tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46095145045095309032024-02-20T03:30:20.942-08:00Where the Coupons Are - Mommy TimeKimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-43807979785890356052016-11-28T13:23:00.000-08:002016-11-28T13:23:03.187-08:00Shopping In The AMWe went shopping again. I had to go to the post office to drop off one of my eBay packages, then to CVS to get my photos, milk, juice and diapers. Then to the bank, and finally, to the thrift store. The kids are troopers, and they are good kids. <br />
First at the post office. I had packaged my product in a used First Priority USPS bubble envelope. So I had to ship it using Priority shipping. Note to self. The item was headed to Addison, IL, and I thought about driving down there to just drop the package off. But I'm not sure how eBay feels about that, and its a 42 minute trip with no traffic or mishaps. So, I opted to pay and ship. Maybe next time I won't. <br />
Then we headed over to CVS, not the one by the house, but to the one that I accidently sent my photo order to. While we were choosing juice, The Boy pulls out a bottle of Starbucks Frappuccino and drops it. It shatters all over the floor, and it took me a moment to reign myself in. I put him in the cart and said it was ok, that I was just surprised. I know that it was accident. My diaper choice was because of the rebates I could get on Checkout 51, as well an in-store coupon. The cashier rudely throws my $20 back on the counter and asks for another one. I say, <br />
"Uh no. Why? What's wrong with this one?" <br />
and she says, like its' totally obvious, <br />
"I can feel the difference. This one is not real."<br />
I told her to call the manager, because I know that it is real. And it was. I was expecting an apology, but I didn't get one. I did fill out my online survey and noted what had happened. On the upside, we saved 43%. <br />
We went to the bank next, and as soon as we pull into the drive-thru, The Boy asks for a lollipop. I dutifully asked the teller for two and we got four. Right on. Unfourtuantly, my transaction was unable to be completed because my husband's name is also on the check and he needs to be present. Dang. <br />
At the thrift store, Savers, we received 30% off from the cashier. I think she might have mishandled our transaction, but I wasn't complaining. I also think that I waited on her when I worked at Walgreens. It was a successful trip. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-18346455630615270362016-11-17T12:10:00.001-08:002016-11-17T12:10:52.392-08:00Cartwheel I have finally started using Cartwheel, the coupon app for Target. And it was easier than I thought. During my transaction today, I was able to save about $2. Not great, but not bad either. <br />
We went in there because I had gotten a mailer coupon for $5 off $10 or more of household essentials or grocery items. Apparently, hand soap is not a household essential. I decided not to fuss about the coupon because I needed the items anyway (for a gift) and I was buying them on sale. <br />
In the newspaper yesterday, I got a $10-off-$50 coupon for groceries from Target, and I cobbled together a list from their promotional mailer. I was unable to locate two items from my list, so I got a few items in their place after doing some math. I had clipped a few Cartwheel coupons and was picking up a few items for the 'Mitten Tree' at church and was feeling pretty good. However, I noticed that Target grocery prices are actually pretty high. A few of them items I got were a good deal, but mostly the prices were at the top of my range. The only way to work around that is to be vigilant about sticking with my list/price point, clipping my paper coupons, and working with my money-saving apps, such as ibotta, checkout 51, and Cartwheel. Luckily, I am very good about being vigilant with all those things. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-75826198899605252042016-11-14T11:30:00.001-08:002016-11-14T11:30:06.960-08:00UniqueThe Boy is growing fast! Many of his clothes are just a touch too small, so today we went shopping. We headed off to Unique Thrift Store in the strip mall at Howard and Western, in Chicago. On Mondays, everything is 50% off! (Besides the Red Tag new items). With the kids, I have to do grab-and-go shopping, so I grabbed seven pairs of pants, and five sweatshirts, and a coat. Some of the sweatshirts are zip-ups, one is a regular pullover, and a few are hoodies. I got him a few warm (with the fleece layer inside) khakis and two jeans, and one camo. I even scored a waterproof coat that might be warm enough for winter, for $2.50. I spent $31.01. Normally I have some buyer's remorse, but not this time. We got a great deal, and he'll wear all those clothes. And then his brother will. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-22166719064495158022016-11-09T10:24:00.002-08:002016-11-09T10:24:51.752-08:00Doctor's Appointments Both The Boy and I need to go into the city for our appointments. The mileage is not the problem, it is the amount of time it takes to get from our house to the office. We have to travel through Chicago, which takes about an hour. I think it's worth it for him, because he is my son and he deserves every advantage I can give him. But is my appointment worth it? Maybe. Right now it seems ok, but let me ask The Hubs and my babysitter and see what they think.<br />
