Christy's Ride

Kids, School, Depression, Food, and Suicide Rate

2012-02-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

I'd tack on even more to the title such as eating disorders, obesity, diet pills, etc etc.

We've fallen into an educational trap as Americans. "Uh-oh, China has been beating us; we've got to do the same with our kids."

We have hidden just as much as China when it comes to excessive adolescent and elementary work load. A typical adolescent has well over an 8 hour school workday. Thank God that the FAA wouldn't tolerate many of our kids to fly. They'd pass a drug test, license, and hours. But, tell me if you'd want your pilot flying with a snoozing average of 4-5 hours a night. Medical internships have begun to research the same problem. It's been a life-threatening liability to patients.

Not only have kids faced the "catch up to China" but, they have to be skinny and pretty too. When is a kid supposed to exercise? Exercise and physical movement has always been a kid's physical, mental, emotional stabilizer. Kids sit more than they move. It's not the couch these days. It's the desk/kitchen table. Studying is part of life for us all. But, when do we say, "Time to run, go to practice, eat your meal with humans, laugh, have a friend?" As a culture, we've sent our kids a message about emotions and exercise, "Forget about it and study."

Is it working? Diet pills have made a great comeback. Suicide rates have risen, in hiding. I remember the skinny middle school-aged girl who boasted of not eating for several days.

Enough is enough.

For starters, I didn't blame teachers, the front-runners. We've given them new teaching standards every year with a different grading system every 2 years without their own input. There have always been bad teachers. Not all, but some of the poor teachers have tenure. Great teachers always made the day, still do, golden. We've gotten 4 this year. Yay!

As a society, we have begun to treat our animals with more understanding of temperament, exercise needs, sleep requirements, work needs, than we do our own children. We are wrong! Our kids aren't machines. Successful people have the ability to find their passion, follow their dream not the crowd. Today, the crowd shouts "all study and no play nor exercise."

If a kid doesn't love programming, blood, researching, they will never be a successful programmer, doctor, or attorney. Yes, reading, writing, math, science is vital. But, success at work depends on passion. Take a look at Freddie Roach, extremely successful boxing trainer. He has Parkinson's disease and can train/teach for 11 hours a day. He still feels like he's playing at work. And, doctors say it actually slows his Parkinson's. If he followed the crowd, we wouldn't know his name nor would there be a special about him on HBO.

Here is an article from PBS about a comedian, Kristina Wong, who is helping students talk about depression.

We forget that our kids aren't adults and we are playing a dangerous game with their lives. We must listen and pay attention. They have to know we love them and care about their education, Yes. But, more importantly about them!

I care about my kids and yours!
Christy

Our New Dane

2012-02-11T14:44:00.001-08:00

Welcome Home!

We love ya, Bella. You seem to be making yourself right at home... nice and cozy!

Enjoy your weekend, all!
Christy

MMA and Dance Talk

2012-02-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

We love it, fight night, we love it. After practice this morning, nearly all women today, I had to stop and think why it was is so much fun.

A real mixed martial artist is learning courage, respect, integrity. It's an art built from work ethic, self-respect, and respect for others. It is quite clear that there is always something to learn. With a good team and wise coach, it's safer than any other sport I've done, yoga included. (I did a sports-like yoga.) I was listening to several champion mixed martial artists. They talk about self respect and work ethic. Mixed martial artist art taught to defend and protect those who are cannot defend themselves or those who are bullied. I wouldn't send my child to class without making sure she had a really good coach who was in complete control of class. The new kid on the block is not a "punching bag." That is not MMA! Find a different class if that's what you are experiencing as a youngster or newbie.

I can say the same for Emma's dance. We've picked the right gym. I know her teachers and the owners. The ambulance isn't being called to the facility every other week for an injured cheerleader next door. I know how she's being taught and how her classmates are taught with self-respect and respect for each other. They help each other and work hard. It's beautiful to watch.

My kids love it. They dance or wrestle with Jim at home. Once our kids found their physical sport with the right coaches and team, they came to life during the school year. It helps with school and life. They don't even whine about getting up early in the morning for practice. They are part of something good, physical, motivating, thoughtful.... I could go on and on. We take them as much as we can. Just as much as exercise clears the cobwebs for work, sports does the same for our kids. They need to move, not sit all day long. Even in a snowstorm we went for a hike because we have to move. We had a blast.

Have fun,
Christy

Being "Mom"

2012-01-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

Oh no! It happened again--another how to be a parent list. This one contained over 30 "to do's" just for homework. Our daughter, a junior in public high school, is already doing an average of 4 hours of homework on school nights (not counting weekends and vacation days.) This list would probably put her on suicide watch.

Americans are hilarious. We have such knee-jerk reactions to any negative report. The first people we injure are students and teachers. Slow down there, "Nelly." Balance! Extremes are dangerous. Remember? All or nothing is unhealthy.

The house is supposed to be lived-in, not so clean they can eat off the floor everyday. Family walks are healthy. A mom or dad learn more about the school-day/friends/likes/dislikes on walks or hikes than any other time. Building a fort is a learning experience. Making a mistake while building a fort is even more of a learning experience.

There is no such thing as a perfect kid, mom, dad, family, dog, cat, fish, teacher, blah, blah, blah. There will never be the perfect job. If a kid can't learn how to deal with failure, they will not find happiness nor success.

It's important for my kids to learn to say, "No, I am not going to do that club, I have to work or go to practice." It helps them set priorities, dreams, and goals. And, then there is money. Truth--some kids can't afford all the extras. They are busy pursuing their dreams.

Nobody learns the same way. Factory training isn't healthy for humans. Passionate people figure out how to do things differently and they are successfully happy. Of course kids have to learn to do homework and consequences of choice.

The best book I ever read was the Chocolate Store Owner's book for Mom's. She has happy and successful adult kids. And, she gives more to children's causes than any other business-woman I know. The more we try to live thru our child, the more we lose them. We aren't to abandon them. But, lately, parents are getting the wrong message, "Our kids have to have it all handed to them perfectly, plus some." ... WRONG!

The most productive times in history were when kids, themselves, learned how to create things. (the mud-pie generation.)

Our schools have a parent portal and my kids do homework at the kitchen table. I do not do it for them! It's their homework. I can keep up with what they do (parent portal) and I know how much time is spent doing it. They will get great teachers and poor ones.

I know when they are bored at school. I know which kid is bored with what subject. Do they need something more than what the school can offer? Not every kid has to learn the same way.

My job is spending time with them, cooking with them, listening, loving them, grounding them, letting them drive, etc etc. Showing them options. They get to choose whether or not they want to go to prom, join this club or that, do an in-school sport, or dance club out of school. They can't do it all, just like we shouldn't! It's not healthy, physically, mentally, or spiritually.

So when those lists come around, it's time to hit, "Trash." I love my kids. My kids are too busy to get involved with drinking etc. Plus, my husband always embarrasses the kids by sitting right in the middle of the room in his big ole brown chair when their friends come to the house :)

But, homework, their sport, family time, helping others take up most our time.

Best!
Christy

A Bit Confused

2012-01-27T13:16:00.001-08:00

As a family, we still miss our Great Dane, Sally. She was and will always be pretty special to us. We can't get another dog to replace her. But, we know that one day we will be ready, and it's got to be a Dane.

I've been doing a little research and found a breeder who loves Danes and has been breeding them since the 30's. Most of their Danes live approximately 12 years which is unusual for the breed.

The interesting thing about this family is that potential owners of their new pups must sign a special clause. The new owner must promise in writing that they will not over-vaccinate the Dane as a puppy.

What?

Here is a knowledgeable breeder with Champion Danes some of whom are used as assisted pets. They want you to vaccinate. They simply don't want you to over-vaccinate which is very common today. We probably did it with Sally, unknowingly.

If we are learning that vaccinating puppies too much too soon can be harmful, why isn't it okay to question how we vaccinate our own children or ourselves?

I am not against vaccines, by any means. I simply want to understand them before I arbitrarily give my kid a flu shot every year. I want to understand why I would give a child in different weight and height range the same vaccines with the same dosage simply because they are the same age.

The answer isn't "because everyone else is doing it." That is not good enough anymore.

Miss you, Sally!
Christy

Sally, our Dane

2012-01-24T05:54:00.000-08:00

We lost our Great Dane yesterday. She suddenly developed a tumor in her liver. In thinking back, Jim realized that she just started going to her crate to sleep at night instead of our room. When you live with a dog, they develop habits, and you know their norms. This was something we didn't recognize. Yes, it was fast. She lived the typical life-span of a Dane. But, she made a great impact on our lives.

She was a part of it, not a simple by-stander. She was a gentle giant, as they say. She loved working with Jim and being a part of his morning breakfast routine. She helped me clean, as I always talked to her while I mopped the floor or folded clothes. She always told Abby when something was wrong. There are so many funny things about this dog. She snuggled with Emma all the time. When Emma was tired Sally never held back a hug.

I have heard from a lot of people who understand. I guess, what I think about it is that we as people really need to love and be loved. We need to be a part of good and gentle. We need kindness. We don't have to be "in the know" all the time. It's never totally accurate anyway. We need to do unto others as we'd have done to us. That's what our pets do. They always give. Sally always loved and she especially loved the ones who needed that extra tender loving care and watchful eye. Somehow, she knew who they were and protected them.

We miss her so very much! Sometimes, people make fun of animal-lovers. But, that's okay. We learn lots of love from our pets, don't we?

Christy

Love what I do

2012-01-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

This is "my man" doing what he loves, developing away and walking simultaneously at home. The only new thing is the walking desk. I should also say, an experienced developer is always talking to 6 people at one time, or pairing with a colleague, or involved in some sort of stand-up or daily planning meeting. Social skills are pretty important. But, the whole point is that Jim loves it. He would be board out of his ever-living mind if he couldn't learn and research something new every day.

Me, on the other-hand, didn't really have a computer at my disposal when I was 13 yr old. And, I am still learning. Matter of fact, I am the perfect tester for Jim's new beginner book. But, I would be a bad hire for his current dev job. I am learning to use Sketchbook Pro for iOS games. Getting my brain wrapped around some updated basic programming skills is useful for my goal. I get laughed at as a creative individual because, Jim will say, "You didn't read every single word. Every single character is vitally important to programming. You didn't do what I wrote." After following the instructions again, I find the single little character and smirk. I still feel successful when I hit, "Run" and it works. The more I practice every single character over and over the more it becomes habitual just like everything else. Yet, it is merely a tool for my artwork.

Sometimes parents will tell you what their kid will do/be when they grow up. No matter how hard a kid studies or aces tests at school, they will not be successful unless they passionately love their work. I am not saying that it is wise to spend a fortune on a degree that will never pay for itself. However, choosing to become a doctor, programmer, engineer just because of the money doesn't guarantee they will make it. You must love it or you will get caught in an interview or on the job. It's easy to spot somebody who wants the title on a card. The passionate person can hardly quit talking about their day and what they do. It's isn't just work.

Kids need to learn Math, Science, English, Writing, Reading, Art, Speaking, Finances. But, once parents start choosing career paths, it gets messy every time. It's our turn to listen to what they've loved all along. Sometimes it's scary when they choose our own career path.

Happy Learning.
Christy

Change

2012-01-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

This blog has changed over time. There are many people working tirelessly to help others achieve dreams. Education will always be important and will be listed on the right especially if it is free or cost-effective. Lumosity.com is a new one. It is not a puzzle that I would recommend for interviews. It's simply an educational tool that we are starting to use--one of my daughters loves it.

Speaking of education, I discovered that the periodic table was not printed on the front cover in my 16 yr old's Chemistry book like it was in our day. (You have to play hide-n-go seek to find it.) Now, it's on the wall at home :) Both girls love to write. We have a writing wall, too. It's Emma's favorite place to sit with her animals and write away. She loves sitting on the exercise ball too. I wish the "Powers that be" would listen to the Sir Ken Robinson's and Sal Khan's. If they don't, we can. I don't blame the teachers unless our kids get that occasional teacher who doesn't care and blames everybody else. That Chemistry teacher prints the extremely important periodic table for his Chem class every year. Emma has the teacher she requested. And, I know how hard she works. If I have a question, which is rare, I get an immediate response.

Staying away from Twitter, Facebook and the online news has brought increasingly positive results. I read and pray in the morning. Then, email something positive that I read to the kids and Jim. And, I am on my way. I cannot even begin to tell you the things that have changed for the better. Jim will tell me important things. As planned I wished a child Happy Birthday... FB style. That's it. Staying away for a while has brought focus, happiness, understanding, and love for others and self.

Change can be hard to initiate. But, the outcome along the way makes it easier to do every day.

The Year is still new. I hope you will find a way to achieve your own positive goals.
Wishing you the very best,
Christy

Cleaning My Own House

2011-12-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

The grocery store line was a long wait yesterday. Gossip magazines visually shouted out shocking titles down the aisle. One of those subjects stuck with me. It wasn't the actual people involved but the subject matter.

As Jim and I talked about the whole issue, we realized that most of the time it's human nature to point fingers at others when I have work to be done or something to change. It doesn't have to be real house cleaning. But, it's all too easy to get distracted from an important goal and dream. Pointing fingers or reading junk does nothing to keep me on target.

Practically speaking, I have to teach my kids that dreams don't come true all by themselves. Today, it was Emma's turn. She helped me pay a bill that still required a check. So, she learned to write a check. Told me where the bill originated and why. We discussed all the numbers that must be written as I purposely left some blanks. She caught it as I wrote and signed the check. We went through the whole process of even going to the post office. It turned into a great discussion about her dream and the tasks she had to do first. Her style was writing everything down which she did. (It gave her a sense of accomplishment.) And, she got to help her Dad in the garage. Then, told me she was off to do her own list. Yes!

For me, there could be so many distractions. I don't Facebook as much anymore. I started doing the catch-up game with FB friends. I have to start my day reading positive and motivating. And, I pray. I have to move forward instead of focus on negative news. I have to clean my own house to achieve goals. I don't want to get caught up "the Jones's" or upset myself over inconveniences of the day. People will cut me off in line or on the road. "No crying over spilled milk." I have work to do.

If my neighbor needs help, I must help. That's what I believe. For example, an institution kept requesting more donations from us. They needed a professional approach since they kept telling us to get business involvement. Realistically, some forms of communication weren't quite professional nor thorough regarding donations. They changed. That's when we donated again.

Gotta get busy,
Christy

Goodness, Fast

2011-12-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

Coach Jackson has many successful winning fighters under his watch, arguably some of the very best. Every time I see the guy, he appears quite humble and chooses his words carefully. During this interview, he was wearing a simple red t-shirt. They were asking him what character trait he thought most valuable. He mentioned the simple act of doing good to others.

I've seen and heard this over and over again this year--quite strange in today's society. Yet, It is a much better way to live. I am not talking about allowing people to "run over me." But, I want to focus on acts of goodness independent of another's circumstances, behavior, or familiarity.

I've seen real leaders who see beauty in people no matter where they are in life. These people express consistent kindness to someone who is easily ignored. (Life changing goodness.)

It's easy to find hostility, misinterpretations, immaturity... all the qualities lacking in real leadership. It's gotten so old and habitual. But, as I look around, I have been fortunate to see those who've made a more positive choice. It's not that these people are ignorant to the world around them. They quietly and consistently practice goodness to another.

Goodness is something I get to see in Jim and the kids. They tend to give people extra chances, time to figure out circumstances, realize rumors are just rumors. They will try something at work or school that is not their idea unless they know it is harmful to self or the project.

I know we need to stand up for important things. But, in the process, I have to focus on helping those around me if they let me.

Have a good day,
Christy

Not For Sale

2011-12-10T15:04:00.000-08:00

Last week, Senator John McCain (Rep) and Senator Carl Levins (Dem) took little time convincing the majority of our Senate to threaten the "most basic Civil Liberty of U.S. citizens," noted Forbes magazine and 7 other highly concerned Senators. These 2 Senators carefully worded The National Defense Authorization Act with hidden language that threatened every citizen's 4th Amendment right. Well hidden but noted by concerned Senator Udall (Dem) of Colorado and Senator Rand Paul (Rep) of Kentucky who objected.

While we, The People, have been threatened with hard economic times, some Senators have used our pain as a "distraction." They have changed fundamental constitutional rights that our forefathers struggled more than just a day for "We, The People." Today, Senators take little time voting or somehow making money off power. Our Founding Fathers knew what could happen if Senate/Government had too much power.

Americans have been hurting. This is precisely how Hitler got his power. Europe was in financial distress and didn't notice that certain lawmakers were changing laws that protected freedom. In walked Hitler. We have been inundated with the word "war," War in so many countries. War on things-doesn't even have to be a country. The word is losing it's horror to the U.S. citizen, child, and politician. Some lawmakers are chipping away at the U.S. Constitution as we hurt in hopes that we won't notice. Notice their income while in office; politicians made money while our men and women have been at "war" and lost lives. Write, vote, call and say that our United State's Constitution is not for sale.

Our daughter had to memorize the Preamble this year. She is studying the Constitution and Bill of Rights. In the 7th grade Jim had to write the preamble 200 times. It was important. Why not today?

We The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Bill of Rights (Initial 10. It has been amended 27 times since 1787.)
1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievances.

2nd Amendment: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

3rd Amendment: No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

4th Amendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath and affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

5th Amendment: No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprive of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without compensation.

6th Amendment: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall haven been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

7th Amendment: In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed $20, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according the the rules of the common law.

8th Amendment: Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

9th Amendment: The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

10th Amendment: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

Lunch Break

2011-12-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

The news can be quite intoxicating for anyone who needs to say, "I told you so." But, it can also paralyze us to stop productive living. I am not saying to be totally oblivious to the world around us. It just seems that the more we dig in opinionated heals the less we care about our neighbor.

I have to be very careful in the morning that the words are not news related. The kids hear it everywhere. The worst thing that I can do is imply that their dreams are impossible. Politics is no way to start any day. But it is easy pickings. We love bookstores. Even there, we've learned to take music in order to tune out political conversations so that the kids can do homework or read.

I hear people criticize kid's school behavior. But, I have seen more verbal hatred expressed by adults. Of course I believe in free speech. I do not believe in hatred. I want my kids to love their neighbor as they love themselves.

I had an interesting conversation with our youngest who loves to write or be an investigative reporter. In the back of my mind, I thought, oh, but, it doesn't make enough money. Ugh. Oh no, I was that parent for moment. That's her passion today as she writes and reads all the time. Why would I ever discourage that because, "Today it doesn't make good money?" The child is in 5th grade. I apologized for my lack of enthusiasm. And, we talked about all the good things investigative reporters and authors (like her dad) do to help people.

We can't decide our children's future. But, we can be an example and do our best. I don't just feel love for Jim and the girls. I actively love them and support them. Politically, I know who will get my vote. But, I can't spend the majority of my time discussing it. I have a family to love.

To your dreams,
Christy

Education

2011-12-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Why we like Khan Academy

It's FREE.

We never hear, "I told you this last week, why weren't you listening? I am not going over it again." If stuck, just replay over and over. Sal's voice is just the same as the first time he taught the information.

He doesn't discriminate. Doesn't matter where we were born or live. Skin color doesn't matter. Age nor sex matters. Money nor lack there of matters.

His imperfection is funny. For example, it's hilarious when he scribbles off the page and starts over.

