their diet ALOT, and how healthy they are and how great they feel and yadda yadda . . . although interesting, I was not feeling like I should undertake this new lifestyle. Although it did totally make us want to buy an RV!
Fastforward to this week. I've been hearing alot about vegan/vegetarian diets, especially from celebrities that I respect. So I looked into it. Vegan means to not eat any animal flesh or animal products - so no red meat, poultry, or fish, and no dairy or eggs, etc. What is left?! Haha. Anyways, the more I read the more I was heartbroken for animals living in torturous conditions, the more I thought I could benefit from this change, and the more I felt empowered to follow through with this. But I needed something easy to follow, a step by step process. Cold turkey would be too overwhelming. That's how I found "Vegan in 30 Days". There is my intro!
Day 1 - Why do you want to be a Vegan?
The book is not an argument for the Vegan lifestyle. They are assuming that you already have your reasons, and these are the steps to reaching that goal. BUT they want you to have very convincing reasons for yourself, because you can feel very strong until someone throws a bowl of ice cream in front of you. Here is my simple list of reasons:
- To avoid hereditary health problems like blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart issues
- To have more energy!!!
- To reduce my carbon footprint and animal cruelty
- To set a good example for Davie in her diet and treatment of the world
When I feel like this goal is to hard, I will look back at these and hopefully muster up the strength to keep going. The good news I keep reading is that once you have "reset" your palate, you won't crave those other foods and fruit and veggies will have never tasted so good! Can't wait for that!
A few years ago Steven and I went to Hueco Tanks near El Paso for a climbing trip. We met the nicest couple, and I will never forget them. Sashi and Bethann! Sashi was a tiny Indian man and Bethann was his extremely athletic wife. They were probably mid-50s and were full-time RVers. They were hardcore vegans . . . hardcore hippies too. Bethann hadn't seen a razor in some time. They also grew their own beansprouts in their windowsill! They talked to us about their diet ALOT, and how healthy they are and how great they feel and yadda yadda . . . although interesting, I was not feeling like I should undertake this new lifestyle. Although it did totally make us want to buy an RV!
Fastforward to this week. I've been hearing alot about vegan/vegetarian diets, especially from celebrities that I respect. So I looked into it. Vegan means to not eat any animal flesh or animal products - so no red meat, poultry, or fish, and no dairy or eggs, etc. What is left?! Haha. Anyways, the more I read the more I was heartbroken for animals living in torturous conditions, the more I thought I could benefit from this change, and the more I felt empowered to follow through with this. But I needed something easy to follow, a step by step process. Cold turkey would be too overwhelming. That's how I found "Vegan in 30 Days". There is my intro!
Day 1 - Why do you want to be a Vegan?
The book is not an argument for the Vegan lifestyle. They are assuming that you already have your reasons, and these are the steps to reaching that goal. BUT they want you to have very convincing reasons for yourself, because you can feel very strong until someone throws a bowl of ice cream in front of you. Here is my simple list of reasons:
- To avoid hereditary health problems like blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart issues
- To have more energy!!!
- To reduce my carbon footprint and animal cruelty
- To set a good example for Davie in her diet and treatment of the world
When I feel like this goal is to hard, I will look back at these and hopefully muster up the strength to keep going. The good news I keep reading is that once you have "reset" your palate, you won't crave those other foods and fruit and veggies will have never tasted so good! Can't wait for that!
Vegan? That doesn't sound like me.
I need you to know something. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ellen Degeneres. I found out that Ellen is a vegan. I always thought vegans were ridiculous - either dirty hippies or people that must not have tastebuds anyways. I mean, what is left to eat?! But after I heard Ellen talking about it, I started researching it . . . and if it is even possible, it sounds like a magnificent way to live. Healthy for you, healthy for the earth.
I am skinny, always have been - but I am NOT healthy. I eat empty calories all day everyday. Whatever is the most convenient, that is what I devour. I don't want to be this way, but I don't have much self-control to carry out a new lifestyle. So I looked and looked and looked around online through vegan forums, vegan cookbooks, vegan articles, etc . . . and I bought a book called "Vegan in 30 Days" by Sarah Taylor.
As I read it, I'm going to document what I'm learning online and the things I'm attempting to do or "give up". An experiment of sorts! I do love experiments!
I am skinny, always have been - but I am NOT healthy. I eat empty calories all day everyday. Whatever is the most convenient, that is what I devour. I don't want to be this way, but I don't have much self-control to carry out a new lifestyle. So I looked and looked and looked around online through vegan forums, vegan cookbooks, vegan articles, etc . . . and I bought a book called "Vegan in 30 Days" by Sarah Taylor.
As I read it, I'm going to document what I'm learning online and the things I'm attempting to do or "give up". An experiment of sorts! I do love experiments!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wintery Favorites
- Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup!!!
- Puzzles, lots and lots of puzzles. It's a lonely hobby at the Charles' household - my husband would rather die than sit still and stare at puzzle pieces for any amount of time. Eh, I'd probably kick him out anyways . . . he might mess up my strategies!
- Christmas movies - from classics like White Christmas, to Home Alone, to Elf, to Harry Potter . . . okay, I know Harry Potter isn't a Christmas movie, but I just like watching it when it's cold outside. It makes me feel like I am at Hogwarts.
- Cleaning house. This is strictly a winter hobby. Something about the cold making you feel all cozy inside your little home, makes you want to keep it tidy and comfortable. I purchased a new vacuum to encourage this hobby and it's my new best friend. Nerd alert, I know. It's an Electrolux Ergorapido. It's cordless, which was my must-have. I use it much more since I can just pick it up and zip around the room real quick.
- Candles! I really really want the Woodwick Pumpkin Spice and Currant candles. But alas, I haven't purchased them yet. Making the two year old tea candles work this season.
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