<br />Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-87205171046610146292016-11-06T12:02:00.000-08:002016-11-06T12:02:46.576-08:00I Love The Way We Agree At my church service today, the minister suggested we reply to people with different political/social views in the following way:<br />
"I cannot possibly agree with you on that point, but I love the way we both agree on..."<br />
'loving our families?'<br />
'support watering our lawn?'<br />
'utilizing a budget for household needs?'<br />
'love coupons?'<br />
The point is to know that it is unlikely to change someone's political and/or social viewpoint with a single argument or conversation. Our viewpoints are based on a lifetime of experiences, and how we perceive the world. Letting someone know you disagree with them, without resorting to mind-changing tactics, defensive drama, and harsh words is not 'allowing' them to continue in bigotry or liberal brainwashing (depending on what side of the political spectrum you're in). It is 'allowing' them, and you, to recognize similarities, humanism, and a chance for connection. Responding with the recommended response is a way to remind ourselves that despite all this us vs. them mindset, we all want to be heard and we all want connection. <br />
I plan on using this tactic when visiting my in-laws later this week. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-56992960772651953042016-11-01T10:38:00.003-07:002016-11-01T10:38:45.299-07:00Unseasonably Warm With A Cold FrontIt is unseasonably warm, but not record-breaking, outside today. Sunny and beautiful and I want the kids to play outside. But they are sick! And I just don't know if they need that kind of non-relaxing activity. <br />
I had a few plans today, including voting early, going to Target with a mailer coupon for Halloween clearance (among other things), and going to the library to get the books I requested. The only thing we did was get the books because if you don't pick them up within three days, they reshelf them. And I requested a 'cozy mystery' from another library. (Who knew that was even a genre?) We went in, my kid was coughing, there was a minor meltdown because I told The Boy that there was a dinosaur book for him but it was actually a bug book. And we returned a few items, and checked out our reserved items and got the heck out of there. <br />
When we got home, we watched <em>Scooby Doo, </em>ate some popcorn and a few kid-friendly cough drops, and went to bed. <br />
Luckily, I plan my schedule far enough ahead so that pushing my voting and shopping trip back shouldn't be a huge problem. If the kids get better quick. <br />
Tomorrow they are scheduled to get their flu shots, which obviously won't happen if they are still sick. Perhaps the doctor will see them? I hope it is nothing serious. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-21259670633429060032016-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:002016-10-28T09:57:03.902-07:00Tea TreatmentsDuring my kid's rest/naptime, I try to get some stuff done for me. I attempt to sell things on eBay, I work on this blog, I workout, and I do a beauty treatment. Oftentimes, one or many of these do not get done, but today I was able to do a tea treatment. <br />
First, I washed my hair in cool water. Yes, it was my kid's bathwater from yesterday. A little gross, but it saves water. <br />
Then, I sprayed my hair with old suntea I put in a salon spray bottle. I've heard this treatment works best with black tea, but I used Tension Tamer. <br />
I wrapped my hair up in a plastic bag, and will leave it in for a half hour.<br />
After the tea does it's hopeful magic, I will condition my hair. <br />
The Hubs thinks these at-home beauty treatments are crazy and yucky, but I always feel better after doing them. <br />
The tea is supposed to stop breakage and hair loss, and make my hair shiny and smooth. It is a lot to hope for, but I've read a few other blogs whose authors swear by this treatment. <br />
Try it and let me know. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-15380003106555079832016-10-26T10:56:00.001-07:002016-10-26T10:56:14.712-07:00Headaches and The LibraryI'm laying in bed with a tension headache that has creeped up from in-between my shoulder blades, to the top of my shoulders and into my neck and at the base of my skull. I already took two Excedrin this morning, and I don't really want anymore. <br />
<br />
My headache might be caused by tension but also by the weather, which is proper stay-at-home fall weather. It is low 40's and raining. Real rain, not drizzle. And cloudy, of course. Where is my hot tea?<br />
<br />
We went to the 'train library' also known as the Morton Grove Library, which has a train table and a dollhouse. The boys love it there, so we played for just under an hour. The kids got a bunch of Halloween books and I picked up a Halloween craft book for them. We'll finally be carving our pumpkins this afternoon, but other crafts later. <br />
Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-83978382852373984412016-10-23T10:33:00.000-07:002016-10-23T10:33:46.025-07:00PumpkinsI recently read an article by Heidi Stevens about keeping the basic traditions alive but not going overboard and forcing people into activities. Specifically, she was talking about not driving 50 miles outside the city to the most picturesque Pumpkin Patch, but rather, being ok with and even liking the 'patch' at the corner of a busy intersection in Chicago. Her kids didn't want to spend all day in a patch, and they didn't. <br />
I grew up with both types of traditions. We had a house in south Evanston, which is technically a suburb of Chicago, but feels more urban than most suburbs. Both my parents worked, and it was hard to find a time and even a reason to travel all the way out to farmland for apples, pumpkins, Christmas Trees and whatever other holiday items people need. We bought our Christmas Tree from the usually-empty lot about five blocks from our house. Our pumpkins were bought from another usually-empty lot about five blocks north of our church. Our apples, however, were picked at a special orchard an hour and a half (in good traffic) drive north of our home. Once a year we made the trek, for fresh apples and donuts. I'm keeping the tradition alive by bringing my sister and kids out, and meeting up with my dad. We love it. <br />
So after church today, the kids and I met up with my mom at Windy City Pumpkins, on Greenbay. It didn't take long to choose pumpkins; there were no corn mazes or fields and we were packing up the car in about twenty minutes. We didn't get corn or Mums or haybales or any extras. And we had a great time. It was nice to be part of a holiday errand that didn't require weeks of planning and a car-load of supplies. <br />
Sometimes I wish we had elaborate traditions and recipes and dances and stories from The Old Countries (Ireland and Estonia and Norway and probably England). As a child and young adult I craved something more than 'just'...<br />
Recently (the last eight years or so) I realized the traditions we have are 'real', lovely, and activities I will carry on with my children. Our American ways are our ways, (and many of them are derived from the traditions in The Old Country) and they are beautiful and traditional and meant to be done year after year. We will be carving our two pumpkins as a family of four sometime this week. When are you carving your pumpkins?Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-48599041892471432522016-10-22T11:55:00.001-07:002016-10-22T11:55:51.256-07:00House PaintThe Hubs has decided its a good a time as any to paint the middle floor of the house. He and a coworker moved most of the furniture to the garage, and I had to bag up all the loose stuff we had on various surfaces. Even though its not a renovation, it feels like one, and I am hugely stressed out by the displacement of items and the disarray of our home. Also, The Hubs has stated clearly that he wants to take this opportunity to get rid of stuff. And that in and of itself is a cause of stress for me. <br />
The Boy is very excited about the work going on, and this morning he followed his father around with a dry roller. The kids got into a scuffle about the equipment and The Hubs had to make sure they had the same stuff. <br />
The last time we did any home improvement, the kids were way to small to do any work. In fact, The Boy had burned himself on a work-lamp while I was at work. He was a baby in a walker and I wasn't pregnant with The Baby yet. Only a few years ago, but it is literally a lifetime ago. Incredible, for me, to think about. <br />
Anyway, the kids can sort of help now, and they are very interested in doing what their dada is doing. And lucky for all of us, The Hubs is pretty willing to have them 'help'. It is truly a learning experience. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-49748939610196218752016-10-18T11:09:00.000-07:002016-10-18T11:09:06.152-07:00Photos I read in <em>The Happiness Project </em>about taking the time to deal with photos. Putting them in frames and albums, uploading and printing and sharing them, and making scrapbooks. The author (Gretchen somebody...) stated that it was part of her duty to do these things as an archivist and historian and record-keeper of the family. I feel the same way. I feel that it is up to me to take, print, share, upload, album, scrapbook, and memorialize all our photos. So, that is what I have been doing. <br />
Right now I am working on printing all the photos (after editing, of course) that I took during a family reunion in July. Which means the photos taken after that have not been printed. The task is orderly and daunting. <br />
<br />
I printed my most recent batch at Walgreens, using an online coupon making the prints 12 cents each, with the purchase of 50 or more. And I got extra points on my Walgreens card with an in-ad coupon. <br />
<br />
Now I have to label and album those prints. Some will be given away. I truly hope I can carry on with this project. <br />
<br />