Whether he's teaching 1 + 1 or cancer cells, he doesn't patronize.

If we are really lost, he will say, "We learned this part in that video.

The exercises are really important. And, we can ask for help. People are very willing to help when we get stuck.

We can get help with ACT prep, or any other prep exams.

Love the black background and different color pen usage. It is easy on my eyes and doesn't give me a headache.

He's not standing over our shoulder saying, "NO, that's not right. Don't do that." We can practice and see for ourselves whether or not we are comprehending the information. It's not subjective. The feedback is instant so we aren't making the same mistakes over and over or creating bad habits.

He normally explains the answer numerous ways so it is clearly understood.

It feels like he is just talking to us and really loves the subject. It's as if he wants to be there and teach.

He assists educators. He assists parents. He assists anyone who will let him. And, he does it for free!

Me and my kids can actually watch the videos on our phone if we don't have our computers or tablets/iPads.

Thank you, Sal, for turning away the big bucks. (I wish we found ya sooner.)

Examples of a failing school district:
Kids have no homework.
Kids are doing homework from 3 p.m. to midnight on a regular basis.
Parent to teacher communication is lacking or defensive.
District website has more information about GED than it does on ACT or SAT help. (Big trouble, that district is planning to fail.)
Security is problematic. Or, security can be overbearing to the point it interferes with education.
Financial and educational transparency is confusing, lacking, or over-simplified.
High suicide rate in district. (some districts or countries try to hide this problem.)
Grading system is too complex, subjective or inconsistent.
Ineffective or outdated material. Inability to obtain material when needed.
Lack of math, science, writing, reading, history, and financial (business) education on a yearly basis.
Lack of regular testing.

Hope this helps. Sal Khan's program is free and does provide this info. After being contacted by a tutorial ACT program that guaranteed our child a 1 point ACT increase for $2700, I thought I'd pass along this info to you.

Happy learning.
Christy

Vaccinations: Part 2

2011-12-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

Recently Colorado ranked 2nd in the U.S. among parents choosing NOT to vaccinate their children. Some studies show that quite a few educated parents are making this choice. Having vaccinated our kids, I took a 2nd look at why educated parents could be making this decision. It had to be more than just Wakefield's fake study. These are educated parents who must know he was falsifying findings for money.

Funding, who gets the money? Who does the research? Who donates big funds? And, who made the decisions for the AMA and AAP? It doesn't help educated parents chose vaccinations when big pharmaceutical companies help fund and are seemingly committee members for watch dog public safety committees. How are parents supposed to trust this as any different than Wakefield? Matter of fact, it can appear worse than Wakefield due to the amount of money, power, and position these companies control.

A certain Billionaire is not helping the situation.

In this economy we are learning how policies can be purchased. Educated parents don't want their kid's health at risk due to big money.

Am I sorry that I vaccinated my kids? No. I don't like that my oldest may have received some mercury when she was a baby. And, most likely my husband and I received that mercury thru our vaccinations, too. The article above states that the mercury used as a preservative has been discontinued. However, we don't use new vaccines. Our state is smart enough not to mandate vaccines that haven't been out very long.

I am now a little more understanding of parents who make a different choice.

Christy

"Battling Cancer with Exercise"

2011-11-30T08:55:00.000-08:00

Jackie Clark requested to be a guest speaker here. Although exercise doesn't cure cancer, she hopes to encourage people to use exercise during cancer treatment. She specifically discusses lung and mesothelioma cancer. Please contact her with your thoughts about her article on this topic.

Battling Cancer with Exercise
By: Jackie Clark

Battling cancer is one of the toughest fights that anyone may deal with in his or her life. However, many cancer patients have been known to significantly improve their health by exercising in combination with a healthy diet. The benefits that are provided by exercising are enormous and include increased survival rate, reduced stress, and a decrease in the chances of cancer recurrence.

According to the National Cancer Institute, evidence is being shown that there are numerous benefits to exercising if you are a victim of cancer. Cancer treatment has the ability to reduce energy levels while causing patients to feel lethargic and depressed. The quality of life is improved while cancer symptoms such as fatigue are reduced through exercise. Other benefits include increased energy, better sleep, and improved strength. Also, the chances of surviving this disease are also increased when moderate exercise is implemented into your lifestyle.

Various exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming, biking, yoga, or Pilates can all improve your mental health as well as your physical body. Reduced stress can actually make traditional treatments more effective and can ultimately improve your well being during such a difficult time. In addition, improved mental health leads to self-confidence, physical fitness, and a better outlook on life that can coincide with a full recovery for cancer survivors.

Other cancer symptoms such as obesity, muscle and joint pain, inflammation, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression can be alleviated when implementing an exercise regimen into your schedule. Once a leukemic or mesothelioma prognosis is discovered, many patients tend to fall out of the habit of regularly exercising which is quite detrimental to the physical and mental health of a person. Even 30 minutes of exercise per day can be beneficial in preventing this vicious cycle and can be key to improving a cancer patient's life.

Though it is not a cure for cancer, the benefits that are associated with exercise are profound and should be considered for anyone dealing with lung or mesothelioma cancer. Furthermore, the benefits that are found with invigorating exercise are sure to make your life healthier and reduce the likelihood of living with this deadly disease.

Jackie joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2009 as research assistant after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in fitness and nutrition. Jackie’s experience in technical and medical research has allowed her to assist in the development of medical content and outreach efforts, with specializations in alternative care, cancer support programs, and social media campaigns.

Jackie, I wish you well in your efforts to assist people in their fight against cancer,
Christy

Then and Now

2011-11-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

Yep, this is me early 20's. Pretty happy runner! At 45, I do not look like this today. Exercise is still something I really enjoy but, I have changed things up a bit. Nothing wrong with that but, I believe I've made some errors. I now need to drop weight.

What was I doing back then? I started running 1 mile. I would get comfortable with that and then add distance to it. I ran 6 days a week on concrete/asphalt. Concrete was my only choice. I sweat and ran in high heat at 4 p.m. My daily distance reached 4 to 5 miles a day. Occasionally a friend would tag along (normally one of the soccer players who noticed my addiction to running no matter the weather.) They'd pick up the pace and teach me their breathing tricks.

After running became a lot fun I added another element. I would do about 20 minutes worth of sit-ups, squats, lunges, and floor exercises which I made up. I did them at a speed rate without weights. I very little money. The exercises seemed to make logical sense to my running. I had no trainer, no coach, and was never on a track team. I was a financially broke college student. My running shoes were probably horrible by "today's" standards. If you asked what I wanted for Christmas, it would be running shoes or running clothes. Back then, my workouts lasted about 1.5 hours max (run included.)

What and when did I eat back then? I had to eat what school offered. First thing I did when I woke up was drink about 60 fluid oz of water. I am not kidding. A friend thought I was going to drown because I drank so much luke warm water. I measured my water with a particular cup and would quit drinking water at a particular time due to running at 4 p.m. I didn't take water on my run. No sodas except on my cheat meal 1 day a week. Water was it for me. I had a cheat meal a week.

College food: I normally had half a bagel with cream cheese when I got to the cafeteria in the morning. I ate what they had. I would try to pick whatever was healthy. I ate minimal sweets. TIME: I went to bed hungry a lot of times. I quit eating after dinner. This may have been a mistake. A lot of people tell you not to go hungry. But, I ate dinner after my run and studied the rest of the night. I studied all the time. Once I started running, I figured out how to study.

Why this post? There is a lot of debate about weights. Slow or fast? I don't know. I know that a big mistake that I've made along the way is Ignoring Injury. Fast exercise, plyometric, or ballistic, is the "in thing" again instead of slow weight training. It's what I did in college post runs. But, I didn't have money for weights or a trainer. It simply made sense. However, common sense is something I have ignored when it comes to injury. That, too, has changed my running. I do not sprint anymore.

Lots of questions still. Here is a very good article http://www.nsca-lift.org/HotTopic/download/Superslow%20Training.pdf

Beach muscles are only good when you look in the mirror. They don't even get ya the right girl or guy! Do what works.

Thank you to my beautiful family, Jim, Abby and Emma. I love you all so very much. I am grateful you are in my life.

Have fun figuring it out.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Christy

"Hurry to do good.."

2011-11-16T12:03:00.001-08:00

Ariel Helwani interviewed Fedor Emelianenko after his recent MMA fight. Ariel told him that of all the MMA fighters his fan base was one of the most loyal. Fedor was asked if there was any message he had for his loyal fans.

"Translation: 'I would like to say, hurry to do good, hurry to help each other, treat each other with love, with understanding, with patience'." Fedor Emilianenko

"Hurry to do good"
Christy

Stress and Stress Relief

2011-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

Time out! This week has been a stressful . Today, as I was running "must do" errands, I walked past a woman on her cell. She was so loud that everyone could hear her and the conversation. "Calm down." She shouted. "If you wouldn't stress out so much it would be okay." The irony of her own emotions and the words coming out of her mouth were actually humorous.

But, it was obvious, too, that she was worried and cared. Worry can sound like anger but never sets a relaxing tone. People don't learn well in distress. Matter of fact, it makes things worse. When the shouting starts up, people can't hear the spoken words, mostly. They tune out. Then trust gets lost. It's a vicious cycle. As adults, regardless of our own issues with worry and anxiety, we can teach relaxation to our loved ones thru patience and humor.

There are all sorts of tricks. If you've ever gone to yoga, you know that breathing trick. Music helps tons of kids. It helps them release their own emotions (sad, anger, happy, spiritual, whatever.) Screaming into a pillow is a good trick. I learned this one... an emergency kit. You have a little box. Inside the box are things you can touch, hear, see, smell. They all represent calm or happy memories. It really works for some people. There are so many helpful tricks. But, most important is daily practice when the stress isn't at a high level. That way someone can be on auto-pilot. They automatically know what works for them when the s$it hits the fan.

Exercise is key to stress relief. I notice that I will forget to eat or eat too much when I am knee deep in anxiety. But, you may say... I have the kids, 3 jobs, bills. I know. The medical bills I am dealing with today are causing much stress. And dealing with insurance doesn't making it easier. But, it is worth a 10 minute break to catch my breath. And, I know that my kids are no different. I hear how stressed they feel at school. The older they get, it really gets hard.

Sometimes people need the help of a doctor especially if you have suicidal thinking.

By the way blaming each other over American educational woes will not fix our problems. We were on top when we let our kids explore, invent, create. I don't want to play follow the leader so kids can work in a factory for cheap labor. My girls want to be inventors. And, that's what I will forever encourage them to do. We cannot continue to knee-jerk just because we have slowly strayed from what works. And, now we reap what we sow. We can't hide from technology. Just like we couldn't hide from driving cars instead of riding horses.

Okay, that's my 10 minutes. Breathe well today, my friend.
Christy

We Vaccinate

2011-11-08T04:51:00.000-08:00

Aye Yay Aye-- What is up with not vaccinating a child? I get it, if there is a specific allergy identified by the pediatrician. But, for an educated parent to refuse vaccinations is beyond my comprehension. They a buying in a debunked study from a guy who is/was stripped of his M.D. for falsifying his findings for money!

I remember the day Emma had her 5 yr old vaccines, as her big sis did. It's a ruff 10 minutes but, I love her, and she got her vaccines. However, we had an appointment with someone else that day too. (Alternative individual for me.) Emma was wearing a sticker from her doctor for getting all her vaccines. (Positive reinforcement is a good thing.) He asked about her sticker. After the explanation, I could tell something was wrong. Then, in front of her, I got the lecture about vaccinations and mercury and the devastating harm they cause. I also receive written info. So, I later asked my pediatrician explaining what happened. Believe me, my kids have received their vaccinations ever since. My pediatrician gave me more than enough info about the study from medical journals about the false study. The guy, Wakefield, was being charged at that time for falsifying his study.

Some educated parents believe everything we hear just because a nice, good-looking, fit, sports guy/girl says it's true. Just because your kid's coach is a .... and tells you not to vaccinate your kid doesn't mean he or she is right. I am not a parent to impress a teacher, coach, alternative dude, etc. I am a parent to do what is best for my child.

And by the way it is illegal to give a child a lollipop that is known to be infected with chicken-pox. Yep, that's as crazy as it gets. But, it's the in thing. Some good looking, fit, tree-hugger says it's okay and people follow. I have nothing against fitness and good looks. I believe in fitness and good looks are pretty. Being responsible with air we breathe is important too. But, I have seen how people follow others simply because of their deceiving style. It's as if they choose to turn off the brain.

To health,
Christy

Sports Chatter

2011-11-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

First, Congrats to Doreen on her Full Ironman Finish in Florida yesterday. Doreen is one of those kind-hearted triathletes who has a full time job (serving the public) and trains. Oh, she's 52 and won't mind my saying so--it's a compliment. She's in amazing shape. Congrats on your IM finish, Doreen, and doing it with class and style (fun!)

Abby and I watched Emma's dance classes yesterday. When Emma dances, she's happy. It's fun watching those hard working athletes while hearing "The Nutcracker" in the background. Witnessing athleticism, grace, and hard work is amazing. Kids need to express themselves physically doing what they love. Adults are no different!

Abby and I have been learning so much in MMA. After practice this week while sitting on the mat, our coach said, "Do you remember when you said that you would never..." Back then he answered, "oh, OK!" I had just finished a full class doing the very thing that I said I'd never do. And, I had a blast, exhausting blast. Our coach works with pro fighters too. I will never "Boo" at a fight. One exception, as in every sport, those athletes that go for the cheap shots on a regular basis don't appeal to me--doesn't match with mixed martial arts. Those pro fighters teach classes, talk to our kids, deal with the media; training is crazy. They have to learn as fast as a programmer to keep up in this sport. By the way, Jim has been getting in to lifting along with the aerobic and likes the speedy affects of that addition to his workouts.

There were some amazing fights in Birmingham, England (UFC 138.) It's hard to pick my favorite. If you haven't watched yet. Stop reading, now. Mark Munoz was outstanding and is a fantastic athlete for the sport of MMA. For a great grappling match and chin I loved the Maguire/Edwards bout. I can't imagine what it would have been like in the crowd with such knowledge fans during that fight. I watched Etim's fight about 5 times.That 17 second/first round finish left me speechless, except, "Jim, please rewind." (til he said, "No more.")

My hubby is a lucky guy. He never has to beg for the t.v. when it comes to "Fight Night." Abby and I are always ready! We record it so we can also make it fun for Emma who has her thing too. Nanowrimo is getting lots of her spare time. She and a friend are really in to their stories.

Have fun doing the healthy things you love,
Christy

Good News Is Good News

2011-11-02T10:11:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that we love Khan Academy in this house. I just watched one of Sal's free videos titled, "Systemic Thinking About Cancer." On this tutorial he invites guest speaker, Dr. David Agus, who is a Professor of Medical and Engineering. He discusses a whole new approach in dealing with breast cancer systemically. He has some impressive results. Worth the watch.

Christy

MMA

2011-10-25T05:01:00.000-07:00

Abby has yet to let me take the camera into our MMA gym. I respect her wishes. As a mom, I can't wait until my 16 yr old daughter gives me permission to get a picture of her training. During the school year, she studies and trains and that's about it. With all the studying, sometimes waking up at 4:30 a.m. to finish what she left off at 11:00 pm the previous night, she will take a weekend to catch up on sleep. But, she has found something she loves. Every night I ask her, "Are you going to practice tonight?"

"Yes" is her response. She loves it.

Sometimes it's a little challenging with more guys than girls. But, our coach and gym are very supportive of women and we have quite a few women in our group.

Jim and I switch because Emma's passion is dance. And, that's right where she should be. But, when she visits our gym, she has her favorite fighters she watches. Why? Because she says they are funny--they have a sense of humor.

MMA, Judo, Wrestling, BJJ takes so much discipline and practice. It's not street fighting. People who come in there boasting always leave more than humbled. I know where I am on the totem pole and I've been practicing for a little less than a year. I am very humble. I know I am new!

I was recently introduced to a show after watching one of our gym's fighters on t.v. The show was Bully Beatdown hosted by Mayhem Miller. Bullying is such a huge problem. The bullies on this show have been at it for years and have tormented these guys and girls physically and mentally far too long. Every bully says the same thing, "It's my job to toughen them up." I think one of the pro-fighters, Eddie Alvarez, says it best when he says that real fighting isn't for bullies because it "takes too much discipline." Bullies do not grasp that concept. They understand cheating and everything that goes against Mixed Martial Arts.

Christy

p.s. In case you believe the nosey one-liners you read at the grocery store stands, Mayhem helped his sister. I am sure many families wish a colleague, friend, or family member would stop someone driving in a "state they shouldn't" as Mayhem talks about.

Sally

2011-10-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

We've made up a new family tradition--Discover hidden natural Colorado treasures. They are usually down some county dirt path disguised by a couple of trees.

This week was fall break and it was mostly just us girls since Jim had to work. (Abby has homework at night.) We made Jim call it a day on Friday and join us for fishing on Friday. The treasures we discover can only be described in a picture.

Sally, our Dane, loves these excursions. She is never camera shy. During our adventures, she's by Emma's side. It's autopilot even though Jim feeds her sausage every morning :) Yesterday, Abby was crossing the rocks and we ended up about 20 feet too far for Sally's liking. Sally got in front of Jim and stood sideways so that he couldn't take another step. She wouldn't look at him--snubbed him. Abby was walking across slippery rocks and carrying the tackle box too. Once we were all together, we were okay to proceed. And, she stepped aside.

Emma loves to run and play. It's hard for a lazy Dane sometimes. But, in the woods, Sally keeps up with us all. And, never misses a beat. The silly Dane thinks she's a person. She is out like a light as soon as we get in the car or walk in the door.

While she sleeps we will play a game, all read, do homework, or watch movies this week. I read a book, "We Got Fired" By: Harvey Mackay. The second part of the title is, "And It's The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Us." Written in 2004, I know that some of the people are in different places today. But, I found it no different the little kid's book that Emma wanted me to read aloud every night, "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by: Dr. Seuss. They were books that just happened to be on the counter. Emma hasn't read that book since she was a toddler.

I watched a bit of congress chat and I got angry. The finger pointing, blaming, name calling between both parties still in the middle of it all. It's my job to teach my kids that doesn't accomplish a thing. I am teaching them to problem solve and go places. We talk about ideas, figure out problems and paths. Talk about risks and learn together. And most important, discuss the funniest things of all that mean absolutely nothing. Interesting, Abby explained why a certain sport recently failed in a country far away. She was right on the money. Kids are paying attention. They understand what's happening to them and their friends.

oh, the places we go with Sally.
Christy

Local Vote Counts

2011-10-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I've gone into that voting booth without knowing the verbiage of every amendment, referendum, board member status, on and on. I get it. I must fully comprehend what and who I am putting into local office.

As Emma and I drove past an intersection, there they were, people holding up their political signs. Guys in expensive suits, waving their signs. I automatically assumed, "Crooked politician." And, looked at the guy across the street dressed as Jim does everyday to work. That guy is the one I instinctively trusted. Emma said, "Mom, you can't judge a book by its cover."

Funny, now, "the suits" can appear crooked and dirty at first glance. Taking Emma's advice, I will research "the suit's" sign, too. Who knows? The guy dressed like casual Jim could have a bunch of tailored suits at home. And he might have a publicist who taught him how to dress down for campaigning. Emma's right.

Time to do the real work... research before I vote. It's really important.

