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| the abandoned mummy top |
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| the Gap Superman shirt |
Happy Halloween.
Monday, October 31, 2011
6 rolls of gauze + 1 t-shirt + 1 pair grey pants = Superman??
Everyone knows someone who waits to do or finish their Christmas shopping until Christmas Eve. Friends, I am not one of those people. I started Christmas shopping a couple of weeks ago, and although I'll likely be shopping well into December, the head start makes for a more relaxed, enjoyable holiday season. Halloween, it would appear, is a different matter. We decided to dress C as a mummy, in a costume I'd make. No problem, right? It's just a little gauze and thread. I started on Saturday night. Last night at 11p I had yet to start the pants, and I gave up. As luck would have it, my work load was light today, so I took some time off, hit NINE stores (2 Targets, Babies R Us, 2 party supply stores, Baby Gap, Pottery Barn Kids, 2 Walmarts) and finally settled on a Superman t-shirt at Gap with a velcro on cape. C doesn't even eat candy or understand Halloween, so maybe it shouldn't have mattered so much, but somehow it does. The kid needs every chance to celebrate all of the silly, crazy, fun aspects of childhood. I'd go to a hundred more stores to make sure he does just that. Now I'm just crossing my fingers that he enjoys seeing all of the other kids dressed up (we're going to a safe event at a mall) and doesn't get scared.
Happy Halloween.
Happy Halloween.
TED inspiration
Everyone's aware of the TED talks, right? Have you heard this one, by Matt Cutts?
Right. Not long ago I set out to do something, learn something, or experience something new every day. That didn't last long. I ran out of ideas or didn't have time to come up with something or just felt uninspired. So here's the deal. Maybe I can come up with just twelve things to try and give each one my attention for one month. November starts tomorrow...first month-long challenge: increase the art/craft activities C and I do at home. He's not terribly interested most days, so I'd like to pique his interest without forcing anything on him. I'm shooting for 3-4 activities per week (he also has art activities daily at day care). Anyone else up for the challenge? Tell me what you're planning.
Right. Not long ago I set out to do something, learn something, or experience something new every day. That didn't last long. I ran out of ideas or didn't have time to come up with something or just felt uninspired. So here's the deal. Maybe I can come up with just twelve things to try and give each one my attention for one month. November starts tomorrow...first month-long challenge: increase the art/craft activities C and I do at home. He's not terribly interested most days, so I'd like to pique his interest without forcing anything on him. I'm shooting for 3-4 activities per week (he also has art activities daily at day care). Anyone else up for the challenge? Tell me what you're planning.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Las Vegas Park Review #13: Mesa Park
Las Vegas Park Review #13: Mesa Park, 5401 Mesa Park Drive (Summerlin, near Bishop Gorman high school)
Pros:
- Nice, new playground equipment with two specific age group areas
- A lot of green space (generally used for sports - lacrosse when we were there)
- Lovely playing fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts
- Beautiful views of nearby cliffs
- A real feeling of distance from busy streets and activity.
Cons:
- I hesitate to say this, since it's based on just one visit, but there was a group of really snooty moms there that was not interested in playing with, watching, or disciplining their children. One little kid probably 3 years old or so somehow made it across the large, depressed lacrosse field and up the other side and was about to run into the road before her mom came barrelling over to get her.
- Noise from construction on nearby houses (but yay for construction resuming!!!)
- No splash pad
All-in-all, this was a good park. C had more fun exploring the greenspace than playing on the playground equipment, which was great since the "parents" were lounging there while their kids took over. We felt completely safe here (at about 2:30 on a weekday afternoon). I didn't see any security.
There were restrooms, but we didn't venture inside. Seemed like a nice building, though.
Pros:
- Nice, new playground equipment with two specific age group areas
- A lot of green space (generally used for sports - lacrosse when we were there)
- Lovely playing fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts
- Beautiful views of nearby cliffs
- A real feeling of distance from busy streets and activity.
Cons:
- I hesitate to say this, since it's based on just one visit, but there was a group of really snooty moms there that was not interested in playing with, watching, or disciplining their children. One little kid probably 3 years old or so somehow made it across the large, depressed lacrosse field and up the other side and was about to run into the road before her mom came barrelling over to get her.
- Noise from construction on nearby houses (but yay for construction resuming!!!)