How do you deal with (or don't deal with) your photos?Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-63132782693384839462016-10-17T10:10:00.000-07:002016-10-17T10:10:08.441-07:00Salvation ArmyAs far as I know, the Salvation Army supports causes and viewpoints that I do not. Despite that, I did find myself shopping there because it is close to the house. I know, I know. <br />
I got so overwhelmed and excited while I was shopping! I really had to remind myself to stick to my list. And I had to pull my list out repeatedly.<br />
I was surprised that I couldn't find any ice cube trays. I want them to make homemade popsicles (with Saran wrap and toothpicks, like we used to do when we were kids). And to freeze herbs/butter or herbs/oil. <br />
We were able to find a cute pair of blue, Velcro sneakers for The Boy. And I got them at 25% off because they had a tan tag. I also bought him an adult-sized pair of cozy Halloween socks (25% off) and a pair of new white socks that look too big but probably aren't. Also 25% off. I spent $6.54.<br />
Despite the fact that thrifting is always cheaper than retail, I always make sure to stick with the sales. <br />
Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-87065117812750587592016-10-16T10:40:00.001-07:002016-10-16T10:40:27.863-07:00Sick Day Part 3We all woke up late; too late to get to church on time. I had a fair amount of guilt about this. We don't do church during the week (although I do pray everyday), so it seems like if we miss one or two days in a month, that is actually a lot. It is probably good that we didn't go; the kids and I all have coughs. As I think I've mentioned, I'm pretty sure I'm the only SAHM at my church, and I would hate to bring an illness to the kids and moms who have to go to school/daycare/work. Perhaps this justification is a way to ease my guilt about waking up later than I intended. I think it's working. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-17462412997670661192016-10-15T11:50:00.002-07:002016-10-15T11:50:52.375-07:00Still SickI am so blessed. Yes, I am sick, but it helps me remember why choices made in my previous lifestyle were not good ones. And this sickness reminds me why I can't and won't go back to those days. <br />
Also, my wonderful Hubs allowed to me to rest in bed since he got home last night. I was able to go upstairs and watch TV and read. I took a Nyquil around 9 and was out for the whole night. I woke up to my alarm and kid at about six. But The Hubs told me to go back to sleep. Which I did. Until about nine. Which is incredible. When I woke up, I felt much better. Not totally cured, but much better. The Hubs then took the kids to park I played at when I was a kid, Mount Trashmore, and brought them home in time for nap and snack. I put the kids to bed for their nap, and went back to bed. I am dressed, for some reason, but my hair and make-up are not done. <br />
<br />
To boost my immunity, I am drinking my mint black tea suntea. I put the jug out on the windowsill because although it was sunny, there was no direct sunlight in my yard. On the windowsill it stayed in the sunlight for probably under an hour. Evidently, the suntea season is ending, and I refuse to acknowledge it. I left the tea out on the windowsill all night. I hope I don't get a weird tea-related disease. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-76947616233038966852016-10-14T11:35:00.000-07:002016-10-14T11:35:03.948-07:00I'm Sick!I'm sick! And I always feel sorry for myself when I'm sick. The only time I don't feel totally awful is when I'm in the shower, reading a good book, or watching t.v. <br />
I have decided that because I'm under the weather and I'm not feeling well, I will try to get my stuff done, but I will not beat myself up if I don't.<br />When I'm sick I tend to rely more on the home remedies. And I believe in taking the day off. We dropped off books at the library, and went grocery shopping, but now we are home for the day. <br />
Drinking a lot of fluids is essential to getting over a cold faster. Water, obviously, but also tea with honey, hot water with honey and lemon, apple cider vinegar with water, and juice are all good options. Go easy on the sugar, so it's a good idea to dilute your juice with water. <br />
I plan on resting, if possible, with the kids. Perhaps we can watch one of the Halloween DVDs we got from the library. <br />
For my sake, and the sake of others, I hope I feel better soon. <br />
What are some of your home remedies? Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-69740908862665955862016-10-13T11:37:00.000-07:002016-10-13T11:37:10.067-07:00SaversOne of my rules for living a thrifty lifestyle is to see if I can get stuff used before I might have to buy it new. So we headed out to Savers, a thrift superstore. The one I went to is located in Glenview, but it is well worth the drive. <br />