Christy

Drug Free Kids

2011-10-10T06:48:00.000-07:00

A blurp of our conversation on our way to school:

Emma (age 10, very excited voice): "Today is drug-free day at school."

Abby (age 16, smirk): "Really, What does that mean?"

Emma: "The helicopter lands on the field and we get to watch. They talk to us about drugs and give us a ribbon."

Abby: "We don't get ribbons. We get dogs. Everyone has to pee so badly. It takes forever and you can't pee because they get so mad at ya."

Then the conversation goes to the need to pee at school.

Somehow, I agree with many that the message is getting lost between elementary age and teens in dealing with drugs. I fear the problem will only worsen unless adults change the message. Sports, art, passion in their extra curricular really helps. If our kids find their sport/work, they are filling time following those dreams and skills. They need us as parents to be involved. I always say that it takes a community and we will do the driving to get a supportive community for them. Sometimes I wonder how money is being spent in our communities. Our nice streets are being re-built while the good teacher's jobs are threatened. They go after the good ones. I don't understand.

Have fun today,
Christy

A Weekend

2011-10-03T08:29:00.001-07:00

Pictures, Pictures! Colorado is so pretty in the fall. We had fun skipping rocks in a surprise lake we found at the top of a trail head. Saw a baby deer nursing while its mamma trusted us to "stay put." Played hide and seek in the woods. Saw speckles of aspens changing colors. Listened to Emma read aloud from her book as we traveled through the Colorado Rockies. And, we sang with the radio. All in a day!

I love you, family!
Christy/Mom

Kids. Coaches. and Parents.

2011-09-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last night our daughter showed me something on t.v. It was a show about a particular children's sporting competition. The show followed a specific coach, the kids, and their parent. Parents were required to be at all meetings. I do not know when the kids went to school. Our kids are 16 and 10 and I have never witnessed a coach or parent behave like that in sport. I am sure they are out there. But, if I ever saw a coach behave the way this coach behaved, our kid would be out of there. Also, it would not cross my mind to scream like that over a sporting competition.

Do these kids like the sport? Kids do not have to do the same sport nor do they have to pick the sport that I like. Matter of fact, one of our kids picked dance and the other chose MMA.

Coach--both our gyms are family oriented. Parents are welcome but do not run the class. Truthfully, we trust the coaches. The coaches are so positive and knowledgeable about their sport that they want to be coaching. Their coaches have been professionals in the sport at one time. When the kids are finished with class it is very rare that they come home unhappy. They are always dripping with sweat and red-faced. But, happy and hungry. Both the girls like it so much that they will practice in between class. Our 16 yr old doesn't have much time because of homework. And, she has to miss some classes because of school. But, Coach is okay with it. Matter of fact, he asks about school.

Parents are welcome to watch. Occasionally, you hear about a creepy coach in the news. We picked gyms that are open to parents. They have nothing to hide. If a parent made fun of a student, I can visualize the staff excusing that parent and child from the facility.

It took us a while to find a good fit. We didn't pick the most expensive place. Nor did we pick the neighborhood gyms. We were focused on a good fit. We've met people who care about our kids. Our girls know that someone is in their corner. I believe that it takes a community to raise a child. They are happy and love doing their sport. It goes both ways, too. We care about their coaches and teammates, too.

I've heard the horror stories about coaches fighting or parents getting into brawls. It's not something I've witnessed at a kid's event. Nor have I witnessed a kid ignoring injury especially when coach and parent knew about it.

In case you wonder about price, we'd bail if the sport cost a fortune. There are good gyms out there with really good people who love coaching! They understand economic times and would rather kids be in sports than trouble.

Enjoy today.
Christy

How Did they Find it?

2011-09-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

I got my degree in psychology. When Jim and I watch poker he's paying attention to the math while I am looking at the signs of who has the bluff. We love MMA. As much as I watch technique and am yelling, "You're chin is wide open." I still wonder if the opponent realizes when he's got the win at his reach. There are always patterns. I have talked repeatedly about Sal Khan. An adult EE student of Sal's discussed learning patterns from Khan Academy. Getting "C's" throughout high school this guy was able to ace his first year through very hard full time EE collegiate courses after Khan Academy.

So, how did "gamers" solve the AIDS enzyme mystery in 3 weeks? I think it is a very important question that educators will want to ignore. The gamers themselves argue that they are, in fact, programmers. But, I argue that they are not just programmers. There is a difference. There is a 9 to 5 programmer. He's the man or woman that may have some trouble in the private sector. The gamer is the programmer who finds programming to be a puzzle that must be solved. Gamers will often think about "the bug" at the dinner table. They will dream about it in their sleep. And, they will solve it in their sleep, too. It's not just 9 to 5. They love it. It's a puzzle. They have to solve it. The 9 to 5 guy is more concerned about the politics at the office or their pre-madana status.

Jim also believes there is a higher beehive mind thus a higher more efficient intelligence. Gamers work together with other gamers whom they trust. (Not in the same room of course.) But, they will be in a chat room or online or Skype etc. Jim honestly believes it provides a beehive higher mind. It's a quicker way to efficiently problem-solve. Sometimes you get the guy in there who is counterproductive. That is why trust is pretty vital to the beehive. They aren't so concerned with who has a doctorate when they've got a puzzle to solve. Ego stagnates productivity every single time.

I believe these guys solved the problem because they weren't looking at it from an AIDS/disease point of view. They saw it as a puzzle. (They were looking at a pattern.) They see patterns all day everyday. They know what's out of place, when something isn't right. More importantly they solved it in 3 weeks when M.D's have been looking at this for a decade because "THEY" used the beehive mind. Maybe one guy wants to take credit now. But, in the end, they were all looking at the patterns. They were gamers not just 9 to 5 programmers.

Why is this important? We need to educate differently. We need to do a lot of things differently. Ego is out of whack in education and the kids lose. Just think of all things that we could solve with a beehive mind, with a gamer's mind. I know some diabetics who would beg these guys to solve that puzzle.

Have fun.
Christy

Why I love MMA

2011-09-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

Our 16 year old loves it. Every year someone tells you, "This will be the hardest year of school." It's really through MMA that our 16 year old found her rhythm and dance. She'll tell you that she has much to learn just like school. But, in MMA she meets people like "the coach." Shawn Tompkins.

It takes a community to raise a child. And, it's a parents job to be and find that community. I read a parent comment amongst a political debate, "If caring about my kid's education is wrong, I don't want to be right." MMA has brought caring people in the life of our daughters. They know our 16 year old in person. They know her dance, style, weaknesses and strengths. They believe in her and support her. They ask about school. They know us. They actually talk to us. The question isn't, "What do you do for a living?" It's, "How's your day?" It's asked with sincerity. "How is YOUR day?"

If we have to drive for hours for community, so she's not a number in a crowd, we'll do it. They are not adults yet. Our other daughter really does like dance. No pun intended. Every kid needs their craft. They don't need to sit in the stands every game. They need to participate. They need to hear, "Good job." Or, "Put your hands up." It's important to get in the game. When they hear a good corner, is when a man or woman becomes, "Coach."

Shawn Tompkins story meant a lot to me. I've never met the man nor anyone he trained. But, his sport is our sport too. Women in MMA. Yep! It's life changing.

For school math help our kids just started using Sal Khan's program. It's funny, our 16 year old calls him, "Mr. Khan." Thanks, Sal, for stepping up and tutoring for free. It works. The kids say they don't feel judged and they go for those badges. You are helping so many people just like "Coach."

To have a coach, it's important to help someone who really needs it. That is the legacy of Shawn Tompkins. It is what Sal Khan does today. It is also what several of their teachers do, too. They got so lucky this year. Thank you, teachers, coaches, and tutors.

Christy

Forgiveness

2011-09-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

The kids were sick Saturday night. I guess the schedule was meant for sleep deprivation and p.j.'s... part of life. T.V. really bores me. But, I can handle MMA, Dr. Who, Discovery, History Channel. I was watching some history show about WW1 and the wars that followed.

Our 10 year old looked at me and said,

"Americans don't forgive."

She was born in 2000. She doesn't recall exactly where she was on 9/11 like the rest of us. She didn't freeze in front of television that day. That day, we hated. "They" enjoyed watching us die and "they" proudly announced their destruction. "They" attempted to tear us down. But, failed.

In our daughter's lifetime there has only been war. There will always be war and there is a time to fight and for peace. Forgiveness is not popular. Understanding takes more time and intelligence. Working together takes a lot of effort, less politics and more understanding.

If I raise my kids as though "everyone's a bad guy," they will never write their books, dance at class, love their martial arts, have a true friend, believe a dream will come true. In truth, they will get hurt as they already know. It's amazing to watch them evaluate a situation before making a complete judgement that cannot be changed.

Sometimes when we are right, we are still wrong in the end.

There are really bad people who must be found and brought to justice. Anger and hatred are normal feelings. Living without forgiveness nor understanding is self-destructive. It passes destruction of dreams for generations to come. People can get lost in hatred that they have a right to feel. That's when every little thing causes it to fester and harms self and loved ones. It never works. Forgiveness and understanding are harder and a lot less popular. But, we need it.

Christy

How to Keep a Job in Software Development

2011-09-05T11:03:00.001-07:00

From the perspective of a spouse...

We estimated that Jim has been paid to design and develop software since 1990. He's been programming since he was 13 years old. He and his dad bought a personal computer 2 years after the computers were made. Together they discovered its guts and Jim began to program with passion. A programmer sits in front of a computer for hours, gets lost in their work and, loses track of time. There is a great desire to make the project work efficiently, intuitively, and it's gotta be fast.The way Jim handles stress and hours of sitting is biking to and from work.

2nd to passion has got to be know-how. It's no secret that programming changes daily. If research and constant learning is boring than software development is not in the cards for you. It's a puzzle and developers are constantly looking at older code and fitting the faster/newer code into old code. Most of the time, it is financially ineffecient for a company to completely start over with code unless they are starting a brand new project. Even then, there is still something old, something new, something borrowed, etc.

Thirdly, in all the paid years of Jim's career, every single job came by referral. Period. Even, the very first job. People he worked with or quickly and effectively fixed their long lost problem have re-hired him years later. Even if the project was crazy insane, they'd remember him and his fixes, work ethic, and people skills. He is a team player who is willing to do the hard grunt work. Plus, he will try to find a solution before presenting a problem. And, he knows he makes mistakes and admits them. Testers are there to find errors because everyone makes mistakes. He gives credit where credit is due and helps a colleague.

He will pay his own way to conferences when he has time and wants to learn what they're teaching. And, he will go solo. He mingles and meets people and has made great contacts all over the world.

He likes working with people. He enjoys laughter. He gets to know the people he works with and they enjoy working with him. He remembers the little things they say. It's a lot of fun for him to work with people from all over the world.

Money, money, money... He's got his own ideas on rates and everybody feels differently. But, Jim gets a lot of callbacks when he finishes a contract and that's pretty cool.

One thing, he has learned to always stay prepared for the future or what-if at a moment's notice.

He has written quite a few professional books which has helped his career. But, writing a book is very hard and cannot interfere with your paying job. People tell him all the time, "I want to write." They don't realize how hard it is until they start dealing with publishers, timelines, etc. Jim is able to do it succussfully. But, you have to have a hard shell. People love to criticize. Your competition really needs to criticize.

People skills really can't be stressed enough. He has settled numerous problems simply by calming the waters and being willing to "Not get my way" all the time. After all, it pays the bills. And, when he comes home, we play and family is the whole reason he does his job. There is so much more. And, most of it has to do with staying focused on the present, listening, and people skills. And, when he comes home, we play. But, these are things that this wife has watched her hubby succussfully do for many years.

Good luck to ya! I hope this helps those of you who want to get in this field and keep moving up.
Have fun learning,
Christy

Kids, These Days

2011-09-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

Every single generation worries about "Kids These Days." Kids are amazing. The kids whom we know are smart, kind, innovative, and unique. Some of them will still say, "Yes, ma-am." Most of them say, "Thank you," after a visit with kids or a carpool ride.

We aren't fools. Jim shows his face when kids are at the house. We have a code word when they are away from home. If something is wrong, they text or call the code word. No questions asked, and we pick them up.

Kids these days will educate themselves if we stay out of the game. Some people look for reasons to keep new technology out of schools. Adults are scared. Or, is it technical ignorance? Our 16 yr old knows how to use the public transportation system with her friends. The horror! She stays close to home. But, can get from point A to point B. She actually takes pictures and shows us. We are proud of her.

Our kids will leave us out if we don't catch up. We are failing them if we attempt to keep them out of the technical loop. They will learn even if we don't.

I loved my grandmother so very much. She survived the depression. Worked for the FBI. Raised 6 kids. Yet, told me computers will destroy this country. She never understood that computers paid for our home. I would smile and not argue because I loved her and understood. She hated highways too. In her mind, there were too many accidents on those fast interstates. But, that's how we would visit her. I mean her no disrespect. She and my Granddad saved and spent their money wisely. They taught many generations and gave more to neighbors and strangers than most people I know. I loved them both.

If we think we are keeping technology from our kids, we are ignorant. We must participate with them as they make their discoveries.

Some schools are figuring it out. They are studying the future with our kids and the technical innovations. Plus, have you weighed your kid's back-pack lately. In 6th grade, our daughter's pack weighed 28 lbs.

Come on schools, all aboard. There is so much good to learn. It's fun!

Christy

It's Gonna Be a Good Year

2011-09-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

We got a little lucky this year. Our girls got some really good teachers. Emma's 5th grade teacher knows kids and loves teaching. Emma is free to fly. The chick-a-dee can learn as much as her lil heart desires. She is stoked and comes home happy but hungry. She still does Khan Academy when she wants and has earned meteor and moon badges. Truth be told, playful imagination is part of her day as it should be.

Abby has a great AP US History teacher. They finally get to use Google Docs. It is amazing when your kids get to show what they really can do. She did the coolest video. I keep playing over and over again. I love it. She has never been able to show off these skills because they didn't have the tools.

Yes, this momma is bragging. And, that's not very interesting. But, it's nice when you feel like your kids are able to soar at school. Gates said some stuff recently. I normally like a lot of his comments. But, it's easy for a parent to forget how they started their own business. It's frightening when you realize, "I did that." But it worked, didn't it, Gates?

Life is changing and changing fast. The other day I received a list of must do's for today's kids. It was a list of 40. I laughed. School is important. Learning is important. Love is most important. After-school stuff is important. But, to have a list of 2 x church. No extra free time. Blah blah blah. Laughter is key for lists like that. Because if they think that parenthood only has 40 "to do" things in a week, they've not lived a day as a parent. Parenting takes common sense and intuition. No kid is the same.

It's fun to watch our girls grow up. I don't want them to move out and yet, want them to go off to school at the same time. I am so very proud of them.

To all us parents, a family google calendar helps, not FB'ing all the time helps, doing what I always wanted when "I grow up" helps, laughter is very good medicine, and let the house get messy sometimes. Expanding friendship and connections beyond my "little circle" keeps me focused goal oriented instead of listening to "neighborhood gossip."

To making dreams a reality,
Christy

Kids and Weight

2011-08-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter was packed at the midnight showing this summer. People would automatically stand up and act the scenes in the middle of the theatre as we waited 3 hours for the show to begin. It was crazy but something our girls enjoyed as a family.

Next to us sat a a group of middle-school kids. Kids at that age have so much energy; they have to move and talk. Over and over again one of the girls stood up and loudly boasted to her friends next to us, "I've not eaten a meal in 3 days."

In elementary school kids are taught that everyone is different. None of us grows at the same rate. Those differences are something we appreciate. In middle school, the game changes."What are you wearing today?" They'll go to the mall and all buy the same outfit or same sox. With weight, everyone stands in a long line for PE, and coach calculates weight. Some kids never outgrow the need to be just like everyone else through high school and even in adulthood.

But, body image continues to be a growing problem in our society. Pediatricians find eating disorders as a major problem among teens. Suicide is at an all time high among adolescents and teens are attempting suicide at younger ages than years past. What we are doing isn't working or helping. Teen smoking is up. Smoking suppresses the appetite.

Our oldest takes Muay Thai and MMA from an experienced coach (20 plus years experience in coaching.) The trainers at the gym are educated and positive with a common sense approach to people skills. Never would make one stand in line for weight. Nor would he tell a person not to eat. He talks about food when a client asks. And, he focuses on muscle, joints, and the way food makes you feel. The conversation is not focused on weight. It's geared towards muscle, health, and natural fuel that makes a body function at its best. The coaches focus on muay thai, aerobic exercise and skill. The experience is so positive and non-threatening that our daughter will prompt questions about food. It's normal for everyone at the gym. The information is given from experience and love for the job. It makes a huge difference. There are no fast/fad/fasting diets. And, you don't hear a kid boasting, "I've not been eating for 3 days." That would be a huge alert that something is wrong and must be corrected immediately.

No one should weigh kids except a pediatrician. There are way too many factors that can and should be unknown to a teacher.

Radical change can be Good

2011-08-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Historically, our kids have had pretty good teachers particularly in their elementary years. They have been in the public school system. On occasion, there is that time when we say, "Hang in there." For that subject or year, we focus on positive and any educational slack that can occur. Lots of data and info can be found on the internet.

Speaking of the internet Khan Academy has gotten lots of press lately due to the August issue in Wired magazine. Plus, several public schools in California adopted the program with statistically surprising success. Of course, this scares all the old schoolers out of their comfy chairs. (pun intended)

If this were sports and coaches/trainers were seeing the same high statistical success rates, Khan would be a millionaire. Every single sport's program would have already implemented his system with their athletes. But, it's just smarts. So, we have some old-system committees telling him he's wrong. All the while his statistical success loudly shouts, "This works." Some systems continue to change scoring methods yearly without any statistical proof. Teachers sit through countless meetings explaining this year's new scoring method. We don't look at how we teach. What tools are we using? Is this effective not only for college but for future employment? Is the school's mission statement innovative and effective for kids' success in today's society?

"History repeats itself." They say. If that's true, those who make positive radical changes and discoveries are people who change the world for the better.

Please keep it up, Sal Khan. You are waking up those who've been asleep for far too long. Thank you for giving your program away for free! Our daughter listened to your talk and said, "That's what I mean, Mom." She loves your tutorials and so do I.

Have a successful day,
Christy
Speaking of radical change and positive contributions, I wish Steve Jobs all the best as he fights cancer.

Money, Everybody Wants It

2011-08-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

If you have kids, you know that everyone wants some cash right now. I have been to only one open house meeting where I wasn't asked for money. They needed it too because they received the same state and federal cuts. It's important to donate when I can. But, everyone is asking. So, we have to pick "who."

Success breeds success. The one public institution that didn't do the "we are so poor" drill has done amazing things with technology and kids. Their own educators found a grant for the most modern tech equipment. The pack of 4 filed for the grant, but got a no-go. Due to their efforts someone stepped in and granted their request. These educators didn't expect a handout. They worked for it. Wrote a grant. Didn't give up. We happily support them. We see their success. It's not money going down the drain or to some top heavy administration. We don't question their intent because we see the beneficiaries, kids and quality teaching. Another institution we researched. Same thing. They are teaching kids the newest and best; innovators of education. The attitude toward education doesn't waiver with the economy. They are excited about the future. It's new and positive, not depressing.

These places make it easy to give. They want to work with donors and do the best job they can with the people they serve, kids.

