Showing posts with label Television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Television. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
We had a snow day today...
...and I have been up since 4:30 this morning. There really is something wrong with that. I woke when Ryun walked out the door to go check out the snow situation and see if he was going to try to get to Mass Eye and Ear for work. He came back in shortly afterward and announced that he was going to shovel out and make the attempt. At that point it was snowing heavily, with visibility next to nothing, and roads that were plowed but still not great. I though he was crazy but he is one of those people that goes to work unless something catastrophic happens (for example, the end of the world). After he shoveled and left, I couldn't fall back asleep (probably because I was nervous about him getting to work safely). At 5:40 I got a phone message from him saying he made it as far as exit 6 on 495 (coming from exit 3) and that he was turning around. After thanking him for coming to his senses, I hung up and tried to go back to sleep. I ended up getting up at 6 (thank you internal alarm clock). Had I known this was going to happen, I might have thought twice about staying up until 1AM. The kids didn't wake until 8 (ish) so we had a nice couple of hours to ourselves. I spent it chillaxin' on the couch, paying only slight attention to an episode of HIMYM, followed by Modern Marvels: Corpse Tech. Uh...yeah.
Friday, September 24, 2010
I was reminded yesterday...
...of a funny story from way back when Katherine was about five or so.
Yesterday, Emily was watching a show on Animal Planet (I think) about crocodiles, alligators and reptiles in general. She loves watching those kinds of shows. Very often I will find her watching Discovery, Animal Planet or the History Channel. She's fascinated by it all and similar to Ryun, absorbs the information like a sponge. Ask her how to survive stranded in the woods? She'll know. Stuck on an island in the middle of nowhere? if Emily is with you, have no fear...she'll either find a way to get you home or find a way to make the conditions livable. Chat with her about what has been found on archaeological digs and what it means historically and she'll know that too. Need to write a report on sharks...no need to go to the library...just ask Emily. When I say sponge...I am not kidding. Between her and Ryun, they know the most obscure and random things...things you would never think you need to know...until you do.
Anyway, Emily watching the show about reptiles reminded me of the time I called Ryun on the way home from somewhere and asked him to"stir the crock." Katherine, who was with me in the car said (and yes, she was dead serious), "Mom, are we really having a crocodile for dinner? That is so cool!"
Yesterday, Emily was watching a show on Animal Planet (I think) about crocodiles, alligators and reptiles in general. She loves watching those kinds of shows. Very often I will find her watching Discovery, Animal Planet or the History Channel. She's fascinated by it all and similar to Ryun, absorbs the information like a sponge. Ask her how to survive stranded in the woods? She'll know. Stuck on an island in the middle of nowhere? if Emily is with you, have no fear...she'll either find a way to get you home or find a way to make the conditions livable. Chat with her about what has been found on archaeological digs and what it means historically and she'll know that too. Need to write a report on sharks...no need to go to the library...just ask Emily. When I say sponge...I am not kidding. Between her and Ryun, they know the most obscure and random things...things you would never think you need to know...until you do.
Anyway, Emily watching the show about reptiles reminded me of the time I called Ryun on the way home from somewhere and asked him to"stir the crock." Katherine, who was with me in the car said (and yes, she was dead serious), "Mom, are we really having a crocodile for dinner? That is so cool!"
Thursday, September 9, 2010
History
In the days that followed September 11th, 2001 Ryun and I gathered and saved virtually everything we could get our hands on regarding the terror attacks. From newspapers, to news reports, to magazines, to yes, even comic books, we managed to gather a good number of things. Our plan was to save it, and show it to our children when they got older and could better understand what had happened, why it happened, and how dramatically it changed the world as we knew it. About a year later, near the first anniversary of the attacks, I sat down and went through it all. I compiled a scrapbook of the articles and pictures we had saved. I organized and labeled the video tapes. I looked through and documented the magazines and books. Then, I boxed everything up and put it away.
It was back in 2006 when I took this collection out for the first time. I wanted to wait until I thought Emily was old enough to at least have some understanding of what happened. Before that it was too hard to look at, and, even now, years later, it's still not easy. I will take it out again though. Katherine is old enough to see it now, and I am sure both Emily and Katherine will most likely have some discussion about it in school. I took pictures of the collection when I took it out back in 2006. Click on each picture to see a larger version.
The whole collection.
Some of the headlines I cut from newspapers and magazines, creating a two page layout in the scrapbook.
Land of the free, home of the brave.
The Heroes of 9/11/2001. Included on this page are the Firefighter and Policeman's prayers.
A close up of some of the books and tapes on which we recorded numerous 9/11 news reports.