- No splash pad
All-in-all, this was a good park. C had more fun exploring the greenspace than playing on the playground equipment, which was great since the "parents" were lounging there while their kids took over. We felt completely safe here (at about 2:30 on a weekday afternoon). I didn't see any security.
There were restrooms, but we didn't venture inside. Seemed like a nice building, though.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Pumpkin Patch, Las Vegas Style
Last weekend, BB, C, and I met one of C's classmates and her parents for some fun at the "pumpkin patch." As always, Las Vegas does things in its own way. In eastern Nebraska, when you mention a "pumpkin patch," this is what comes to mind:
These pictures are from Vala's Pumpkin Patch, probably the most widely-known - and biggest - pumpkin patch in the area, but there are dozens of similar pumpkin patches around Nebraska (smaller versions of Vala's). They have corn mazes, hay rack rides, haunted houses, food of all kinds, games, rides, campfires, flowers, produce, pumpkins galore, etc, etc. It really can be an lengthy event, and so much fun. Here, it's different. It was 95 degrees, for starters (I bet those overpriced pumpkins are all cooking inside). Anyway, I'm not saying the Vegas pumpkin patch isn't fun, but it shouldn't be considered a pumpkin patch. However, it was pretty great for entertaining an under 2 year old for an hour. We went to Stu Miller's patch at the corner of Rainbow and Warm Springs. They were very very nice there. C and his buddy enjoyed the petting zoo (the parents loved the free hand sanitizer for afterwards!), and played a pumpkin game, but mostly just ran around and had fun. There are a few rides and bouncy things for older kids (one looked like so much fun - it had a climbing wall and slides), but the parents were too old and the kids too young). Anyway, once I shed my idyllic notion of a pumpkin patch, I had a great time. Besides, it's kind of nice to not have to worry about mud, bugs, or bundling up the kids. So go to the "pumpkin patch," eat cotton candy, pet goats, jump on a bouncy, and enjoy autumn, however it comes.
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| All photos from valaspumpkinpatch.com |
These pictures are from Vala's Pumpkin Patch, probably the most widely-known - and biggest - pumpkin patch in the area, but there are dozens of similar pumpkin patches around Nebraska (smaller versions of Vala's). They have corn mazes, hay rack rides, haunted houses, food of all kinds, games, rides, campfires, flowers, produce, pumpkins galore, etc, etc. It really can be an lengthy event, and so much fun. Here, it's different. It was 95 degrees, for starters (I bet those overpriced pumpkins are all cooking inside). Anyway, I'm not saying the Vegas pumpkin patch isn't fun, but it shouldn't be considered a pumpkin patch. However, it was pretty great for entertaining an under 2 year old for an hour. We went to Stu Miller's patch at the corner of Rainbow and Warm Springs. They were very very nice there. C and his buddy enjoyed the petting zoo (the parents loved the free hand sanitizer for afterwards!), and played a pumpkin game, but mostly just ran around and had fun. There are a few rides and bouncy things for older kids (one looked like so much fun - it had a climbing wall and slides), but the parents were too old and the kids too young). Anyway, once I shed my idyllic notion of a pumpkin patch, I had a great time. Besides, it's kind of nice to not have to worry about mud, bugs, or bundling up the kids. So go to the "pumpkin patch," eat cotton candy, pet goats, jump on a bouncy, and enjoy autumn, however it comes.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Bite of Las Vegas 2011 Schedule
Main Stage
10:30 a - 100 Monkeys
12:00 p - Colbie Caillat
1:30 p - Imagine Dragons
3:00 p - The Cab
4:30 p - Michelle Branch
6:15 p - Mat Kearney
8:00 p - OAR
Restaurant List
Develop your plan of attack people!!
10:30 a - 100 Monkeys
12:00 p - Colbie Caillat
1:30 p - Imagine Dragons
3:00 p - The Cab
4:30 p - Michelle Branch
6:15 p - Mat Kearney
8:00 p - OAR
Restaurant List
Develop your plan of attack people!!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Fall To-Do List
- visit a pumpkin patch
- drain the water heater
- get the air conditioner serviced (or should we do this in the spring?)