Guilt, humiliation, percentages. We've seen it all in this economy. The negative comes off as institutional/business failure. People will start questioning it like a crooked politician. I've even seen humiliation when someone gave all they could which wasn't the expected amount. That's knee deep institutional failure at its very core.

Fund raising is hard work. It takes marketing and business skills. If it were me, I'd look to those who succeed at fund raising.

That's my kick for today. Everyone is asking. We have to make the choice. We chose successful places with a positive attitude and progressive sites on the future. That's what works for kids. We also do everything we can at home to educate. It's not just someone else's job. We are responsible. So, they get to learn to program. Hee Hee.

Check this out in Wired Magazine... amazing leaps in public education!

Christy
p.s. I hurt my ribs, crash on bike. So, no exercise blog today. Been busy studying anyway. Enjoy the day!

Interesting

2011-08-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had visiting friends and family. We took them to an Irish pub when one of them commented on the music. Reggae music in an Irish pub, "Hmm, interesting." He said.

I thought nothing of it until I was driving Abby to school this morning. I've noticed that kids are wearing different styles. Bling is not the thing around here. I asked Abby about it and she said, "Bob Marley sells out. Look what I am wearing. These are the colors we like."

I realized that it all made sense. While us "old people" fight and argue and blame each other over money, the younger generation begs for peace and freedom. They know the effects of war through their friends, brothers, fathers, mothers, and sisters. The media and public may call them "stupid." But, they will always remind us of their intelligence. They are worth our time and our ears. They are paying attention and know much more than they are credited.

Enjoy the day,
Christy

My Swim Coaches

2011-08-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Almost all good things are discovered on vacation. Emma will tell you all about Jack Kilby who created the microchip during his summer months, on vacation.

I have never been the relaxed swimmer. Abby and Emma grew up being on swim teams at some point in their childhood. I always think those private lessons were a great help and being on a team was good for the fun and competitive edge every kid needs. For Abby, swimming stuck and stuck well. To this day, she's still "got it" even though she's not on a team today.

We swim every night after our daily adventures. We are taking a reading break with the storm. It's great, the beach muscle guys will jump in and try to race Abby. They just can't keep up consistently. And, she's not even trying. Doesn't even know they racing her. Jim and I watch as they continually frustrate while she relaxes at the end of the lane.

Little did I know, thru all my triathlon days, my coaches lived right under my own roof. Today, I've got all sorts of help. Emma yells across the lane, "Mom, your butt is sagging." I just say, "Thanks for the tip." Then, I do the Abby trick and my butt pops right out of the water during my freestyle.

Tri is out for me. My knee needs a break. But, swimming was the one thing that always freaked me out. And, I've heard some weird comments from the mouths of adult coaches. (I still love the bike and it seems to stretch my knee after muay thai.)

The most helpful, relaxed, useful swim tips have come from the mouths of my own kids. Oh, and they are discovering their real passions again while on vacation! Emma has been diving over and over literally, no joking, about 50 times a day.

The storm has lifted. The kids are rested. Time for some more adventure.
Enjoy the day.
Christy

Road Trip

2011-07-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

Jim threw our summer vacation together in no time, and the girls were game for the road trip. With a very sick puppy who needed lots of medicine, our summer fun was spent around Denver. We have no complaints. There is much adventure to be explored around our town.

First vacation day, kid's choice was chilling-time at the pool. I mean the whole day at the salt-pool by the river. I got to work on my jewelry making by the pool. Finally breathe and relax.

School starts up as soon as we get back and we are signed up and ready to go. But, for today it's the art market for me. Surprisingly, Jim, Abby and Emma want to go. Mountain biking and and white water rafting are on tap too for days ahead. For us, just exploring trails, rivers, no make-up, being together, seeing wild-life, climbing, and so much more works for us. We are off. Hope you are enjoying the weekend.

I know that so much is going on in the world. This blog isn't about that even though we are fully aware of it all. I still have a life to live and it doesn't stop in front of a t.v. or on a piece of tech equipment. Gotta mountain bike trails and white water raft with the family. We have trails to discover. There are animals to see and people to meet.

Enjoy the day.
Christy

The Chocolate Store

2011-07-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

Jim's office is located in an old and small town. He and his neighbors have doors that creak and creative treasures inside with beautiful sounds and smells. The best restaurant is right across the street. My favorite is the chocolate store, The Chocolate Therapist. Not only can you see how their chocolate is made, there is so much to read. The owner loves what she sells and something else. She gives to charity over and over again.

All over the store are positive notes and books. She gives to children's charities as much as she can. Those stories with kid's drawings are framed on the walls.

The people who make the chocolate and take our order are just as kind. Jim told me a true story of one of the girls we saw yesterday. She helped her uncle with a child who needed help in Africa. They brought him to the States so the child could get much needed surgery. The uncle is medically ensuring that he is strong enough to go back home, instead of just doing patch-work surgery. This child is receiving all the therapy he needs post-surgery.

The chocolate store is a real treasure shop. This world can look for so much bad news, thrive on hero worship, or watch their hero fall. It's the little places where wonderful people are found. They don't beg for attention. They help where help is needed. I can't help but smile when I open that door. It's contagious.

Cheers to the Chocolate Therapist.
Christy

Cyclists and Motorists

2011-07-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Every year Jim and I get into the French Tour. Can't help it. We save it til late-night which means we are several days behind and must block anyone who twitters results during those 3 weeks. As a side note, I like that Paul disagrees with Phil this year.

They've had an interesting segment about cyclists and motorists. I know some of the laws mentioned vary from country to country and state to state. Their focus on working together instead of cyclists and motorists against each other is ideal.

Jim's current contract has a green race, "Clear the Air Challenge," in their state. Many people run or ride their bikes to work. Fortunately, for Jim, his ride is quite the distance. The only time I get nervous is the miles he has to share the road instead of the trail. His defensive riding has saved his life just as much as any cyclist will tell you. His stories are no different and so frequent that he forgets to mention them until he sees it happen to someone when we are together. ("A guy pulling a big trailer came up from behind me at my right of way light and tried to outrun me. I had to slam the brakes." On and on. All cyclists have the same stories.)

Conversely, I've riden and driven while seeing cyclists do insane things that jeopardize their lives as well as motorists. (Suddenly deciding to dash across a busy 4 lane in oncoming traffic and no intersection. Riding with a group and seeing an experienced cyclist try to beat a huge truck. Don't follow that cyclist!)

The segment during the Tour for riders and motorists has been an informative addition. It's given tips with group rides, light laws, turns, car distance, etc.

Happy riding and safe driving.
Christy

It's Raining

2011-07-16T20:36:00.001-07:00

Denver has gotten much needed rain everyday. We've had awesome thunderstorms. The girls and I dropped Jim off for his golf game. We were able to visit several horses for Emma. And, then we chose to make jewelry in the rain. Abby and Emma went for the complicated friendship bracelets which take a lot of time. We found old beads around the house and I made a choker and anklet for them, a fun Saturday.

It's yoga tomorrow. Gotta catch up on the Tour. No spoilers here. I love watching Cav sprint!

Enjoy the summer,

Yoga

2011-07-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

Abby and I went to yoga yesterday. A physician said that if she could write a prescription for yoga (along with needed meds) she would.

I practiced yoga for years. Matter of fact, I came to triathlon from yoga in the best shape of my entire life. Eating was a challenge that was confusing for the switch. (You have to eat more in tri.) But, one thing that yoga taught me was how to breathe thru intense workout. I wasn't one of those who went for the loud breath competition in yoga class. But, I got it. And, that's what matters. In tri-training while climbing a hill on my bike someone told me to change up my yogic-breath. In muay thai I am going back to my yoga breathing roots. It's a challenge but feels much better.

I wish they had more yoga classes for Emma's age. Little kids need it too.

There were a couple of tips that I had for Abby. It was about words. They say words hurt more than a punch. There is quite a difference with some yoga instructors and some coaches. For instance, the coaches in our gym have coached all their lives. They've trained with masters of their art. They've taught for decades. They absolutely love what they do. It's not a stepping stone or a 2nd job. They work with the beginner to the advanced guy. If they see you doing something that needs to be corrected, they will walk up and help you whether you are in class or not. It's very interactive. Most sports are like that.

Yoga really works. Yogic breathing really helps. The body functions better with a little yoga. My knee feels better after class. It helps aches and pains. My kids like it as a compliment to their sport, as do I. But, if the instructor gets on a verbal roll my kids understand that they can turn off the preaching and just move and breathe. You can get hurt in yoga if you don't understand the difference between injury pain and pushing thru soreness. That may sound so silly to some people. But, if anyone has a athletic mind, a competitive spirit, yoga is an easy place for injury (like anything else) and the last place you want it.

Have fun and don't take it too seriously. Just enjoy.
Christy

We played

2011-07-09T17:09:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken by my dad. A little river runs right thru the middle of downtown Denver. People bike, run, skate to work beside it everyday. It almost becomes invisible to those in a hurry. I told my nephew this week that I never wanted to forget seeing the mountains. He asked if I did. "Yes, some days I forget to notice." He couldn't believe just as I couldn't way back when we moved here.

Last week we crammed as much of Colorado as we could in about 4 days time for my nephew and parents. We stopped and played in the river instead of saying, "I wish we had the kids with us." They were every bit a part of the plan. Climbing, sliding, tubing, mountains (wildlife sites,) fireworks on the 4th of July (Emma made us sing the National Anthem.) The list goes on and on.

We played poker at night with the kids. We caught up on the Tour and my favorite rider, Cav. Yes, we saw the UFC Main Event. We introduced them to lots of new things and we all had a great time.

I don't want to waist a second of summer. It goes by so very fast.

It was kinda strange last night. We went to a small dinner party and I was scolded for not "keeping up" with a popular trial in the news. "I am a mom, for crying out loud." said the woman. I am, too. And we chose to spend our summer together. Kids are sick of t.v. as am I.

Some people like to watch the river in the middle of a city. Some people don't notice. We play in it and create lifetime memories.

Nothing wrong with having fun. It's summer, for crying out loud.
Christy

I Could, But Do and Don't

2011-06-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned that Abby and I really like training. Jim does too. He still rides that bike to and from work everyday when he is well. I was listening to a trainer of Vitor Belfort. He spoke of the importance of listening to the body and it's specific needs in regards to workout. Jim does a better job of that than I do.

Emma decided to try out the kid's camp at our gym. She simply joined in on their water-balloon fight and saw how much the coaches really enjoyed playing and working with the kids. It was fun. She has joined the camp and has done the wrestling class twice and loves it. Abby and I joined a basics muay thai class because their coaches are so good it helps us in our faster class. Those kids have no idea the top notch training they are receiving.

"Do and Don't" Sometimes I hear, "I trained hard today. I can eat whatever I want." There are people, especially men, who really can do that without it affecting their body fat. I am not one of those people. I train hard and still watch what I eat. It's a tricky balancing act because I can under-eat, too. Then, I have no steam for the next workout. Matter of fact, I used to come home from running like that. (Literally crawling to make a PB&J.) That's insane and not boast-worthy. It was a hard science for me to determine.

Now, we are eating meals in this picture. Em loves corn. Grapes would be a good addition. It can all be grilled. White meat is best. And, we change it up. For "fight night" which used to be "wings," this is a great change and much more healthy. Instead of a cheat day, we have a cheat meal. This idea came from a fighter at the gym. And, it's worked better for us.

We now eat little meals more often through the day. We step on the scale and love seeing the progress.

We Don't eat whatever we want. We Do step on the scale. This happened by accident. Our manager has a scale behind the desk where no one can see anything. You can step on it at any time. One day, one of us did. So, I did. We don't tell the results except that we like what we see. Nobody has to step on it and it's just back there. We've simply seen fighters go back and weigh. It's easy to find a time when no one is around and weigh. It's so much different than a scale in the middle of the gym for all to see. Or, the gym teacher at school making the P.E. Class stand in line to weigh. Plus, this scale is much more accurate giving you a lot more scientific data.

Weight at an MMA gym is really easy discuss. You are appreciated for effort and attitude. Fighters really care about fighting. Of course fitness is part of it. However, there are plenty of "beach muscle" men/women who couldn't stay standing thru 30 seconds post-punch. And, wrestling is one of the hardest sports I've witnessed. People don't make fun of anyone about weight unless there is no effort. After a while it's very easy to start asking questions and trying to understand how diet and training work together. Then you want to step on that scale every week.

I wish the public educational system did this differently. Shaming kids never works. Getting them excited is much more ideal. An MMA gym, of all places, knows how to handle this so much better especially with kids.

Have a great day today.
Christy

Lots of fun

2011-06-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

Over the summer Abby and I have spent more time in our mma gym, working and learning. One of the reasons Abby loves it so much is that it is multi-dimensional. She loves the thinking that goes behind everything you do in there. I've said it before, she catches on so much faster than I do. Matter of fact, I am the oldest in most classes especially a class that teaches the basics of muay thai. Kids are better than me.

I also love to watch the UFC fights with Jim and whoever else joins us. Last night was no exception with quite a few surprises in Pittsburg. An observation about post-interviews, it is more common than not for a fighter to be blatantly honest about his performance in the octagon. It's as if all guards are down, no excuses. Even the winner will talk about weakness that need improvement (most of the time.) That's the guy you like. It's the one who knows there is always room for improvement. It's not the guy who verbally attacks "your family" etc. It's the "right" kind passion and gratitude for the sport.

Anyway, it's fun to see the underdog "Rocky" surprise us all. And, although he fought previously, I've grown to enjoy watching JDS. Story had his hands full throughout the week. Some of the refs got on my nerves last night, trying to catch some lime light. Overall, it was fun to watch.

Have fun today.
Christy

Pancakes

2011-06-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

Yum! This was breakfast for Abby and me. Very healthy. Easy to throw together the night before. Stick in the frig and throw on the stove in the morning.

Mix:
4 Egg whites
1 tsp maple extract
Then add and mix:
1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal (real, not instant)
1 tsp baking powder

Cook on stove top like any other pancake.

Very filling and healthy.

Enjoy and have fun,
Christy

Love what I do

2011-06-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

For Father's Day Jim wanted to see a movie as a family. "Super 8" got the vote. It inspired the girls to keep writing, which they've been doing all summer. On the way, we were listening to the radio. Normally, when commercial hits, we change the channel. But, they asked a question, "Do those of you who work with kids like kids outside of work?" We were all ears. Our kids definitely wanted to know the answer from adult "professionals." People who actually call-in to a radio station baffle me. So, there is the disclaimer.

Callers surprisingly stated their place of employment using words such as, "I have to deal with them at work. I don't want to deal with them outside of work." Some people actually stated the opposite.

There are people who really love what they do for a living. They are happy. They know what they want and go for it. They are not following someone else's dream. They aren't doing it for the money. They do it because they love it. They will probably succeed financially because they are more creative with their goals than the next person. During down-time/vacation, they could talk about it and get lost in the conversation.

If I don't love what I am doing, I have no business being there. I am causing harm to the people I work for, with, and those whom I love the most (live with.)

Everyone sees people who get complacent, get a little too comfortable, and quit learning new things. That's dangerous. There will always be somebody eager to learn and excited to do the job I do. They can do it with professionalism and a great desire to work with others especially kids. Kids, by the way, will be making decisions for us in time. Investing in children is never waisted. But, it can't be half-hearted, stupid, nor faked for a boss.

And, that vacation time... Emma learned that the microchip was developed my a man while on vacation. Jim has solved numerous computer problems in his sleep. Sometimes the brain gets most creative when it relaxes. But, that's only if I really love what I do.

For me these days, I could get lost in a conversation about graphics and martial arts. I am learning a ton thru martial arts. However, the people most important to me are Jim, Abby and Emma. And, I am the one who must be sure they know that.

Have fun today.
Christy

Jim

2011-06-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

The strongest man I know is my husband. Strong, passionate, determined, humble, persistent, loving, and hilarious all mixed up in one. He's an everyday Dad. Society gets excited when some men choose to be a dad for a game or a week etc. But, Jim never sees those stories as heroic. The dad who actively loves day-in and day-out is the one he admires. And, that's the kind of man he is to our girls. They know his quick wit and humor. They see his hard work ethic and learn lessons from him such as, "We can always figure it out."

He gets his football, guy trips, and geek conferences. Those lessons are just as valuable. It's important to go after dreams and fun. If mom and dad don't do it, kids will never learn passion in their own lives. It's been fun for each of us to have our own dreams and goals. There can be space in the family for everyone.

Respect for doing things a smart way is pretty important to him and the girls like that idea, too. I don't have a problem with that. I could go on and on about my husband.

The truth is that he is a very loving Dad. And the girls know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved. A kiss on the head, a hug, and an "I love you." is easy for him to give to them. They are so very fortunate. I promise you, not a day goes by without some sort of laughter in the house.

Happy Father's Day, Jim. You make being a Mom so much sweeter.
I love you,
Christy

Lunch Break

2011-06-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

Finally, studying something that I've always wanted. Through lynda.com, you can receive help for many computer apps, tools, programs etc. Truthfully, you almost feel like friends with the instructor. Right now I am learning a lot of new stuff about portraits. A lot of people take pictures thru their own eyes instead of the subject's. But, I won't bore you with that even though I could go on and on because I love it. The instructor who is teaching this course is fantastic.

Summer, here, is always about doing new things. Jim is off at a computer conference . Emma is away at camp. Abby is doing muay thai just about every day and spending as much time with her best friend who is moving. They are "2 peas in a pod." I am learning and getting ready for guests... surprise to the girls.

Jim and I got to chat for a second last night. He said that every professional should go to a conference alone. He has met more people from all over the world by venturing out into the crowd. Last night, he was working-out in the gym and bumped into another author. They were both familiar with each other's work and ended up talking for 3 hours. Today, he met a developer from the Netherlands. He's meeting people and going to meetings that he really enjoys. Emma was absolutely ecstatic to go to camp even though she didn't know a soul. She shed not a tear as Abby and I dropped her off. I guess you have to know her. But, she was walking around that place with shear excitement as we were discovering where to go. "This is nature," she tells us. Abby is off to the museum with her best friend.

I am learning muay thai. It is far different than anything I've ever done. And, I will never "Boooo" at a sporting event. It is hard. I have respect for the newest athlete to the most experienced martial artist.

It's too easy to stay in a comfort zone. But, it's too important to see things from another's point of view. The only way to see that is venture out and try something new, different, and meet new people.

Have fun,
Christy

Pretty

2011-06-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

I got to see the sunrise this morning. Lil Miss Emma is exploring photoshop and helped with some print. And, Abby is the export queen. Sunrises and sunsets are just too pretty to miss.

Have fun today,
Christy

Food for Health, Family and Training

2011-05-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

No matter what I do with regards to physical activity the biggest question is, "How do I eat and maintain a healthy weight?" For a while it was really confusing. Everybody was saying something totally different. The waters seem to be less murky with a little clarity. I still ask, "What do you eat?" I get about the same answer.

I am not a scientist. You have to research for yourself from the many scientists out there. However, Jim has lost some weight with his method and it is a workable plan for his lifestyle of travel with job, meetings, computer work, etc. He's looking good and losing weight at a steady progress.