Everything there is so well organized! The sections are easily identifiable, and they sell smaller items in groups. Last time we went there, I was looking for silverware, and all my options were grouped into well-organized bags lined up along a peg board. This time, I almost got distracted by the peg board in the kid's department. There were sets of flash cards, coloring books and crayons, and all manner of learning tools, art supplies, and games. I remembered that we have many items like them at home, and was able to steer the kids away from the area. <br />
The Boy loves 'spooky stuff', Halloween, thrift stores, and decorations. So he really kept busy looking at the new and used Halloween items. He has a great eye for interesting and quality items. <br />
We found a pair of sneakers in the next size up, because it seems that his shoes now are getting too small. I just noticed he has matching blisters on the tops of his toes, so I'm feeling bad about my mothering right about now. I bought him a pair of size 10 (!) lime green and blue sneakers. For $5.99.<br />
The Hubs needs work sweatshirts, and I found a pullover hoodie for $3.99. <br />
I got The Baby and myself new sunglasses for $1.99 each, although I think the cashier didn't ring up one of them. <br />
We got a sad-looking 99 cent Styrofoam tombstone for our afternoon project/Halloween décor. We'll be painting over it and putting it up in the yard. <br />
For Halloween, The Boy wants to be Spiderman again, which is awesome because his costume is still a little big. (I bought it at a church rummage sale for $2). I was able to get him a new mesh/polyester mask for $5.99 today. <br />
We also got a vintage-looking wooden wall hanging that says "Trick or Treat" with a big kinda scary-looking bat. For 99 cents. <br />
And I took pictures of the couch they had, and sent them to The Hubs. Ever since we realized the dog has been sleeping on our couch while we are out, The Hubs has been looking for a new couch. I forgot to check the price, so I called them up and the friendly 'associates' (that's what I was when I worked retail) gave me a price check. $29.95. For a couch! <br />
I have their store-card, which so far hasn't gotten me any discounts, but the wonderful cashier scanned it for me anyway. <br />
This place is great! Their prices are higher than yard sales, and some other thrift stores, but their organizational skills saves a lot of time. I will be happy to schedule a time to shop here again. <br />
Happy thrifting! Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-74958062712434277462016-10-12T10:51:00.001-07:002016-10-12T10:51:12.775-07:00eBayI'm feeling a little discouraged. Possibly even a little stupid and disorganized. <br />
Harsh words, but it seems that I am harder on myself than I would be on anyone else. <br />
<br />
I have recently started selling on eBay. It is not garage sale season (here in the Midwest, garage sale season is short-lived, sadly), and I thought selling online would be a good way to make a little money and get rid of items as I clean out my house. While listing on eBay has proved easier than I thought, it turns out calculating the shipping cost is not. It has taken me several items to realize I need to look at the estimated shipping cost eBay provides on it's listing page, and add that amount to the recommended price. Why not charge shipping to my buyers? I'm not sure how they would pay me for a known unknown. And when I shop online (very rare) I love me some free shipping. So in an effort to hook buyers and actually sell my stuff, I decided to always offer free shipping. Turns out, this decision has cost me. Literally. I have paid more for shipping than I have gotten paid for my items. I'm running a dang charity over here. <br />
It is very discouraging but I'm going to try to learn from my mistakes and keep on keeping on. <br />
Additionally, I have gotten creative with my shipping receptacles. Today I shipped a puffy vest in an orange bag, inside a Food4Less paper bag. I, of course, have been on the lookout for boxes in the alley and I have decided that I would prefer to ship my items in once-used receptacles. It allows me to get creative with the recycling. Because of this creativity, I always write <br />
"This is your eBay purchase" <br />
on whatever I am shipping. God forbid someone thinks its a mail bomb. <br />
Lastly, because I don't have a printer, I choose to handwrite my shipping labels, which does not allow me to get the eBay shipping discount. <br />
Maybe I'm too much of a dinosaur to be taking on this 'momtrepreneur' endeavor. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-8358299509704301782016-09-26T20:15:00.001-07:002016-09-26T20:15:24.931-07:00Apple BakeI love old recipes, old ('vintage') recipe books, and the feelings that go along with them. For Christmas one year, I asked my grandmother for her old recipes/recipe books. And she gave me a lovely recipe 'library' where-in the cook can insert her own recipes. On a notecard, of course. <br />
I found a recipe using apples, which I needed. But the recipe is unclear. I called my grandmother for clarification. But she could offer none. After I made the dish, I recognized it from my childhood. <br />
<br />
Simmer apples (I used five smallish ones) 1/3 cup butter<br />
put into pan (I sautéed the apples with butter, and mixed the other stuff in the casserole dish)<br />
1/2 c. milk 1/2 c. flour 1 tsp sugar<br />