- bake something for the nice neighbor and some of B's co-workers
- go on a nature hike, collecting pretty leaves, pine cones, and acorns if there are any
- host a football/poker/dart night and serve chili and focaccia
- donate winter clothes to area charities
- annual donation to the NSPCA in H's honor
- start Christmas shopping
- can homemade applesauce
- bake apples
- plant some cool weather loving flowers
- C's first viewing of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
- hike somewhere leaves are changing
- can homemade pasta sauce while I still have fresh summer tomatoes
- take a picture for holiday cards
- attend a local high school football game
- bake bread with C
- drain the water heater
- get the air conditioner serviced (or should we do this in the spring?)
- bake something for the nice neighbor and some of B's co-workers
- go on a nature hike, collecting pretty leaves, pine cones, and acorns if there are any
- host a football/poker/dart night and serve chili and focaccia
- donate winter clothes to area charities
- annual donation to the NSPCA in H's honor
- start Christmas shopping
- can homemade applesauce
- bake apples
- plant some cool weather loving flowers
- C's first viewing of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
- hike somewhere leaves are changing
- can homemade pasta sauce while I still have fresh summer tomatoes
- take a picture for holiday cards
- attend a local high school football game
- bake bread with C
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Best (Unexpected) Gifts
Once the Halloween candy goes on display at the store, I start thinking about holiday gift-giving. My family has several birthdays and anniversaries between October and November, so it pays to formulate a plan early. Isn't it the best when someone knows you well enough to get you something you never knew you wanted or needed, but end up loving? Here are a few recent gifts I've received and loved, unexpectedly.
Penzey's Herb gift box, $29.95
- Penzey's has a number of gift boxes, or you can order a la carte. This was a wedding gift, and
considering how seldom I replace my herbs, it was much-needed. I found the herbs to be of a higher
quality than I normally purchase, but I loved this gift because it was a nod to the life we were
embarking upon. It came with a note about being conscious of little ways to make every day special,
and something sort of cheesy, but true, about the spice of life. I thought of it often in our early days of
marriage, and it reminded me to light candles during dinner and turn off the tv to talk and laugh together.
City guide book
- I received a Las Vegas guide book as a Christmas gift from a co-worker shortly before we
relocated here. Although it's intended for tourists, we used it often during our first few months here. I
found it to be a thoughtful way of getting us excited about a scary step we were taking. These are also
good bridal shower gifts if you know the couple's honeymoon destination.
Framed nostalgic photo
- Last Christmas my favorite gift was a framed photo of all of my cousins, my sister, and I that was taken
more than 30 years ago on Christmas Eve. It was perfect for a couple of reasons...a. it reminds me of
how blessed I am to have such a lovely family; b. it reminds me that the fun of Christmas was not just
gifts, it was togetherness; c. it reminds me that every day we are making memories not just for ourselves,
but for our son; d. it reminds me to live in the moment and not get caught up in the stress of planning
"perfect" events/holidays. We will remember how we felt, rather than if the food was three-star Michelin
quality or if the family pictures were perfect anyway.
Slippers
- I'm not kidding. I loved receiving those slippers as a baby shower gift because when I was pregnant I
felt my job was 100% to take care of my baby, plan for my baby, and take care of myself for my
baby. Of course, that was mostly true, but those slippers were a really nice way of telling me that it was
also a time to sit back and enjoy what was happening and also to take care of myself for myself. A
pregnant lady is not merely a vessel. Now I always buy something specifically for the expectant mother
that is wholely unrelated to the baby, as well as something special for the baby.
Blue ribbon
- Yes, another odd gift. We invited very few people to our wedding, including just one friend each.
When we sent the invitations I knew my invited friend wouldn't be able to come, so I wasn't surprised
or disappointed when we received her regrets. The real kindness, though, was that she sent a spool of
blue ribbon with her RSVP and a note expressing how much she would've liked to attend. The ribbon
was just in case I didn't have a "something blue," but I ended up using it in my wedding scrapbook, and
whenever I see it I'm reminded of the people that are not near physically, but are very close in spirit.
No one ever thinks "oh, how I'd love to receive a spool of ribbon/old photo/rosemary/etc," but sometimes receiving those things mean more than a big tv or a beautiful bouquet.
Penzey's Herb gift box, $29.95
- Penzey's has a number of gift boxes, or you can order a la carte. This was a wedding gift, and
considering how seldom I replace my herbs, it was much-needed. I found the herbs to be of a higher
quality than I normally purchase, but I loved this gift because it was a nod to the life we were
embarking upon. It came with a note about being conscious of little ways to make every day special,
and something sort of cheesy, but true, about the spice of life. I thought of it often in our early days of
marriage, and it reminded me to light candles during dinner and turn off the tv to talk and laugh together.