We are limiting sugar, drinking lots of water, and eating protein & veggies with some fruits (Jim doesn't eat fruit.) It's good for our family meals, health, and training. I've just started using Mix 1 shakes right after a high intensity workout. I recently read that some people make a mistake of taking in too much protein prior to a workout. Might have to test that one out for yourself and see what you think. Our kids stay away from energy drinks especially ones with a lot of caffeine. And, the kids only take in gatorade after a high intensity workout if they request it. Mostly, they want water.

I do not enjoy cooking especially in the heat of summer. We try to keep it low heat. Grilling is good. The kids love to help. Eating a little bit 5 times a day seems to be a common theme in food for training. Last night we tried this one pictured above. In order to ensure enough protein, we doubled-up on the chicken marinating it well. We cooked some broccoli and peppers (for Jim). Added them to mixed greens. The family didn't know it, but the marinade with olive oil on the chicken provided most of the dressing. I simply added a tiny bit of Italian dressing. They were filled since I doubled-up on the chicken.

Emma and I added mandrine oranges on our plates. Jim doesn't take in fruit except on cheat day. We have a cheat day once a week. Here is another trick with kids. We noticed that kids who aren't aloud to have "yucky food" tend to eat it when mom and dad aren't around. A food isn't off limits. We simply provide healthy food at home. And, we have great cheat food for cheat day. They will learn to eat food in moderation and like healthy food at the same time.

Enjoy your summer.
Christy

Muay Thai

2011-05-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I chose to change running form and started having knee trouble afterwards. Just like my curly hair always being curly, I am beginning to think that running styles have to fit your body, natural to you. In warm-ups, sprinting is not an option due to swelling. As in everything, pain is part of learning. The important thing is discovering injury from a little suffering.

As previously posted, it's not my business to discuss anything I see in training except that which has to do with my own learning. All I will say is that I am green as green can be when it comes to muay thai after 6 months. I have learned a lot and yet know so very little; I still feel weird walking in the gym. I go to my class and that's where I am very alert. Afterwards I sometimes sit and chill for a second in bewilderment. I will chat with classmates and instructors about diet, what just happened, etc. Then, come home exhausted.

No one ever says it. Everyone is kind even with a sense of humor. But, In my own mind I know that I am a slow learner. I am exhausted the next day. But, still go back when Abby doesn't have exams or too much of a school load. She learns so much faster than I do. She rebounds better. She paces at home and figures out what to do differently next time. That's all I will say about my daughter/classmate.

Why take? I don't know. I don't think that women should shy away from getting strong. It's not that we are in a physical battle against men. Everyone must know their limits and weaknesses. But, we can learn to be strong even at my age. In the face of sparing, it's hard. Sometimes I can suddenly forget everything I practiced in a drill because it's no longer a drill.

Physically and emotionally, I felt badly after my last class, But, self-pity couldn't be part of it. I chose to go. I am not kidding about the documentary, Restrepo, changing my perspective. Those soldiers hurt physically all the time. They are on guard every second of the day. It's nothing like an hour class. They are far from home, friends, family. They become brothers protecting themselves and each other. Every step they take, noise they make, way they talk, is life and death to their daily existence. They don't get a massage after hours and hours of fighting or hiding in the bushes. It's indescribable and something that I couldn't understand because I've never been there. I have more respect for them thru this 1 hour class than anything else I've ever done.

Have fun training today,
Christy

It's Here

2011-05-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Summer! Abby started it off with a morning run while Emma played the piano. They are ready for some breathing room, reading books of their choosing, vacation, etc. We've got a couple of fun projects, camp, plans, and explorations. They are ready to pursue some dreams of their own. It's always in the summer when Jim and I hear them say, "I want to be... when I grow up." It's true. They get to see and explore, run, exercise, and be with friends. Yes, work too. Part of life. It's their room to breathe. Stay up late, watch the moon, see the stars, swim, be with family and play with friends. It's just as important as learning 1-2-3's and A-B-C's. Congrats to everyone and wishing everybody a great summer.

Enjoy!
Christy

Moving On

2011-05-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

I love it when we are altogether. Everything is spontaneous with a ton of quick wit. It was supposed to be the end-of-the-world last weekend and the CDC put out a fake zombie alert. In jest, Jim asked, "Where were the protective helmets?" I asked about nose protection. Emma chimed in, "No, mom, they suck the brains out of noses for mummification, not zombies." She explained the history of mummies. Oh, the conversations we have in this house. We get to laugh almost everyday.

Our weekend was filled with muay thai, cycling, running, studying for exams, working, babysitting, but no zombie attacks. We saw Jim's name in the clouds which was really cool.

This post has a point... family. So much hard reality in the news, how does a kid process it? Denying it only says, "You can't talk to me about it." You know that someone else will tell them. We've found that there has to be room for everyone's differing opinion. Or, the very opinion you hold closest to your heart will be contested later, "just because."

Humor, strong family unit, spiritual strength, defined boundaries which include respect, obligation, fun, listening ear, and physical exercise helps. And mistakes help too. A perfectly cleaned house every second of the day scares the friends away. It just doesn't feel like home.

Have fun training today.
Christy

Our people

2011-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

We actually own a real t.v. The recent hip-thing, "We don't have t.v. in the house." Or, "We don't have cable."

I laugh because we read that comment on twitter or a blog, a t.v. enhancement or advancement. I am using one now. In the car, people throw in a movie or game for the kids, portable t.v.

On our t.v., Jim and I saw the documentary, Restrepo. If every battle or war displeases you and you take it out on these men, don't watch. If your views can't stomach cursing, don't watch. This is real footage of men who are shot and killed every day and night. They follow orders. They are our men!

One of the film directors was just killed in Libya. I don't believe that Tim, the director, wanted the attention. We never heard any voice but that of the U.S. Army soldier. I know who Restrepo is now. I know he was killed on top of a mountain in Afghanistan. I've heard his voice and have seen his face. I saw a glimpse of his humor. Listened to the men who fought beside him.

Mom, Dad, wife, and family got a call before a mission that made them even more nervous. One soldier was raised by hippies who wouldn't even let him own a water squirt gun. He spoke of sucking it up to wish his mom happy birthday after their most horrific mission.

"They don't know what to do with us when we get back." A soldier said.

We are never to turn our backs on these men just because we weren't in their burning and freezing shoes.

Never will it be "the news" when I hear about the death of a U.S. soldier.
Christy

A bright future

2011-05-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Abby and I had muay thai last night. She was functioning on very little sleep due to exam time yet begged to go to class. "It's my release right now when all I do is study." (I get that.) In muay thai, you have to be creative, think on your feet, surprise your training partner, or search opponent's habits. It's as much a thinking sport as it is all out physical. You try to calm your breathing in the face of sparing. So many life lessons in a class. Best of all, you always learn something new. Make mistakes and learn even better. I am not partial at all when I say that she's good at it :) Better than me. I am so glad that she wants to take class together.

I have heard many success stories lately. It's so easy to focus on negative. Americans need to blah blah blah. We are behind in this in that. NO!

Look at what we've done and continue to do thru creativity, surprises, mistakes: Google 2 boys in a dorm room in the US were inspired by a math book that has mathematics and imagination in the title. Really? Yep. Microsoft, Bill Gates and Paul Allen work on that one in Albuquerque here in the US. Apple, hmm, here too. Like coffee or nice tea at your business meeting? It started in Seattle. Howard Schultz turned Starbucks into a corporation. He took it into countries where people said, "You will fail." He was right. They were wrong. He never gave up. Employees at Starbucks with 20 working weekly hours have health insurance. Read the book. Pretty inspiring.

Kids are making apps and selling them in stores. They are writing beautiful stories and designing amazing graphics. Learning new ideas about the world. They are learning and teaching adults where to market and how to make money. We are learning from them. They are creating movies. Their creativity will take us places we've never been. Adults can get stuck in "the box." Our kids are begging to show us the new things they've designed and learned from a new angle or fresh idea. They need our time, space, support and encouragement. They need so much more than a desk and a chair. They must explore.

I can't wait to see what my kids do today!

I love you Abby and Emma,
Mom

Bravo

2011-05-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

Our 16 yr old brought her year book home this week. When I paid for it I thought, Jeez, expensive. After seeing it, worth every dime! You won't see just the popular kids, only football games, nor just the senior's. It's filled with the real kids and their beautiful pictures. He actually went across the street to the apartments we lived in 12 yrs ago. He took pictures of what the kids do now that skateboarding has been taken away. He's got a full-spread of a kid on BMX. This piece of art is full of kids doing what they really do... good stuff. He's even got look-a-likes. I told Abby, "Daddy needs him to do their graphics."

"He can't have him." She said. He's her favorite teacher. (Plus her favorite subject.) Truth be told, I've met the man. He seemed to love his job and wouldn't trade it for the world. It's not cool for a mom to email a compliment to a teacher. I have to wait for Abby to tell him. But, I can blog it :)

On to training, it's been so much fun. Jim's riding to work again since they rented some space. He jumped in so he could ride and he may have some graphics needs in-office. Emma is all over gymanstics/cheer. Mainly cheer. She'd be there everyday. Me and Abby love muay thai and our gym handles my modifications with no problem. Everyone has modifications. No big deal. Abby is really going to town and loves every minute in the cage. Yep, in the cage. Confidence is growing and a mom loves that. I love the atmosphere. Just put on a t-shirt, some shorts, mouth piece, gloves and get busy. No judgement attached and high energy.

To my triathlete friends, I don't read everything that I get but, I read this article. Why? It was different. I bumped into a girl at the gym who has also done several triathlons including AZ. (full tri) Even being single with a full-time job she'd probably agree with this article as it was part of our discussion regarding training. She commented that the full tri was so much easier than training... as it should be. But, you don't want injury in training. Neither do you want to get slower due to training. This just might be the secret. I dunno. Worth a look-see.

Have fun today.
Christy

Shocked!

2011-05-02T06:18:00.000-07:00

Jim put Emma to bed last night. He came downstairs and was stunned with our educational system. Our 10 yr old didn't know who Bin Ladan was nor why people were celebrating his death. "Death is wrong," Emma said. I understood from the eyes of a 10 yr old. We've taught our kids that killing is wrong. But, I blame the education system and us as parents for her lack of knowledge of Ladan. She was a year old when he attacked. My brother was sent to war after the attack on our soil. I had just finished a morning run. I came in the door and Jim said, "You'd better come see this." With sweat running down my body and and the hot iron just sitting on the ironing board, I watched the t.v. as the 2nd plane sliced the tower. We all know where we were, what we were doing, and I forgot that Emma was only a year old.

We wrote letters to my brother every day as she drew pictures for him while he was gone. But, she never knew why until last night. She never saw people jump from burning buildings at 70 stories high. Planes crashing. She was too young and the reality was horrible to see. Worse, she never heard nor understood why we were hunting the man who terrorized our country and others. She never understood why they separated and searched us both at the airport while I tried my best to comfort her screams, "They are trying to keep us safe. We will be okay. They are keeping our planes safe. Wait just a second." I pleaded with her. Indeed, we were soon in each others arms again as it took a while to calm her down.

I saw Americans celebrate last night especially those in New York, the firefighters who lost their brothers. They waved American flags and cheered. Jim observed that we don't burn another country's flag. We didn't shout hate towards another country. We waved our own flag and shouted, "USA." We sang our own National Anthem. Not once did I witness anyone do anything inappropriate like so many have done to own flag (disgracing the men and women who follow orders and protect us.) We witnessed singing and waving of the US flag with tears of joy.

I am blessed, so very blessed to have my family! Thank you, God. I get to hug them when they are home and say, "I love you." Nothing can replace a family member. Nothing. But, Bin Ladan who terrorized human beings and then celebrated that horror from a palace is now dead. Everyone believes there are others who followed him. But, we are not weak nor helpless. Jim and I both said, "They got him." And we were glad.

I thank the men and women and their families who do a daily heroic job, many times without thanks. They put their lives on the line for our country.
Christy

Creative Learning

2011-04-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes during our muay thai class, the instructor will say, "Be creative, think, shadow box with surprises." Shadowboxing is part of warm-up. It is the most challenging part of class for me because our target is thin air. Our focus is technique, hip rotation, feet placement, freedom, intelligent movement, and a surprising next move. We had one instructor say, "It doesn't have to make sense. Just "go for it." Kids easily "go for it." Adults hesitate and forget how to be creative with body movement.

Jim's been out of town and I've had to do more watching this week than participating (mom driving duties.) Emma has gym and Abby has our muay thai. You learn a lot from watching but more from doing. Matter of fact, my kids learn more mentally when they are physically moving. I do too.

We have to be creative when we learn. Otherwise intelligence leaks from our brains. We need to move. I hear a consistent theme from my kids in sport, "I have to think while I move." It increases brain cells "on the fly." Whether it be dance, song, muay thai, running, gymnastics, cheer, etc. it's gotta makes us smile. If we're miserable doing it, Stop! There is something else out there to enjoy. And, there are really fun people who would love to join you.

It's easy to think that we can control circumstances. I bumped into a friend the other day and heard how life strayed far from "the set plan." Then what? She re-builds day-by-day with movement one step at a time, not quitting. I respect her for that. Sometimes it feels like survival mode. Women are creative even with a hard curve ball.

I met an old teacher of Jim's who said he would never be a good writer. Now, he's written 9 published books to her 0. He simply didn't fit in her box. Those books were never written to spite her. He is creative and passionate about his work. It doesn't feel like work. It's like a puzzle which he loves to create and make even better. And, he writes to share and make his work even better.

Doing things actively and creatively makes us retain what we learn. It's beautiful and compassionate (more than passion.) I love my family and am very grateful for them and their individuality. It's so much fun to see them grow. I am especially grateful that my family in Alabama is okay. My prayers are with many people who lost friends and loved ones in the horrific storms and tornadoes.

With compassion,
Christy

Must see to Believe

2011-04-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

Mr. Hunter, a 4th grade teacher, uses a world peace game to teach. Wow, my girls would love that!

Have fun,
Christy

Just for Fun

2011-04-25T06:02:00.001-07:00

Here's a little GSP vs Jake talk from a 44 yr old young fan. I pick GSP this weekend even after watching the 2 sneak peaks on SPIKE.

I must disagree with Gracie when he says that GSP hasn't taken himself into "dark waters." The guy has the belt which you don't get without beating and training with the best.

I like GSP for several reasons. He takes every single opponent seriously never waisting energy or words outside the cage. He's willing to put himself in uncomfortable situations, unknown places, to train with the best. "His boys/friends" don't have to be around 24-7 for motivation. GSP sees it as an art and always wants to learn something new. He always achieving and learning. He never says, "I got it." My little gymnast said, "Mom, GSP is learning gymnastics," as she corrected his tuck out loud. "See, we are strong." The Jackson camp is creative and smart. I believe George pushes them.

Jake, a real black belt, inexperience in defeat, and a true threat with his BJJ. Yet, George prepares for him like every other opponent and expresses honest fear just like every fight thru training. He still visualizes his hand up in the air at the end. Jake believes he can win with the help of "his boys." He's stays within camp. No matter where the house is, it's still in that camp. Comfort zone.

I respect the focus on training instead of trash talk from both men. Trash talk steals time and focus from training and has gotten unprofessional at times. GSP uses it for fuel when his opponent engages in verbal bashing. (the martial artist)

We'll see. I could be way wrong as a young fan. George always keeps ya guessing with his respect for every opponent.

Have fun.
Christy

We, the People

2011-04-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Are good and smart. Most of us have quietly given to the injured and needy such as Japan. (People like Mick Ebeling, an artist, solved a problem for ALS patients.)

My home town was hit hard by joblessness. I saw a thousand people in line for 4 jobs, "flipping burgers," yesterday. They interviewed one guy in Denver, father of 2. He sold all his tools for money. He was a contractor. He was going to "sell his blood" next. The money for flipping those burgers was well below poverty rate.

I saw a woman go thru her son's toy chest. She researched the toys. Not a single one was made from the USA. She got rid of them all and let him play with pots and pans until she could fill that box with products from "We, the people." The jobless contractor who sold his tools would know how to build toys she was purchasing.

They found a U.S. company, Channel Craft, that made toys. It's booming with business from customers like the woman above. The business started from the back of a truck. They weren't hit by all the toy recalls. The owner said, "I would not know where to buy lead paint." His toys were made with real wood and could be shipped today. Owners, farmers, etc in the U.S. still want their name on "the best."

I've seen one of the few states in our country grow. They allowed several big car industries move in. It provided jobs to many different people from all income levels. The state welcomed these car factories near a city that desperately needed financial assistance. It changed the crime rate and modernized the town. Their buildings filled instead of "space for rent." Some cars that seem to be made elsewhere are really made in the U.S.

What can I do? Buy from the farmer's market and U.S. product, teach someone new technology, learn technology from research, encourage kids in their own learning and fitness, reach out of my small world. Never give up on what is right and good. Produce good product.

Christy

the Migraine

2011-04-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

Not many posts about this one. Chicken! Afraid of the big bad jinx. Don't say the word... like a Harry Potter thing. Except I invented it first about "Migraine."

I've been researching recently. Found a really good book, some great organizations I didn't know existed, and some helpful information that made me teary, of course. But, you realize you're not alone in something you've been dealing with solo. When I say, "solo" I don't mean to exclude my husband and 2 great kids. They could describe what a migraine looks like to a "t." Kids don't like to see their mom in pain.

A neurologist from Cambridge wrote an easy reading book, The Migraine Brain, that's still one of the most popular. She, herself, has migraines. Several of her patients describe their pain. "Worse than natural childbirth." "I had chemo. My migraine pain is worse than my chemo was." said another. All I will tell you is that I don't want to wish it on anyone. There is a pain that hurts worse than a moan or cry could express or relieve. A tiny noise or bit of light makes it worse. I've only wished it on one person, a care-giver at a hospital. I was in too much pain to speak and she wasn't listening to Jim. It wasn't til after the meds began to work that I could see what she looked like. I still remember the carelessness on her face.

That's the one thing the Cambridge author says about migraines. People remember what happens during their migraines. During a normal headache, people don't recall details. I almost dropped the book when I read that because I can tell you some details about specific migraines I had years ago.

Not all migraines are the same. I think they mutate after a while. Slimy things.

For me, learning has shed some easy light, not florescent. Florescent light is bad for our eyes.

There are several Migraine organizations or Headache organizations for doc info. Not all migraines are like mine. Some are very different and many are misdiagnosed. One myth she discussed: People with migraines have a low pain tolerance. Quite the opposite is true.

Keep it very simple and healthy. Hang out with fun people too; It helps. Learn to say "No" and be ok with it. Practice lots of relaxation breathing along with following the instructions of your migraine doc. Exercise really helps even brisk walking (except in the midst of yucky migraine.) My biggest wish is for you kids. I admire your strength with these beasts and can't wait for someone to learn how to make it go away. There is hope and people are working on it, including those of us who've got them.

Wishing you good health and great fun,
Christy

School, Worthy?

2011-04-15T12:25:00.001-07:00

We've always signed up for the volunteer sheet at the public school. Sending our kids as many days as possible except sick days has been a priority. Matter of fact, statistically speaking, a few of their teachers have been absent more than our kids. For the most part, they've had teachers who care. And then there have been the bad apples, most of whom should have been kicked out years ago, or never began teaching in the first place.