This is the front page of the Boston Herald, one year later. Although it is hard to see in the picture, the small black print you see there, lists the names of every victim of the terror attacks.
It was back in 2006 when I took this collection out for the first time. I wanted to wait until I thought Emily was old enough to at least have some understanding of what happened. Before that it was too hard to look at, and, even now, years later, it's still not easy. I will take it out again though. Katherine is old enough to see it now, and I am sure both Emily and Katherine will most likely have some discussion about it in school. I took pictures of the collection when I took it out back in 2006. Click on each picture to see a larger version.
The whole collection.
Some of the headlines I cut from newspapers and magazines, creating a two page layout in the scrapbook.
Land of the free, home of the brave.
The Heroes of 9/11/2001. Included on this page are the Firefighter and Policeman's prayers.
A close up of some of the books and tapes on which we recorded numerous 9/11 news reports.
Another close up of some of the magazines etc. To the far left is the aforementioned comic book entitled, "Heroes" put out by Marvel Comics.
This is the front page of the Boston Herald, one year later. Although it is hard to see in the picture, the small black print you see there, lists the names of every victim of the terror attacks.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Working...
...for the cable company was probably one of the most stressful jobs...ever. You'd be surprised at how angry and threatening people can get when there tv isn't working. Some people even got...stupid. I can remember a few people calling to report their tv was not working...when there was a wide spread power outage in their area (yes, really). I also remember a phone call or two in which I was actually threatened(one customer threatened to come throw his (EXPLICATIVE)cable box right threw the office window at me). So yes, I am questioning my sanity slightly when I am thinking of applying for a job, part time nights, working for, yup, the cable company.
The hours would be 5 nights a week (one of which would be a weekend night) from 5-9. This would mean making many sacrifices on my part. My time as a volunteer would have to be cut, my committee memberships and whatnot would have to be looked at, and Ryun and I would be ships passing in the night. It would leave Ryun in charge of "overseeing" dinner, homework and bed most nights. It would also mean my giving up "control" of these things which, really could be a whole other blog entry (about how sometimes I complain about doing it "all" but really the thought of someone else doing it makes my skin crawl because no one else will do it right and yeah, OCD much?). No matter that it is Ryun who is not only more than capable but should be taking an active roll in these things because hello, this is his family too.
Financially speaking, this makes total sense. Assuming Ryun gets the job I mentioned in the last entry, his income will be slashed in half, which undoubtedly will require a major overhaul of how we spend our money and how we live. Extra money coming in never hurts. It's perfect for the kids too (I can still be home with them during the summers and vacations, will still be able to volunteer during the day and can still bring Emily's entire life to the school when she forgets it at home (yeah, another blog entry).
I think I would have a good shot at getting the job considering my experience and the fact that there are still people working for the company that were there when I was. I'd be lying if I didn't mention how scary the idea of jumping back in to the "working out of the house" game is to me. I'd also be lying if I didn't acknowledge that there is some part of me that thinks this going back to work could actually be a good thing for me mentally. Being a stay at home Mom has really been a blessing. I know how fortunate I have been to not have to work out of the house. It has also been, to some degree, kind of lonely, especially now that the kids are all in school.
All in all, I think it makes sense to at least apply and see where it goes.
The hours would be 5 nights a week (one of which would be a weekend night) from 5-9. This would mean making many sacrifices on my part. My time as a volunteer would have to be cut, my committee memberships and whatnot would have to be looked at, and Ryun and I would be ships passing in the night. It would leave Ryun in charge of "overseeing" dinner, homework and bed most nights. It would also mean my giving up "control" of these things which, really could be a whole other blog entry (about how sometimes I complain about doing it "all" but really the thought of someone else doing it makes my skin crawl because no one else will do it right and yeah, OCD much?). No matter that it is Ryun who is not only more than capable but should be taking an active roll in these things because hello, this is his family too.
Financially speaking, this makes total sense. Assuming Ryun gets the job I mentioned in the last entry, his income will be slashed in half, which undoubtedly will require a major overhaul of how we spend our money and how we live. Extra money coming in never hurts. It's perfect for the kids too (I can still be home with them during the summers and vacations, will still be able to volunteer during the day and can still bring Emily's entire life to the school when she forgets it at home (yeah, another blog entry).
I think I would have a good shot at getting the job considering my experience and the fact that there are still people working for the company that were there when I was. I'd be lying if I didn't mention how scary the idea of jumping back in to the "working out of the house" game is to me. I'd also be lying if I didn't acknowledge that there is some part of me that thinks this going back to work could actually be a good thing for me mentally. Being a stay at home Mom has really been a blessing. I know how fortunate I have been to not have to work out of the house. It has also been, to some degree, kind of lonely, especially now that the kids are all in school.