City guide book
- I received a Las Vegas guide book as a Christmas gift from a co-worker shortly before we
relocated here. Although it's intended for tourists, we used it often during our first few months here. I
found it to be a thoughtful way of getting us excited about a scary step we were taking. These are also
good bridal shower gifts if you know the couple's honeymoon destination.
Framed nostalgic photo
- Last Christmas my favorite gift was a framed photo of all of my cousins, my sister, and I that was taken
more than 30 years ago on Christmas Eve. It was perfect for a couple of reasons...a. it reminds me of
how blessed I am to have such a lovely family; b. it reminds me that the fun of Christmas was not just
gifts, it was togetherness; c. it reminds me that every day we are making memories not just for ourselves,
but for our son; d. it reminds me to live in the moment and not get caught up in the stress of planning
"perfect" events/holidays. We will remember how we felt, rather than if the food was three-star Michelin
quality or if the family pictures were perfect anyway.
Slippers
- I'm not kidding. I loved receiving those slippers as a baby shower gift because when I was pregnant I
felt my job was 100% to take care of my baby, plan for my baby, and take care of myself for my
baby. Of course, that was mostly true, but those slippers were a really nice way of telling me that it was
also a time to sit back and enjoy what was happening and also to take care of myself for myself. A
pregnant lady is not merely a vessel. Now I always buy something specifically for the expectant mother
that is wholely unrelated to the baby, as well as something special for the baby.
Blue ribbon
- Yes, another odd gift. We invited very few people to our wedding, including just one friend each.
When we sent the invitations I knew my invited friend wouldn't be able to come, so I wasn't surprised
or disappointed when we received her regrets. The real kindness, though, was that she sent a spool of
blue ribbon with her RSVP and a note expressing how much she would've liked to attend. The ribbon
was just in case I didn't have a "something blue," but I ended up using it in my wedding scrapbook, and
whenever I see it I'm reminded of the people that are not near physically, but are very close in spirit.
No one ever thinks "oh, how I'd love to receive a spool of ribbon/old photo/rosemary/etc," but sometimes receiving those things mean more than a big tv or a beautiful bouquet.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Bite of Las Vegas 2011
The Mix 94.1 Bite of Las Vegas line-up is complete! Band Battle for Bite resulted in a pretty great day of music. In no particular order, you will see O.A.R., Michelle Branch, Mat Kearney, Colbie Caillat, Imagine Dragons, The Cab, 100 Monkeys, and local bands The English Channel, Avalon Landing, Play For Keeps, and Offset Season.
Of course, don't forget the fantastic offerings of more than 40 Las Vegas restaurants. All items will be under $5. Awesome, right?
See it all on October 15 from 10a to about 10p at Desert Breeze Park. Tickets are $9 (those under age 5 are free), but if you bring a canned food item for City Mission of Las Vegas you'll get $1 off the ticket price!
Chairs and coolers are NOT permitted, but you are allowed bring a blanket and ONE unopened bottle of water. One more thing to note - there is NO re-entry. If you leave, you must pay again to come back in, but there's no reason to leave anyway. Port-a-potties are all over (including those big, nice ones with running water), there's food and drinks a-plenty, there are designated smoking areas (just make sure you use one of them - the event is smoke-free), the entertainment will thrill, and you'll have plenty of company.
More information here, from KMXB.
Of course, don't forget the fantastic offerings of more than 40 Las Vegas restaurants. All items will be under $5. Awesome, right?
See it all on October 15 from 10a to about 10p at Desert Breeze Park. Tickets are $9 (those under age 5 are free), but if you bring a canned food item for City Mission of Las Vegas you'll get $1 off the ticket price!
Chairs and coolers are NOT permitted, but you are allowed bring a blanket and ONE unopened bottle of water. One more thing to note - there is NO re-entry. If you leave, you must pay again to come back in, but there's no reason to leave anyway. Port-a-potties are all over (including those big, nice ones with running water), there's food and drinks a-plenty, there are designated smoking areas (just make sure you use one of them - the event is smoke-free), the entertainment will thrill, and you'll have plenty of company.
More information here, from KMXB.
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