The Wall Street Journal has re-stated the importance of learning mobile programming. It is the future, (Android and iOS specifically referenced.) We received an email from one of our kid's teachers. Can you teach us to write mobile games? Right up Jim's alley. "Yep," we responded. No response. Maybe schools are afraid we'll find out how little they know or they are so far behind that they have no time to teach pure hands-on skills our kids need for future survival. For parents who are interested, there are several books just for kids on this topic. Research first.

We used to learn budgeting, cooking, art, fitness, finance, taxes, etc. in high school. Now, we have gone the other way, a downward spiral to the extreme of hands-off science and mathematics without practical application. We don't even give kids time to eat as Rachael Ray explained on HLN this week. They learn to cram food, come home hungry, cram more food, and get busy. Our oldest hasn't been to bed before 12:30 am in months due to homework. Yes, she's in the 10th grade and has time for one health activity a week.

I've heard this statement from parents, "We don't care about school anymore. We like [a sport.]" Their kid is very good in a sport. And, their sentiments are expressed by more than the 2 of them. This is the popular kid in school. By the way, they are NOT wrestling parents. They've given up. If a teacher has 3/4ths of a math class with a D grade or less, common sense says, "Get someone else to teach." Because that teacher would be fired in any other company with those stats.

The school system changes drastically with extremes floating every year if there is a problem. Where is common sense approach? Do you know that a hair stylist who loves the work and is very good at the job could make more than my psych degree? True.

Parents have to go to the media with their problems because they can't find resolution in school procedures. It's great that volunteers are checked. But, research the staff every year too, for crying out-loud. We don't want another Lakewood girl's basketball Wild-Man coach.

Lest you think other people don't work so hard, wait, wait, wait. I know full-time programmers who don't get overtime. They will work 70 hour weeks to complete a project on time. Why? Their name is on it and they care. They want project success. If we as parents believe success is the desire for our children, then we would be happy to support any way we can. It's hard to do that when you walk into a meeting and get the nice teacher but the kids get the sarcastic opposite side of that same teacher.

Passion breeds passion no matter what we do. My kids have had some wonderful teachers. Science teacher, English teachers, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and a 5th grade, great Spanish teachers, Creative writing teachers. They are priceless. They make a difference and we know what they do in class because we hear about it. Negativity is contagious too as I watched a biography while I was ill. I want my kids around passion. That's what we show them at home. I want them to see it at school where they live for a minimum of 7 hours a day, 10 months out of a year. If a teacher doesn't want to be there, please leave. They will be happier somewhere else and won't be hurting tomorrow's leaders.

Passion breeds passion and I am all aboard.
Christy

My neighbor

2011-04-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

There is a group of kids at the gym, wrestlers. They are amazing young boys and girls. Their moms, dads, or grandparents sit in the sideline chairs every single practice, (after our muay thai class.) Coach knows his stuff and he's absolutely enthralled in teaching wrestling skills. They are family. I can say the same for the Judo coach with his top-notch professionalism. His experience and credentials are unbeatable and yet every kid has his complete attention without his ego. His interest is in their learning a sport he loves as well as their character building.

I like that atmosphere because it's hopeful. You see a MMA fighter help a beginner. They'll simply walk up to the bags and quietly assist. They will even help Abby and me if they notice we are in need. No bragging, they simply do it. The atmosphere is productive and conducive for learning, moving forward, not stagnent. Community.

I believe that the common man/woman is a helper and the quiet hero. We help each other when we see someone in need. (There are a lot of us in need right now. Friends are getting laid off from work and having a hard time finding new jobs.) I hear the media talking about all the arguing but, I see good people. I see the little girl working with Emma during open-gym. I see the guy with an upcoming fight in 4 days work with a first-timer. I watch my own husband help someone figure out a computer problem while they're in school. I think we want the best for each other. I see it in my kids and their friends. I think we can learn from kids.

We must not get caught up in "this" person/group versus that person/group. It fosters hate and total disruption from any positive goal. Opinions and freedoms are our right. And love for my neighbor is simple and pure. No matter if I agree or disagree with his/her opinions, I will not ignore or desire harm for my neighbor. It doesn't matter how right I feel; hatred or ill-wishing is no way to achieve any goal. It is certainly something that is harmful and destructive to my children. If it isn't good for them, I must be the example. It takes a community for each and every one of us. We are not an island as human beings and we were never meant to be.

Best wishes especially to my sister-n-law who will be having their 2nd baby very soon.
Christy

Learning

2011-04-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Practice over and over, that's the drill every morning. It would be so much easier and faster to draw on a paper sketchpad. But, I am drawing with a new medium and all new tools, digital. Perspective and math is different. Everything is different. The sketchpad doesn't talk back with resistance. It simply takes time to learn. But, today I found a secret.

After getting frustrated it's brake time. I jump on the UFC news. Brock Lesnar has not been my favorite MMA athlete. He would appear too arrogant and in need of his last loss. However, I have seen him coach a group of young guys. Thus far, I am somewhat hopeful that he may not be lost in self-consumption. He pumps up a guy no one believes could possibly win a particular fight. He coaches this young guy. Lesnar uses his last loss as an example. "Any given Sunday," Brock tells the kid. (Meaning anyone can win.) The kid is sure to lose in the minds of all including his own team. The kid is different than his teammates and they verbally count him out. Yet, on that "Any given Sunday" the kid wins a hard fight.

I begin to draw ole Lesnar. It actually looks like him and it is totally digital, yeah! "Any given Sunday." It's fun and easy because my focus is on something positive. Is it perfect? No. But, it's a lot better than yesterday.

Have fun.
Christy

The Grocery Store

2011-04-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

One reason I post positive things about jobs, success stories, the younger generation with an eye on the future is because Jim told me to open my eyes in the grocery store. And watching the news even those who joke about it physically hurts.

Yesterday Jim said, "Look around and notice the people around you. They hate grocery stores too." Walking in to the grocery a father with 3 small kids hanging on to his cart is stressed to the max, no longer speaking. When I listen people ask their kids, "How much is it?" Jim and I walk to the drug store and people at the counter accurately argue that they have insurance when the system says, "No." After a call and re-entering numbers the customer is right. This weekend we see a "Beemer" in full leather pull up beside us. The driver is a bit older and has a pizza delivery sign over the car.

You hear a lot of different views coming out about looking on the bright side, surround yourself with only positive people. But, that leaves the injured, "Where?" Never give up. That is what Jim always says.

That's why I post jobs about success stories and the future. I frustrate when I go on an educational site and it is archaic (as in a decade old in efficiency and style.) I love reading WIRED's success stories. Anytime anyone has a great idea or something that works and grows, I'll post it. It promotes another idea and possibility. Technically, we will always change. We will move forward even while a government threatens shut-downs. We will keep growing.

Christy

If fired today

2011-04-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

could I get another job? That was our conversation last night. This is not an April fool's joke. Have all my eggs been in one basket? Am I polishing skills and keeping up with the world around me? Or, have we gotten arrogant and refused to make our work or passions grow? (too self-focused)

Take Dana White for an example. Like him or not, most people know his name. He has made mixed martial arts one of the fastest growing sports in history. If successful, an athlete can make a 6-figure salary off one fight. Dana has done that quickly. He cares about the fan at the top of the stands, young kids practicing in drive-by gym ("Hey, let's pull in and meet them,") the fighter trying to make ends meat-he's got a show for the guy (a chance for a 6-figure contract,) fans constantly get free tickets from Dana. MMA is making its way all over the world. George St. Pierre was on the cover of Men's Magazine this month. Dana doesn't quit. He gives more time and money and has made money to give. He's human. But, you see him in his vlogs... that man works and gives over and over. If you don't know the Gracie family, they are in the money too. It started from humility, passion, true knowledge and desire to teach. Dana's only error was criticizing Greg Jackson I'm trying to forgive Dana :)

If I love what I do I make it grow, learn as much as I can, share it with others, spread the news, encourage others especially youth. Help another. I don't want it to die. Learn all the new stuff. Change will happen. Accept change as fact. Keep cost in mind at all times as well as the economic world around me.

I was in class once, a 60-something year old was with his grandchild in the kid's class next to us. He asked our coach, the manager, if he could jump in our class. "Of course." The guy had a blast. He was doing what he did years ago and it was 1,000 day sit-up day too. Our manager has eyes in the back of his head no matter who teaches our class. The man practiced in blue jeans and we could have cared less. It made his night. We each have our bag to punch :) And it is fun.

No matter if it is computers, accounting, recruiting, art, running, M.D, teaching... Are people happier when they leave than when they came? Do they feel and think their is finally going to be positive results to the future? Do they see it and feel it? Or is it just the same ole same ole? (That's when we bail.) Is it spreading or stagnent? We want good. It is there when we do good research and work no matter our starting point.

Have fun,
Christy

Passion

2011-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

I've been taking time to learn new skills. Hearing how other people tried, failed, tried again and again, listened to their users and greatly succeeded has been very helpful. It has prevented me from re-inventing a wheel in full-force working condition. Every big thinker learned to maintain a simple interface and gained big profits. The idea was big and came from passion or personal need. They created something enticing and beautiful. All the while stylistically aesthetics were simple. Easy to read, easy to follow.

The one thing that has been priority for me was family. I have and will always love them. We've supported each others dreams. Lead by example and support.

A tip for us all: How does our post look without photos and videos? On a phone? On a notebook? In an RSS feed, how easy is it to see/read? There are popular sites with thousands even millions of hits at once. Their readers frustrate easily because popular videos can't be downloaded. (Beautiful sites but, non-functional.) Readers quickly go elsewhere. Beauty also means easy-fast-usability. People are on just as much of a time schedule as everyone else. As info, they might do photoshop for the iPad.

My youngest said the other day, "Mom, there isn't enough time in the day." Sad statement from a 10 yr old. So, the next day was free-play after school! (she'd also said, "See you in 7 hours." When I dropped her off at school.)

Have fun. Muay thai was great last night.
Christy

My Experience With "Barefoot Running"

2011-03-28T09:55:00.001-07:00

Part 2 to "The Secret" post from yesterday.

I can't say that I ran completely barefoot because I used my new shoes which helped retrain my running style. And, I will never run barefoot in Colorado because I hate snakes.

Here's how it went. I did precisely what the guy told me to do. (I didn't tell ya that he was a triathlete. He got more info about racing and training while laughing and chatting with my family and me than any "coach" ever has.) I only ran 1 mile in my new shoes which had more padding in ball of the foot and far less support in the heal. I don't even know how many times I've rolled my ankle. So, I was a little nervous. I used my other shoes for the rest of my small 4 mile run but, focused on the new form.

My experience during the run was pretty surprising. I ran on a treadmill so I knew my time in comparison to pre-change. It was far less taxing on my lungs even while being heavily focused on running absolutely backwards. And, cadence has to be faster. Yet, it was an "easier" run on my lungs. I switched back in my old shoes mid-run and my mid-foot started to hurt, probably because I was utilizing the old shoe differently, as it was not intended.

Today, my calves are sore. But, my knees aren't burning as much as they normally do.

Why not buy the toe shoes? Because I was told that mastery of this running style was vital beforehand, or injury was possible. One step at a time. The shoe I bought helped me get the idea physically. I understood it without too much thinking. Plus, I pictured how Jim walks... the secret :)

Have fun,
Christy

The Secret

2011-03-27T08:07:00.001-07:00

Is almost always right in front of ya. The scammer will tell ya it's hidden deep down inside and only they can show ya how to find it :)

I've read a lot about running and I've run for many many years. Yesterday, Jim said, "It's time for us to buy new running shows." I still run. It keeps my stamina up for muay thai. And, I have other physical goals, too. Just get out and "do it" if you love it. But, if you ran a lot and loved it, you'd try to run in a way that caused the least amount of injury.

In my lifetime I've run with 3 types of people who ran the same way which was noticeably different than most. Two were in college which was before 1997. My college was big into soccer. I ran all the time and people would always ask to join me. Whenever the soccer players ran, they always seemed to run on their toes. They could run for hours. I never understood "the diving part" only to jump back in the soccer game 2 minutes later. I could tell you about the 3 people but they all ran the same way. 2 were in college and the last was a couple of years ago, a marathoner.

While we were in the shoe store waiting for the young kid to bring out our correct shoe size, I walked over to the new "gimmick" shoe that people are wearing in CO. Knowing that barefoot running was growing I ended up chatting with the sales guy who was about my age. I mentioned barefoot running, and we were off in our own running world conversation. 45 minutes later and having practiced running like those soccer players decades ago, I came out of the store with different running shoes. Was I scammed? No. I already knew what I was getting into and it would be healthier in the end. No one had ever explained it so simply. I ran around that store with that guy so many times; it was crazy. I didn't buy the toe shoes, in case that was your thought.

The kids made fun of me as I practiced walking around Target with my knew running style in my OLD shoes. Yes, I have to break in the new shoes over 3-4 months wearing them 1 mile runs at a time. All the sudden I looked at Jim. He was walking just like I was trying to learn how to run. He can walk forever, just like a soccer player.

Jim then told the story of how the guys at work made fun of his gait one day. So, one of them decided to research, of course-nerds :) The next day, the guy came back and said that Jim's walk was the most efficient walk there was. He walked like good marathoners.

AHH, the secret to running, and I live with him. Funny stuff.

I've written about barefoot running before. I hate putting people on pedestals but here is a guy they call the barefoot runner if you want info. The little video on the first link is really good for feet placement. It's how a baby walks. But, it doesn't show how the leg lifts and falls.

Have Fun,
Christy

Positive Results

2011-03-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

OH YEAH... today was weigh day and official cheat day on Four Hour Body

A couple of us are doing this thing. I was actually looking forward today not only because I got to cheat but I could feel my body changing thru the week. I did everything I normally do exercise-wise except lift a little more. Plus, I had a ski day with the kids. Jim had 2 snowboard days with them.

Results were better than expected. Most importantly my body fat went down 2 points in percentage. YEAH. Secondly, I lost 5 lbs. Yep, that's right. Everyone had near the same results. We all exercised probably a little more than he would have wanted but, that's our style.

First thing I had this a.m. (cheat day) was fake sugar... My body got rid of that quickly. Didn't like it anymore. We are still going all out just like he says for today and we all feel great. The crazy thing was that we did this while on vacation which presented some challenges on the lifts. But, we just prepared ahead of time. Drank tons of water. There was stuff we could eat. Refried beans replaced our whole wheat bread which is funny.

But, so far, so good. Except, it feels like I am eating a ton during the week. I have to eat before and after exercise since I am the type to go above aerobic even when doing aerobic. I try to slow down, something they even say in muay thai, "Pace yourself."

I know this post is about food...oh, muscles are starting to show again too. That's how they were in yoga and lifting.

Have fun today.
Christy

Scientific Truth

2011-03-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

I've been around and lived with geeks for 20 plus years. When I say geeks, I mean, the real computer nerd. (Not the hacker.) I've loved the guy who knows how to make a chain of grocery stores around the entire country scientifically calculate every single item that crosses a scanner. The grocery needs to know what we are buying and who's buying what, where. I love Jim and I've come to love the humor he shares with his colleagues. Good people-for the most part. Sadly, they are mostly men. I think Jim's only worked with 2 female software engineers. I respect them. We go on double dates... she and her hubby are too much fun.

Computer nerds spend much time sitting in front of a screen. He's tried numerous weight loss programs. I have too, for that matter.

The one thing that has worked for both of us in the past was similar to this. It's written and tested by a geek, even better. Proof and science! Ah, yeah... just up Jim's alley. So, we are in again.

Why me? Here's why? Much to the chagrin of many an athlete I was in great shape doing a weight resistance and yoga type deal. 2 years ago a guy said, "Hey, you're in great shape for your age. Why don't you try..." I did. I wasn't broken. My body weight was ideal. I changed something that wasn't broken. My one question over and over was, "How do I eat in this new sport?" The unmentioned new sport left me really hungry and I noticed that after workouts the new athletes I "hung out with" would pile on lots of new foods... Pancakes, tons of starch... foods I'd not put in my body for years. I was confused. That food made me sick.

What and how to eat, wasn't part of my initial training. Yet it is the most important equation to any training program. It mattered in yoga. If you are trying to lose weight, it is more important to your training than the workout itself, PERIOD. You are being dishonest if you tell me that you don't care when a fast person crosses a race line yet you wouldn't want to look like them due to their weight. (so thin they might break or carrying 30 lbs I gained.)

The friends we have who are still in the sport are very scientific... loveable nerds of course :) We are doing the book. I gained 30 lbs eating the new way and exercising like crazy doing the new sport, hours a day. Depression set in big time. I know different. But, how do I eat? I forgot. What is wrong?

Jim's buddy recently lost 20 plus lbs and calculates like a scientist using The Four Hour Book. Doing great. I know this works. Abby has decided to join in. We'll see how it goes with her school schedule. No way could Emma eat this healthy at school. She leaves home at 8:45 and doesn't eat lunch until 12:50. Any true scientist will say, "You are setting kids up for weight gain and hunger." I say, "Agreed." Oh, Lunch is 15 minutes for kids. Teachers get their 45 minute-hour lunch break. Plus teachers get the microwave etc. We'd rather pay for diabetic kids than healthy ones. You bump into nothing but excuses when you want to change it. The schools are too blah blah blah, they'll tell ya. Bottom line... kids' health doesn't matter or they'd change. A kid spends more than 3/4ths of the day at school and 10 months out of the year. The times that kids eat matter just as much as what they put in their mouth. But, schools would rather call 911 or get insurance to pay for childhood obesity. Truth!

For us, we are changing back to what scientifically works. We are considering telling Emma's school when she must eat, too. An artist said, the line is much further than you think. What you learn doesn't matter if you don't use it as health deteriorates during the most important time of development-childhood!

Good luck to a friend doing his first tri this week!
Christy

Women Belong in The Gym

2011-03-18T09:58:00.001-07:00

I am not talking about the gym with only size 0, eating-disordered, plastic-jelly-filled women and men who are dressed as if they were at a bar. You walk in and see a beautiful electric tiny waterfall and the smell of lavender. The weights hardly make a noise. No grunting aloud :)

I am talking about gyms filled with bags hanging from the ceiling, mats galore, octagon, boxing ring, long ropes tide to gates across the mat, human-sized heavy moveable bags, sledge-hammers with gigantic truck wheels, used gloves you can borrow if you don't own any... That's what I am talking about. You will hear grunting, smell sweat, see heaps of sweat on the mat, etc.

We, women, belong there, not in the chairs watching boys with tattoos sweat like the fake waterfall. We need to join them. (Abby isn't allowed to get a tattoo though.) Abby, our 16 yr old has picked up a sledgehammer and hit a gigantic truck wheel over and over. And, she likes boys at school--in case that matters to you. We need to learn muay thai and wrestling.

One, it's fun to punch a bag, do switch kicks, learn a choke, etc. Your body gets things out of its system. Two, society and women themselves can put men on a pedestal in so many ways. This type of training promotes physical confidence allowing you to express your feminism with confidence. Thirdly, you learn self-defense. I am old enough to know that every woman should know how to defend herself.

Here's the biggie. You don't need expensive clothes, private coaching, make-up. Shorts and t-shirt and go. OH, yeah, of course a sports bra! How you look and what you wear simply won't matter. A real gym stinks. That's real work. Yes, they clean but, sweat is sweat. I have yet to leave our gym unhappy. My body will be sore but, happy is always how I leave no matter how I felt when I arrived.