3 eggs <br />
500 5 min (I made mine in 450 degrees, for ten minutes)<br />
Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon for 5 min (I used brown sugar. And forgot to put it back in the oven) <br />
<br />
Hope yours turns out as good as mine did! Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-75607126145610754162016-09-17T21:08:00.000-07:002016-09-17T21:08:07.494-07:00Kidney InfectionLast night at about 2:30 am, I was awoken with an intense pain in my right flank, around my kidney area. I did some internet diagnosis, which of course proved unhelpful. I thought about going to the nearest ER, but I know that my insurance isn't accepted there. There is the possibility that this will be considered a 'true' emergency, in which case I won't be charged as much. So with the staggering cost of healthcare in my mind, I decided to call the nurse hotline listed on the Blue Cross Blue Shield website. <br />
The nurse asked a few questions, and she seemed knowledgeable and helpful and recommended I get help within three hours. I thought I could go to an Urgent Care Clinic, but they didn't open until Monday. I discussed the issue of cost and quality of care with the nurse, and at that point, the pain was intense. I decided to head to the ER. I woke my husband up to tell him I was going, and I asked him to drive me. He said no, which in retrospect was the right thing to say. <br />
At the ER, the pain was bad enough to make me wince, and I had trouble keeping my tears from flowing. And I had trouble sitting down. Luckily, there was a short wait, and I was seen quickly. After updating my information with registration, I watched a few clips on CNN about Trump's antics. When the parents of the soldier he insulted gave their speech at DNC, I started to cry. The hate and terror Trump brings is alarming. And, of course, emotions are different at 3am then they are at 3pm. <br />
After being admitted, I was asked to give a urine sample, and I answered all the questions about the incidents leading up to my being there. I had a UTI, which I self-diagnosed and treated with cranberry juice. I had pain in my flank earlier than I realized, and the pain was intense at about 8pm. I thought I was about to be on my period, but there was no blood. I thought I had to poop, but I didn't seem to have to. <br />
The nurse recognized that I must have had intense pain for several hours, which I supposed was true. She says I was lucky to get in on time. That nurse was a lovely woman! We joked around, I told her about myself, she told me about herself, and she was able to acknowledge the seriousness of my condition without alarming me or allowing me to think the worst was going to happen. <br />
Of course, the ER is filled with waiting, but things progressed quickly enough until about 7am. There were some life and death traumas being brought in, so I wasn't tended to as quickly as I would have liked. In order to move my discharge along, I stood at the nurse's station in my gown with my IV stand until someone came to help. I remained grateful that my health problems seemed solved, and that the personal were nice, but busy. <br />
On my way out, I told one of the staff members that a person's ER outfit choice at 3am is much different than it would be at 10am (it was close to 10 by the time I was discharged). And looking how I looked when I was discharged meant that I was going to have to rush out of there and rush to my car and rush home. Luckily, he thought that was as funny as I meant it to be. Except I had to drop my script for antibiotics off at Walgreens. <br />
When I got home, The Hubs was loading the kids in the car. I wanted so badly to be with them, because I was so scared while I was at the ER. I wanted to be normal, and hang out with everybody. But I was exhausted, had a headache, and was really hungry. The Hubs took the kids, and I made food, called my mom, and took a nap. <br />
Things looked better when I woke up. But my flank still hurts a little. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-23657157333386316222016-09-14T13:51:00.003-07:002016-09-14T13:51:52.222-07:00The LibraryI read an article, forget where of course, about finding your 'mom tribe'. I would say with certainty that I don't have one. I have a few moms my age, with similar life experience and backgrounds, with kids around my kids' ages. We hang out sometimes, and text, and call each other. But pretty infrequently. Anyone else have a mom tribe?<br />
<br />
We went to a neighboring library, where we maxed out on the number of materials we could get. I chatted with the librarian about all kinds of mom stuff and she found books relevant to my kids. But I'm pretty sure I overshared. And another mom and I talked and she was really nice and we laughed about mom stuff, but I'm pretty sure I overshared with her too. I wish I could have interactions without being so over-analytical afterwards. <br />