The gym you choose makes a difference. If you are a beginner, take classes. Pick gyms that have all sorts of aspects available to you, wrestling, boxing, muay thai, BJJ, Judo, lots of kid's classes, etc. Sometimes our muay thai classes are all women. Sometimes Abby and I are the only women. But, women are certainly welcome in the gym and not just to sit in a chair and watch. Of course I love our gym which does have professional fighters and yet we do NOT pay a fortune. We love it.

A tip: Do not get attached to one specific coach. I see so many women and men make this mistake in sports. If a coach promotes it, take note (Yuk). It distracts from your progress and overall happiness. The best athletes tell you that they train with many different professionals. So, please watch out for that dependent behavior. The purpose of the sport is for you, not dependency on a coach. Every great successful camp has numerous coaches and training partners.

Have fun!
Christy

Fun...

2011-03-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

See? Connection, Part 2

Enjoy.
Christy

p.s. On a serious note: A friend from Japan living in the States is collecting batteries and much needed flashlights. If you know Jim or me personally and want to donate, let us know.

Connection

2011-03-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had a brief encounter with someone the other day. In our brief exchange (5 minute) and kid drop off, she told me all the important things she had to do. Finally, I said, "My name is, Christy. I've never met you." Stunned, she stopped and told me just her first name. "Nice to meet you." I said. I then turned to the adult whom I knew and thanked her as she would be taking care of my daughter. I gave Emma hugs and kisses and told her that I loved her.

I also had an encounter with someone Jim knew. Like Jim, he'd authored numerous books. Yet all he said when I met him was the same thing Jim always says, "Software." Then this guy proceeded to brag on his wife. We talked all sorts of fun stuff but never once did he boast on a single book or speech. Just minor geek talk but not much. In a huge group of people they were a lot of fun.

I saw an artist talk. His work was so encompassing and physically large that it required the work of the community. It told their stories not his. He simply provided materials, took pictures, basked a little in applause. But, the stories and pictures remained forever in their communities, countries, cities. It no longer belonged to him except in his heart and a book he carried. You could do whatever you wanted with the work that remained, even spit on it. However, it was the story of that town and for the most part, they wanted it told.

Today connection to each other is taken for granted. We can dig our heals in the ground and allow hatred to fester. Point fingers and blame. If we don't have loved ones in Japan, we can just go about our own business. We have technology to connect even more, yet it seems we can grow personally further apart even within our own household.

I want my kids to grow up knowing how to connect with people around them, their neighbors, their family, people of all ages. Love others as yourself. We aren't just to be around those who do things just like us... that's a cult/jr high click. Believe me, it really can be a cult. Listening to one man or woman telling you what is right and wrong and choosing only connection with those who do what he says is a cult. It is based on fear not connection or even love.

The art of connection really does propel anyone to get up and actively help each other. In the end it isn't the job title which can disappear. A name goes much further than a title when it comes to action.

The 5 minute encounter I had with the woman above. Understanding her does much more with just my name--no other attachments or expectations. Sure, right and wrong matter... that is another topic altogether.

I do pray for all those who suffer in Japan. I wish safety to the family members of my neighbors,
Christy

The fun of muay thai

2011-03-10T15:23:00.000-08:00

About time, been geeking out which is never a bad thing. Here's what has been up with the physical side.

Muay thai is quite a lot of muscle work. Abby and I still love our class and our gym. We now arrive, wrap up our hands and glove up later into class. Since all of us in the family do something, Abby and I don't go to class everyday. So, we do an aerobic workout in between.

You are so sore from class but, I promise that a great run or hard stair master workout the next day works off the lactic acid even though your body screams, "this won't work." If I have lots of time, I go for a long steady-pace run. Little time, then it's hard interval training on a kick-arse aerobic machine.

The self-aerobic really helps in class. The more you go and practice, the more you shock yourself with the strength of your kicks and punches. I love it. Abby and I have yet to come home feeling unhappy after class. We are chit-chatting and upbeat. And, my chic-a-dee is 16. 16 yr old daughters are great. I think more women should go for it--punch and kick a bag. It feels so good! And learning to do it correctly keeps you from injury.

We still love our gym. The cage fighters are kind and helpful. Everybody does their own thing and it's a-okay to be a newbie. It's not like a gym where you wear make-up, get the nicest/most expensive workout clothes, and try not to sweat. NO WAY! We sweat, focus, pretty clothes just get messy, tape up w/ duct tape on occasion... it's just hard core training. No judging. Just getting busy. You get what you put into it. And, you mind your own business. Abby and me love it.

Have fun today, sweat hard. It's beautiful out there.

Christy

CSS Notes

2011-03-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

This post is for you beginners to programming. It's part of my ride. I want to be more supportive to the family finances. Art, design and programming go hand in hand. The advantage of Jim being in software design for 2 decades is that I get to hear questions people ask. Finally, I realized, I had the same questions. I was simply afraid that if I asked, I'd sound "stupid."

I won't post everyday. But, here are some notes.

What is the difference between dynamic and static? Look at evite's site.

Static stays the same. It's the look and feel of a website. For example, evite has different designs for whatever party invitations you want. But, you can see that it is an evite invitation no matter what design you choose.

Dynamic data changes and the owner of the site doesn't have to program data for every change. It's so big they simply can't and shouldn't create that many pages. If you look at evite's site, a dynamic example would be all guests a user invites to a party.

What is CSS and XHTML or HTML5? HTML is text to a webpage. Some people liken it to a wordprocessor. CSS is a different language altogether. It makes everything look nice. Programming in CSS gives your HTML style. You program CSS inside HTML. It isn't as hard as it sounds. You simply have know they are 2 different programs. And when you use CSS it does change the look of your HTML.

Ajax or javascript is dynamic and talks to the server side programmers. That's where you pass off your work. People like Jim take over from there. Learning ajax/javascript will make you marketable instead of just user friendly.

I set time for learning a little everyday. Create a cheat sheet for myself so I can go back and remind myself. Seeing and doing over and over makes it easier for anyone. Anyone can learn.

Hope that helps. Have fun.

Christy

Fun Chrome Stuff

2011-03-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

Switching browsers not wheels on bikes nor cars. I was having download problems with a popular browser. They strongly urged me to download a recent security update. After several tries and 2 days later I called it quits. I figured with passwords/purchases etc it wasn't worth the risk. Plus, Jim said he only uses that one for testing.

So, chrome, here I am.

Fun techy stuff is always good. Purchasing an HTML 5 book today. Careful... there are lots of expensive but outdated books. They are good yet, if you want to learn the new stuff, check out what's in-the-making and when it is due before a purchase.

Have fun,

Christy

How to Improve my Career

2011-03-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

I am learning and practicing everyday. I volunteer when called upon. I will give to causes who really need help and not expect in return. This post is not a quick fix money answer to problems.

What am I learning? With a degree psychology I loved my clients but dealing with insurance required more of our time. I also loved art and that is my pursuit of knowledge today. (Photoshop, Illustrator, raw drawing and writing are my specific focus.) I took a course in computer graphics a couple of years back. I don't remember the exact name but, learned much and loved it.

I admit being fortunate in Jim's knowledge of software design, as a speaker, and author several times over with different publishers. I can say, "Help." It's around the corner.

If I want to grow I cannot get complacent. Here we go...Most careers i.e. technology have "user's groups." Professionals get together and listen to the speaker of the month. They pick speakers who talk about updated issues. As a student, we were required to attend several. I learned more in those groups than class. If you need to meet professionals this is a good way to do so. If I were a technology teacher, I'd certainly attend these groups... most are free.

As a psychology student, laptops weren't readily available to me. I'd get the best and most recent research that I could. I walked everywhere... no car. Medical journals had the best info back then. Today, I'd be researching countries such as Finland. I'd find out what is working and how they are using it.

Free stuff is in abundance on the web. Why? Professionals will peak interests by teaching us how they do certain things i.e. programming, photoshop, or whatever because it helps them down the road. These professionals have been in the field for decades. I know people who will teach hard technical skills so that you will later join another podcast group. You can learn how to program for free. I am speaking on the technical side because I see it more.

Here is a saying that my husband heard, "Some days I think programming is hard. Other days... well, there are no other days." That is the reality of any challenging job and the sign of a really good programmer.

A tip, anytime I attend a user's group etc I prepare for a career opportunity. I've watched people who aren't aware of basic human resource policies. Professionals have seen it all. Go if you want to learn and meet people in the field you love. Speak up, ask your questions but don't be redundant. Listen to what everyone else is saying too.

Educationally speaking, we will hire coaches with updated sport's certifications. But, we are scared to do the same in the classroom. We could change education, going to user's groups, using professionals as they do in sports who are ready and willing to voluntarily speak. Ah, the list goes on. For now, parents do it at home. I saw a book cover in the grocery store. Emma (our 10 yr old) learned how to do that cover using a free podcast I showed her a month ago!

Good luck,
Christy

Sweet 16

2011-03-02T06:39:00.000-08:00

Abby is now 16. Time flies. I have the baby pictures which of course I facebook'd and she loved. But, those were the pics of her in the clothes we chose, haircuts we picked, rooms we cleaned w/ a lil help from her, etc, etc.

Today, this is her room. Her hair cut, her way of a "clean room," and clothes she picked. Of course a mom has to decorate a for a sweet 16 birthday but purple is her favorite color and one she's had her hair colored.

She's done a good job picking decent clothes and refusing to ask for tattoos or body piercings in places I'd have to sign her health away. Picking our battles hasn't been too hard. She's a good kid/teenager!

She still leans in for a kiss good-bye every morning before school. And not a day goes by without, "I love you." It is true, the more they grow up, the more you love your child. They grow into their own. And I will forever be her mom even though the relationship always changes. Of course there is the mom-daughter clash from time to time. Jim will say there are 2 hens in the house. And, you work thru it. I love her style and who she is becoming, a girl who cares about others and works hard thru challenges.

I love you, Abby. Happy sweet 16. Sorry it bumps with CSAP's. We will party after. CSAP (Can't Stop A Party.)

Mom

Words Count

2011-02-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

This weekend the Princess 1/2-mary was in full swing (around 18,000 people) at Disney and we knew several runners. One dressed as Tinkerbell. They had a blast and their kids got to have some fun, too.

I've been reading a lot of books about women. Having 2 daughters and being a woman, I like to hear success stories. A common theme that I come across in everyday talk is guilt. Also, there seems to be a difficulty stating, "I am..." A lot women tend to underestimate abilities, myself included. Even being "mom" can be a "put-down" and something we feel we must defend.

I am learning to say, "I am..." instead of "I am working on..." I will easily say that my husband is an experienced programmer and author. Yet, I have accomplishments too. They are amazing realities. I am a runner. I am a cyclist. I do muay thai. I am a mom and wife. I am a student who is smart enough to research on her own, etc. You get the point. My words matter.

Instead of saying, "I am working on it." I say, "I ran today. I did muay-tai today." No matter where I am on my journey, I accomplished it today. It's important to my self-esteem and to my kid's that my semantics are a positive roll model. It is equally important to volunteer.

There is a female trainer with a quiet nature about her. I see her everyday that I go to the gym. She always has clients. And, she's fully engaged with whomever she's working with at the time. She's good and professional. No one but the client can hear what she's saying. Whatever it is that we do, people see and we make a difference even if we don't come in direct contact with people.

Have fun today,

Christy

p.s. From my experiences, anybody who acts as if they have nothing left to learn has experienced little in life. It's fun to always be a student and forever keep learning.

Great Book

2011-02-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

Last night was parent-teacher conferences. In high school you get a map, find your kid's class, sit in line to meet the teacher. Then find the next class and sit again. I had time to read Condoleezza Rice's book. I won't tell all. But, her parents did an outstanding job being parents and active adults in the community of Birmingham, Alabama.

It's amazing how her parents chose to deal with segregation and racism with their daughter. They wouldn't use the bus. She didn't have to sit in the back because they drove. They wouldn't drink from the fountain which was segregated. She used her bathroom and water. She was not treated any less than other individual by her family. Her mom was a teacher and would probably properly correct my grammar :) Her daddy was a coach and minister. You've got to read her book. I'm not finished yet. It's hard to put her honest and easy-reading words on the table.

It's so strange because I moved to Birmingham at age 9. I was raised a bit differently. One thing I can thank my parents for is that I never ever heard the words Condoleezza speaks of in reference to herself. We used the same pools as any other kid, no big deal. We visited churches where we were the minority. We played with people. It made for 2 baseball teams. Yay! It wasn't until I went to college that I realized some people thought otherwise. It frightened and stunned me to hear those words. I thought they were living "way back when." I didn't realize "way back when" wasn't so long ago.

I fear that racism is coming back in some forms. And, I see people arguing as our society is hurting financially. We point fingers at each other while ignoring problems. It makes the hurt grow. All the arguing back and forth, planting our feet firmly without helping each other or caring about each other makes a bad situation worse.

I wish we could focus on success and learn from that. If it's broken, if our society is out of money, then why can't we face it not run from it. We've got to innovate instead of argue over who is to blame.

For the most part Abby has teachers who care about teaching. Her math teacher, very experienced, spends an hour after school everyday for kids who need help. (Just like the Rice parents.) Pretty impressive. There is always that one teacher who makes you scratch your head. And sometimes you wish they would go through a corporate training course. But, kids learn how to cope. That can be okay if it doesn't hurt education.

Thanks to all those teachers who go above and beyond like my uncle who retired from his job. Then got a teaching certificate after his kids grew up. He's in the public schools teaching, as is my sister-in-law and my aunt who did the same as my uncle. They love what they do.

Have fun today.
Christy

Kids Can

2011-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Do anything. That's what we tell our girls. "Let's find a way." It will take some work. Currently, I am working on some new tech stuff. Abby and Emma both have their goals which are their business. But, they are testing the waters and it's fun to see what works and doesn't. They learn from it. Jim has to train himself constantly or his career opportunities diminish. His hours are not really 40 a week. When he wrote books, it was after work. Long, long hours.

Recently I saw an ad in a tech magazine. You can get an education from a different country.

What if kids and parents say, "No thanks" to teachers? You can't look far before finding a "home-schooler." Most of the time their parents are in high tech jobs. (Not religious based.) The family travels and kids get hands-on education. They get to see the world instead of read about it or hear from a teacher's perspective. Parents can now say, "You can't afford it nor provide a competitive edge. We will."

What if teachers couldn't get jobs in schools? What else could they do? Could they get a "math" job? No one will pay for a master's. There will be no more in-service days. You still have a deadline for the customer. You will have to compete with everyone else and be more innovative than the next guy. Could they do it?

If I were teacher and believed in my job, I would not be on t.v. dressed like the students I teach. I would be researching the countries who are beating us. I would be figuring out our budget. I'd try to guess what the future will surely be for me. And, I would learn anything and everything I could to be the best educator. Be more innovative than any other district. Make my boss look good. Help my students find anything and everything they could to reach their educational dreams. Find out what those dreams are. I wouldn't be sitting around waiting for a system to teach me. My students will be in a world where they will have to compete. Why would I, a teacher, expect to be any different? That's if I were a teacher. As a parent, I am already teaching my kids exciting new things because I love them. If they can't find it at school, we can always find a way to learn. I tell you, it is a lot of fun!

Good luck to the teachers who are getting busy and to those in my family who want our schools to be the best.
Christy

Love it?

2011-02-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

When Jim's in town, we workout together at the gym. Truth be told, getting ready can be a chore. But, once we get there, hop on the treadmill, start lifting, etc. we feel great. We enjoy going "together."

The other day, I ran outside. I went to the rez where you'll see cyclists and long runners. Just a man-made rez with ice-covered frosting and mountains. It was absolutely beautiful.

I passed an in shape runner with a huge smile on her face. She was dressed in regular sweats, nothing fancy. Mostly, I am in a world of my own enjoying the outdoors.

I had one last hill to climb. I couldn't help but notice a cyclist as I cleared the top and felt great. She was cycling a flat. I couldn't understand--the look on her face was one I'd seen before. (So serious, almost angry.) She was in tip-top shape but looked as miserable as someone with severe anger issues.

Where I live some people exercise like that. They call it training. If they only could see their face, they'd realize it looked like they hated what they did. If it were a job, it would be one job they were trying to quit. It can be an addiction to misery. And that is not what exercise and health is about.

It feels good. Of course you breathe thru pain and physical challenge. But it feels great after a run. I thoroughly enjoy working out with my family or going for a run, challenging the weather every now and then. If I can't stop and tie my shoe properly without feeling like the whole run is spoiled something is wrong with my intentions.

We know couples who go on their long runs together on Saturdays. They are thrilled to tell you all about everything that happened. If they race it's because they thoroughly enjoy it not because they had to do it. And they didn't choose races that broke the bank. There's equal give and take. Passion is not just for me but for each person in the family. I cannot enjoy my fun if the rest of my family can't find theirs too.

Here are some things I've noticed: there are some really good trainers out there if you need to drop weight. But, watch for a while before hiring them. See how they interact with all their clients. They should be busy with all types of clients and treat all clients with respect instead of potential date material.

Groups: Some people like them, if they don't already have friends who exercise. Again, research the group and ask all sorts of people about them. Get quotes and make sure prices are reasonable. Online support can be very useful. Some groups have good intentions, but people have a hard time following thru especially during significant time-frames. Ask about "drama." You don't want to get involved in a group full of drama.

Otherwise. Just do what you like. You don't need anyone's permission (except your doctor's, I have to say.) All the people we talk to do it on their own with the support of friends and loved ones. That's good enough for us.

Have Fun, exercise doesn't take you away from society. It makes you more productive in it. If it's not broken, don't fix it :) Have fun! My hubby is so sweet, he just got me a signed copy of Condoleeza Rice's book, "Extraordinary, Ordinary People." I am a fortunate wife!

Christy

Ruth Mae

2011-02-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

1919-2011

My Grandmother lived 92 years. We buried her this week and put her to rest beside my granddad. She was ready. She and my Granddad had the very best stories of a lifetime. My uncle told us that one of his boys had to do a homework assignment. "Ask an 'old person' the 2 best invention they've seen." Her answer, "Indoor plumbing and indoor electricity." Can you imagine? I know people who've chosen to live without but she raised 6 kids and watched the world change.

Highways were so fast for her. I remember being in her house and hearing, "icebox." We washed dishes by hand. One bathroom! That lil house was full of great memories for me. She knew short-hand, she needed it for her work in the FBI. I had no idea how many FBI stories there were. My Granddad and Great Uncle were agents. Granddad was accounting. He worked with many agents on some famous cases, those I shouldn't put in a blog. I wondered why Granddad took his gun to play tennis with his FBI buddies. Just a simple game. Another true story, I found out why. Grandmom's side of the family talked so fast and matter-of-fact about so many famous cases, I wanted them to slow down. These cases have been on the history channel. "It's in a book. That picture you want with Granddad, dad and uncle is in a real history book," They told me. I am searching high and low til I find it.

The best stories of her were raising her kids. She was a cool cucumber. She saw lots of blood with boys throwing scissors, sledding accidents, the list is so very long. Yet she handled it all in stride even when someone put a dead or live snake under her bed, no telling with my uncles. She was hardly 5 ft tall.

We have an enormous family. My dad is the oldest of 6. And, I am the oldest of 7. It's very odd how you can allow a funeral to bring you closer. But, you can. I enjoyed seeing all my cousins and hearing about their lives. Hearing about their careers. Meeting their kids. Seeing aunts and uncles. Seeing my parents, brothers and sisters, my beautiful nieces and handsome nephews. No one can believe how old you are. Really? 44. Even your nephew, wow, I didn't realize Margaret (the youngest of my sibs) was 12 years younger than you? Yep, that makes me 44. To him that's old. To me, life is still getting revved up.

To my loving Grandmom, a real worker bee. I am glad she's at peace. She's playing cards with aunt Anna. But, never for money. Just the way they played.

Love you, Grandmom!

Christy

Running

2011-02-10T06:19:00.000-08:00

This is such a good one. Talks about running for pure enjoyment and health. He mentions a tribe that survived thru running. I've read this guy's stuff before, very interesting. He's the "barefoot runner" guy.

Snow Days Are Good Days

2011-02-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days. We've had unusual amounts of snow. Even the snow plows couldn't keep up. And, people were on edge in this lil town. Ya just got take it in stride. But, tonight when I tucked Em in to sleep, She said in her night prayers, "Thank you that we got to school and back safely." And then she asked if the people in Egypt could get to be as happy as us. It put everything in perspective.

I've been learning some new stuff. Techy stuff. Abby knows a lot of it. But, Emma loves to do it with me. During snow days, that's what we do. She does the projects over and over until all the co-ordinances are completely memorized. I love it because it's real stuff that people use today.

Change... from crayons, markers, paint to Illustrator and Photoshop. We are digital and she loves it. Today, Jim and I worked at the bookstore. I was trying to read, when 3 women decided to meet right next to me. There was a bull-dozer in the group and she was all about winning. "Why do we have to do that? Budgets?" Etc. It invaded my reading so much I had to move.

Sometimes Jim goes into a company and fixes things in a week when they've been trying to fix the problem for months. And, it can come off as a bull-dozer. Although, he doesn't take her approach, his work does the talking. People ask, why haven't we been able to do that? It's not hard. He's been doing it all his life and he never stops learning anything new.

Things will always change. Saying, "This is how we always do it," does nothing but keep us stuck in the snow when we could have been working from home and had the problem fixed in the time it took us waiting in traffic.

Crayons are great for motor skills. But, the world is moving beyond photoshop for art. I am teaching my girl Illustrator these days. Imagine how she will feel producing a poster like that.

Have fun learning good stuff.

Christy

There will be a day...

2011-02-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Like a lot of people, I am a Dana White fan. Right now, we are watching him on Jim's screen sitting on the bench at the Laker's game with the players. He still comes off as humble to me. He'll tell ya when they have an embarrassing translator. He just drove up to a MMA gym in a strip mall, walked in, and shook hands with every single person in there (mostly age 13-14 yr. olds.) Few business men and women behave like he does. He loves our sport.

This was going to be a different kind of post. Here's the thing. I promise you that there will be a day that you and/or your child will physically have to defend thyself. It happened to me as a young adult and I got lucky. I discovered that I have "fight" in me even though I had no training whatsoever except wrestling with my brothers and some tuff times. For that I am very grateful.

I don't care if you have all the money in the world. You and/or your kid will have to face a day with no one around but themselves.

I have many adults come up to me and say, "We know you train. Wow, that's nice." I wonder, why not you? Some will say, "It's barbaric."

I heard this on the news. The sentiment was re-iterated by one of Jim's colleague mates. A reporter interviewed a wealthy Egyptian woman asking her about her beliefs pro or against. The mid 40's woman's response, "This is our fault. We didn't stop it when we should have. Now our children are paying the price and fighting because we were too afraid."

I do not EVER want my kids to say that about me, woman or not.

Muay thai was great. And Abby and I are grateful to the firefighter who taught us very helpful tricks.

Many thanks. Get out there and train.

Christy

Do We Care?

2011-01-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

I will never forget exactly where I was when the young college student stood before the tanks in Tiananmen Square. He stood alone holding up his arms. We all watched wondering, would the tanks run him over? They inched closer and closer as he stood his ground with arms in the air. The tanks stopped. Where is he now?

Where I live, I hear a lot of young people in America. Americans. Born here. I see them on facebook. Do they care about Egypt? Do they fully understand? The cars they drive, environmentally friendly, are far more expensive than a yearly salary of their educated "mate" in Egypt if their mates have a job. Chances are 50 percent of the educated youth can't get work in Egypt.

I saw a journalist with a bloodied shirt and busted head speak of having his camera stolen and being beaten with a metal baton by police. He was simply video taping. He was a journalist doing his job.

Do American youth want Egypt on the airways or discussed on facebook? Have we taught our kids to go play ball, ride your bike, read a book? Or is it a total lack of knowledge about the Middle East? Have they seen too much war "over there?" Is it easier to stand for the rights of animals than it is a human being?

We give money to Africa. I've given money to feeding Africa. As I drive around, I notice the music has changed to a somewhat "freedom" tone. But, does the younger American care about Egypt? I don't believe in watching t.v. 24-7 and constantly discussing it on social networks. But, are they outright saying, "I don't care?" Have we kept our kids in the dark? If they can't feel or touch it, it's not my problem? "I've got a car, my job, education, safe home, a bed, my rescue dog, a computer, facebook friends." Or, a scary question... is there some racism? I hope that's not the case.

Do we need Bono to go over there? That guy works himself to death for human rights.

What happens today, in Egypt, will affect today's American youth in 10 years if not sooner.

This is my first political post.

Christy

MMA and my family

2011-01-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Today, as Jim was out of town, he heard my voice. He said I was happy. I've been hitting and kicking bags, doing ab-work, learning to jump rope, taking muay thai with Abby. Abby's in the basement working out right now. (another post... I feel really good and I am gonna share it.)

I hate going to the grocery. After working-out at our gym, I went to the grocery without a thought. Picking out what we needed didn't "scramble my brain." And, I just finished a kick ass workout. I was starving which atypical for me post workout.

The people at our gym are happy. They seem to want to be there not because they are trying to impress anyone, or boast about which class they're in, etc. It's different. It's upbeat, encouraging, and, yes, we spar to our level. There is a difference between tearing down and building up. We are learning to defend ourselves. As a beginner, it feels good when I leave and go about my day. It's a family setting even for my own family.

Last night Abby and I talked to one of the instructors who just happens to be very very good. He explained the history of our sport after we told him how much it felt like a family. The history is deep in the Monks of Tibet. The sport helped the week to fight an enemy who was stealing their home. The Monks won and gave us Martial Arts.

For whatever reason, I can't help but smile every time I walk into that gym. I think I might be pretty serious while in class. Yet the smile is magic and comes right back, I feel it. I see it in Abby, too. She told our neighbor about it and couldn't stop talking about how much she loved it.

I hope that whatever you do, it is something that magically puts a true smile on your face.

Christy

Muay Thai for us Beginners

2011-01-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

Here is what I will say about Muay Thai-I love it at age 44. You work hard in there. Not much time for talking except for asking questions when you don't understand. If you're in a good gym the atmosphere is positive and serious at the same time. Yes, a few 4-letter words. You can let-go a bit. People are there to help.

If you are a beginner, here are a couple of things you need:

A good MMA gym. You will probably want to learn other things down the road. (our gym teaches BJJ, wrestling, boxing, kids' programs, weight lifting, personal coaching, etc) I like classes. They also have very good MMA fighters who act "normal" towards beginners. The coaches are very helpful and want to see you succeed no matter how young or old.

Clothes for Muay Thai:

I wear a yoga bra and a t-shirt with yoga-like pants. Easy and not pricey.

Gloves. I bought mine and Abby's for $30 a piece. They work great.

Wraps. I haven't bought yet.

Bare feet.

Mouth Piece.

That's it for now.

A good gym has all the bags and space you need. (oh, and my favorite-NOT-they have jump ropes too)

I am hooked. So is Abby. She loves it. We might be exhausted before class but never regret having gone. We always say, "That was so much fun. I feel better." Classes are mostly at night. Everyone has jobs or school, so a lot of good coaches teach at night. Also, it's a night sport.

Give it a try. It took us about 4-5 places to find OUR gym. They let us try every class for free. We went for a month before signing up. 2 classes a week costs $55 per month. They treat us just the same as they did when we were looking for a gym. (even better)

Have fun,
Christy

Lookin for Fun

2011-01-24T10:39:00.001-08:00

In all the right places. Waiting for Jim to finish his lunch work so we can run. I finished my stuff first. Yeah ;) We watch American Idol. We weren't going to watch this year but gave Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy a shot. And they've done great.

Here's my thought. FUN! Yes, they are true musicians in every sense of the word. They know the work. They've done it for years. But, they have a blast. Their attitude is incredible with each other and with the contestants.

Here is an example. Steven got a bummed chair before the show started. So broken that he nearly fell all the way back. With a huge smile on his face he joked while grabbing the table, "Bring in the first contestant." His smile couldn't be more contagious.

If we all went to work like that, what a difference we could make in every single thing we did. A broken chair is something to laugh at. A beautiful note makes your whole body move with it. And, when things just don't work out, it is said with honesty tempered with kindness. What a difference we'd make in this world.

I am glad we get to laugh at broken chairs, see beautiful sunsets, jump til our hearts content, pace to music that makes us move, and go run with my husband, punch a punching bag when ya want, etc etc etc.

Have fun today.
Christy

Dreams

2011-01-20T09:57:00.000-08:00

"Simplify your life; throw it all away." They say. Nice and tidy. Lookin' fine and perfect. But, our family beginnings are in the basement. (This is a kind of a p.s. to yesterday's post.)

We've kept the not-so-simple stuff. It's worth- not a dime. But, to us, it is the story of our beginnings. And our girls love it. It is a heap of metal. Old old books. Pictures. No one uses this stuff anymore.

Yet, it's how we started and how we are lasting. We started with passion, love, hard work. It had nothing to do with money. You can see that Jim followed his dream. He did what he always enjoyed. He and his dad got a computer when they first came out. Jim built a computer piece by piece buying "memory" as he needed for school when we were first married. You may not even know what "buying memory" means. If I came home from work and the "motherboard" was fried, ugh- a bad day. The computer was never fully enclosed because he was always fixing this or that so he could finish a project.

We loved our dates to the bookstore. Tons of old books are boxed down there. I love the smell of it. My art projects are down there too. Jim talked me into taking some art classes which I loved. I loved my job and worked hard. I protected my clients and their privacy. Their stories aren't in our basement.

Abby wants to decorate the whole basement with our stories. I love it! Emma has a dream and had the nerve yesterday to pick up the phone and charge in pursuit. Jim sat beside her letting her do the work. Abby is following her dreams. She is smart and makes me laugh. All that memorabilia shows us and reminds us to follow what we love to do, the positive stuff, result of hard work. We support each other. No guilt or strings attached. "We can find a way. Let's see how to get there. And we can work towards it." Learn how to make it come true.

I am not left out either... I am going back to the drawing board. But, it's on the computer this time. Exciting.

Seeing a dream grow day by day with hard work, then realizing that it came true is amazing. Too many people follow someone else's dream, even their spouse's. It doesn't work that way. It's got to be your own.

To my kid's dreams,

Christy

Love that Lasts Generations

2011-01-19T06:41:00.000-08:00

They are beautiful. My grandparents with a whole life ahead, 6 kids, tons of grandkids, hard work-thru the end of the depression, stories upon stories.

Granddad was the funnest man in my life even having retired from the FBI. That's how he met Grandmom. She's was a "secretary." (administrative assistant) in the FBI. And, true to his nature, we never ever heard a thing about work. We saw the picture on the wall with Granddad in his suite shaking hands with J. Edgar Hoover with my dad and uncle at their side. (Dad and my uncle were kids and in some sort of boy scout uniforms.) I wish I could get a copy of that pic. Well past his own retirement, Granddad would play tennis one day of the weekend with his retired FBI buddies. They have a precious bond. He loved accounting and taught at the university post retirement. Accounting passed to my aunt and now my sister, too.

I guess he saw some bad stuff in his lifetime. He'd always watch the weather channel along with sports. And, never was he really at ease til everyone was safe and sound in their homes when the weather was the beast, "tornado." I'll never forget...the FBI came to his funeral and honored him properly.

The stories I know are with him and Grandmom. They loved us. They loved us differently. He laughed and let us steer the wheel of his car while we sat in his lap. Took us to King's Island with Grandmom. Visited us whenever my own brothers and sisters were born. He and Grandmom loved us.

My grandmom's body is as strong as her will. She gave as much as he did. They gave! She gave all she had to her family. Family meant the world to both of them. Granddad made sure she was always taken care of even after he was gone. My uncle who is physically close to her is at her side just about every other day says that she is slipping away. I remember her strength and the way she said Granddad's name. Our youngest daughter has both grandmoms' names. Our oldest has mine. Both our daughters have humor, strength, and intelligence. The good is generational too.

I know this is a different post. I am grateful.

Christy

p.s. My grandparents "giving" was different than today's generation. They gave time and hard work. It wasn't even called volunteering. It was a "no-brainer." They were just "there" when people needed help.

Women Succeeding

2011-01-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

The other day, I was at the mall bathroom. There happened to be a pair of women with their babies discussing if they had a boy or girl.

"Oh, you are lucky, you have a boy and a girl." I heard.

Why is that so lucky? I've heard this, "We are going to try one more time-for a boy?" That is one sad reason to have a child.

We have 2 daughters with 2 different personalities and we'd not change a thing. Both are smart and love intelligence. And, both have dreams for the future and present. That is the very reason that we encourage reading, computer learning, love not hate, and the belief that good dreams are within your reach.

I loved this talk from TED... I think she made several key points. Women tend to attribute their accomplishments to another person. Whereas, men will say, "I did this." I believe that in our daughters' generation they can be liked and be accomplished. They must believe it to be reality. But, parents set the stage. Our daughters love their dad. Oh, he loves football and he also cooks :)

To successful women working in or outside the home,

Christy

Learning in Imperfection

2011-01-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

New Years Resolution: "Whatever things are good and right, think on those things." That's been a deal for me lately. When I drop the kids off at school and see a teacher in the lot, I say, "She looks pretty today." We end up chatting about the cute kindergardener who wears a tutu everyday. It starts the day off positive especially after a kiss and hug. She leaves with a smile and so do I.

I used to "know it all" pre-kids. Post-kids vulnerability and ignorance are exposed. Kids are born with personality. My job is to love and to teach them to love. If they can do that, they can be successful discovering passion in connecting with others as well as what they do. Mistakes are part of the deal. There is a good talk about getting that kid into Yale by the age of 7 www.ted.com Kids are never meant to be raised in a golden box with a gold bow tied around it. They will only learn fear and disconnect from that lie.

Last night while Abby was lifting weights, Emma was doing homework. Emma loves to be with family so she was in the kitchen/family room. Oddly, the t.v. was on and on a channel we were not watching. ("Hotwheels," the cars show.) Emma asked if we could turn it off. I realized that she could learn from this.

I asked her to move to the table in the same room. Watching Jim do tedious work, I know that one day she will have to do the same with distractions. Without a thought, she jumped up and went to her favorite "spinning" chair. Because it was tedious and the t.v. was on, I checked her work afterwards. She only made 2 sloppy errors. I simply had to show her the problem and she saw it. I wouldn't want her graded like that. But, the world doesn't stop while she needs to accomplish tasks. And she is learning to focus in the midst of a little chaos. I later told her what happened. She laughed. We recalled a joke that a smart colleague played on Daddy(Jim.) The guy stared at him for 20 minutes as Jim worked with ear phones (music). Jim never knew it.

As a reward for her homework, I played Club Penguin with her. Honestly, they learn so much from that online game... science, online communication skills, problem solving... the list is too extensive to mention. Knowledge is, by far, more important than fear of the internet especially with kids. By the way, it is just as easy to stay connected with Abby. The door doesn't always stay closed. And, I knock if it is closed for a while.

Have fun today.

Christy

I enjoyed this one http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

Education

2011-01-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Jim, Emma and I checked out a brand new charter school. While teaching core elements they are heavily based in science and math. They are open-minded to subjects students request. They even teach marketing for the entrepreneur.

We walked into a room-full of tables with kid-operated robots, kids doing live experiments, squid dissecting, a tangible physics model with equations on a white-board. Students, parents, and teacher were all ruminating over possible physics answers. If you couldn't tolerate the noise of a child's brain at work, you wouldn't belong. "Shhh, be quiet," definitely not the atmosphere. Emma jumped right in while we went to a meeting.

The board members weren't attorneys, but people in the real field of math and sciences. Those who have been building rockets for generations. People who had 5 kids. I remember a conversation I had with a guy who works at Disney this Christmas. I'd just told him that we were a nerd family. He said, "Everybody has a nerd in them. They just have to find their passion." So very true! The guy at this meeting who works with rockets said nearly the same thing about his 5 kids. "We just have to tap into it. Now is the time."

Sitting around blaming each other waists precious time that kids don't have. The fact is we are, as our President recently stated, at a Sputnik moment. It's time to catch up. Get involved. Get excited. The energy in this room was as contagious to me as it was to our daughter. What about Abby? It was not offered to her yet. But, we aren't leaving her behind. We talked about how she can get involved. We learned how to keep her motivated. We know where to get a squid-at the grocery.

We always expose them to computers and games that are exciting. But, it's so very important to tap into their own passions and take that highway. It is filled with so much opportunity. There is nothing worse than a child who had excitement about learning. Then, as they move up, the light goes out. It doesn't have to happen. It is up to us all. Even if you don't have or want kids, they will be making things you will live by one day. You are in this too.

Have a fun and exciting day,
Christy

Lactose Intolerant Kids

2011-01-07T11:15:00.000-08:00

We have a winner-She's 10 yrs old now.

These days she can tolerate Lactose Free Milk. (This is not a post about soy vs. lactose-free. We go lactose free.) How do you get Vit D and Calcium in a kid who throws up or sits on the potty in aching-pain for 30 minutes post-lactose?

Supplements. Some of those supplements send her in a whirlwind of pain. Meaning, they do not stay in her body. 30 min later, she's on the potty, hurting. And the supplement is now gone.

In talking w/ the allergist, you can only experiment. Liquid vitamins are better. The best way to get any vitamin in any body is thru food/drink. Food/drink fortified with the vitamins such as OJ/bread/bars are on the list. She now tolerates a certain kind of cheese. This is a good sign. Our girl may be outgrowing some of it. According to our allergist, the newest research shows that food is always best. Good luck to you and your little ones.

Fun Stuff from a MMA fan/consumer:

Maynard' fight for Edgar's belt-Shew, what a fight! Honestly, we said the same thing before the draw was given. "Dunno who won." Sorry, Maynard. I picked you. But, part of the story was Frankie's heart and stamina. He never gave up in that 1st round. And, he was able to come back and win rounds unlike Koscheck against GSP. Frankie had the strength to do some slams as the fight went on. It was a great battle that could have gone either way, meaning-a draw. The belt has to be taken from a champ, not questioned. At the press conference post-fight, Frankie looked great. Maynard's face looked like he had been in a fight. I was curious if something was wrong with his jaw. The Pettis and Frankie fight will be wild. Can't wait! Pettis, so much fun!

Yep, Stann's the man. The favorite boy underestimated ya. Uh, huh!

And Guida, crazy man. Made me smile. Never seen a fighter like that. You go, wild man.

Lunch is over, getting back to work.

Have fun out there,

Christy