On the upside, this library has great resources. And for some reason, during this trip, the librarians were particularly helpful and friendly. I got a calendar so we can plan out our next events. Yea! Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-53178877329075148242016-09-09T20:18:00.000-07:002016-09-09T20:18:00.744-07:00Decluttering and PhotosThe Hubs is freaking out about the amount of stuff I may or may not have. I'm pretty sure we need almost all of it. <br />
I cleaned out a drawer today, and found an envelope of photos. I spent some of the afternoon putting photos in my scrapbook and some in my photo album. They happen to be photos from The Hub's childhood, and from a visit with family in 2010, 2012, and 2013. It was nice to look at them again. Part of my job in this family includes being the memory-maker and memory-preserver. Yes, I know, memory is so subjective, so fluid, so questionable (in some cases). But I am the one who albums photos, who creates the scrapbooks and who takes photos of many experiences. My hope is that one day, we can all gather around the albums and reminisce. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-26655526805919968392016-09-09T19:38:00.000-07:002016-09-09T19:38:16.293-07:00UpcyclingI decided to make a container out of used coffee bags. I used a big one for the bottom, and four more around the sides. I used clear packing tape to hold it altogether. The corners are rounded. <br />
This is my first time making an item like this, and I liked the way the materials construct together. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-36915045252980361832016-09-06T20:44:00.003-07:002016-09-06T20:45:36.274-07:00Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-39526203556254504172016-09-06T20:44:00.002-07:002016-09-06T20:45:31.848-07:00Make-UpI put my make-up on in front of my boys, almost every single day. Today I was applying it while sitting on the couch. The Baby came up and put his finger in my liquid foundation, and I think he tasted it. Then he watched me, and he put his finger back in the bottle, and applied some to his chin. The Boy came up and did the same. My BIL was appalled. He told them point-blank-period that <br />
"Only girls wear make-up. Stop that! Boys don't wear make-up!"<br />
And to me he said, <br />
"You got them doing ballet and everything else, and now they're wearing make-up!"<br />
Ok, cowboy. Slow the hell down. My kids are not taking ballet, and I hadn't even considered signing them up. And secondly, some boys do wear make-up. And although I personally think its a little weird, its not a problem.<br />
BIL said that if the kids are 16, and they 'come at him' all 'cross-dressing and what-not' they will get an uppercut. <br />
I told him that if he ever uppercuts my kids, he better hope I can't get to him. <br />
I want my boys to know that whatever they do, whoever they are, whatever they wear, I will always love them. I want them to know that they can make bad fashion choices, they can love who they want, and they have whatever profession they decide...and they will always be my kids and I will always love them. I want to give them the opportunity to recognize and name their feelings. I want The Boy to know that it is ok to think Mama's necklaces are pretty. And I want them to know that rigid gender roles hurt everyone. <br />
I just want them to know that Mom is in their corner. Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4609514504509530903.post-20353613498695106652016-09-05T20:11:00.001-07:002016-09-05T20:11:48.142-07:00New TVThe Hubs bought a new TV, which I do not approve of. We live in a tri-plex (is that what its' called? We have three levels, but none of them are full floors.) and we have a TV on each floor. As a person who grew up in a house without cable, with a 32-inch TV, and strict viewing rules, this is alarming to me. <br />
The kids like their 'shows', and sometimes I like them watching their shows. But there is a lot of weird stuff on TV, and although I don't have them watch commercials, and I watch the shows with them, I get unnerved sometimes. I know The Boy is at the 'magical thinking' stage, and I'm sure TV watching doesn't help that. I want my kids to know that TV isn't real. (I have to remind myself of that after I watch my 'reality' shows!) I want them to be able to shut it off and go outside or go read a book. <br />
As their parent, I know that it is up to me to monitor their TV intake, to talk about the shows, and to remind them to do other activities. <br />
When we do watch TV, I sit with them, and we cuddle and we talk. I do not use the TV as a babysitter. Perhaps as a mother's helper. <br />
I'm still pretty conflicted about this. But in my house growing up, we were taught that TV is bad, and thus it was forbidden fruit. I remember sneaking into the living room late at night to watch my 'shows', and it was my go-to activity if I wasn't feeling well. <br />
New technology and the speed and ease with which these devices have entered our lives makes me question what the new reality will be. It is very likely I will not be able to keep up with my kids, and that scares me. But I am a self-proclaimed Luddite, a term I find endearing. <br />
What are your viewing habits? Do you let the kids in your life watch TV? Kimbrellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13179880702844725102noreply@blogger.com0