All in all, I think it makes sense to at least apply and see where it goes.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Love This
This was a quote, in part, from the character of Mary Shannon on In Plain Sight. I love it!
"I am what many would call, often as accusation, a non believer. It's a charge I consider unfair because all of us, no matter what the connection we feel or don't, when sitting under the stars, or feeling the world closing in, doing what comes naturally, or re-arranging the furniture, all of us believe something. I believe in many things. I believe in first impressions and second chances. I believe in telling the truth to the people you love at every possible turn, and lying, just a little at what seems the appropriate time. I believe in finding people you'd run through a brick wall for and making sure they know it if in not so many words."
"I am what many would call, often as accusation, a non believer. It's a charge I consider unfair because all of us, no matter what the connection we feel or don't, when sitting under the stars, or feeling the world closing in, doing what comes naturally, or re-arranging the furniture, all of us believe something. I believe in many things. I believe in first impressions and second chances. I believe in telling the truth to the people you love at every possible turn, and lying, just a little at what seems the appropriate time. I believe in finding people you'd run through a brick wall for and making sure they know it if in not so many words."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Television
How much influence do you think it has on young children/teens? I ask because I am very cautious about what I let my children watch. All ratings over PG/TV14 are locked and only accessible through a code that only Ryun and I know.
I am not naive. I know that much of what is seen or heard on TV that I may deem inappropriate they will see or hear about elsewhere (at school, on the bus etc). I guess I feel like it may be the one thing I have control over. A recent discussion with other family members about the show, "16 and Pregnant" has brought this to the forefront. I need to put it out there that I have never actually seen the show so I base my opinion only on what I have heard about it. Apparently it is a show about teens who get pregnant and what life is like for them. The focus is mainly on the difficulties of children raising children and that most of the teens in the show say if they had it to do over again, they would.
That being said, there are a couple of things that come to mind immediately. Without knowing for sure, I would almost stake my life on the fact that there are teens getting pregnant or trying to just so they can be on the show. There is no way that there aren't teens that would be immature, self serving and immoral enough to consider a show like that, "their big break." Beyond that, and of a more personal nature, no matter how the show is portrayed, I don't want my kids getting their education around sex and all that it entails from TV show. As a parent, that is my job. Yes, there will be other "influences" educating them but TV is the one thing I can control so I say, why not?
As a parent, it is my job to provide my kids with a solid foundation of which they can build and go out in to the world. They will form their own opinions, make their own decisions and at some point, watch whatever they want. It is my hope that the education they have received at home will be a strong guiding force in whatever choices they make. Until then, I will continue to do whatever I can to make sure that the foundation is and remains a solid one from which to build.
I am not naive. I know that much of what is seen or heard on TV that I may deem inappropriate they will see or hear about elsewhere (at school, on the bus etc). I guess I feel like it may be the one thing I have control over. A recent discussion with other family members about the show, "16 and Pregnant" has brought this to the forefront. I need to put it out there that I have never actually seen the show so I base my opinion only on what I have heard about it. Apparently it is a show about teens who get pregnant and what life is like for them. The focus is mainly on the difficulties of children raising children and that most of the teens in the show say if they had it to do over again, they would.
That being said, there are a couple of things that come to mind immediately. Without knowing for sure, I would almost stake my life on the fact that there are teens getting pregnant or trying to just so they can be on the show. There is no way that there aren't teens that would be immature, self serving and immoral enough to consider a show like that, "their big break." Beyond that, and of a more personal nature, no matter how the show is portrayed, I don't want my kids getting their education around sex and all that it entails from TV show. As a parent, that is my job. Yes, there will be other "influences" educating them but TV is the one thing I can control so I say, why not?
As a parent, it is my job to provide my kids with a solid foundation of which they can build and go out in to the world. They will form their own opinions, make their own decisions and at some point, watch whatever they want. It is my hope that the education they have received at home will be a strong guiding force in whatever choices they make. Until then, I will continue to do whatever I can to make sure that the foundation is and remains a solid one from which to build.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Most toddlers...
...would enjoy reading a story like this:
But when you're a toddler who has two older sisters that are *obsessed* with a tv show from the late 80's?
You read this instead.
And yes, Saved By The Bell replays on The N every night. My kids? Yeah, they totally think Slater is HOT.
The Saved By The Bell Scrapbook? Courtesy of my sister Heather, who found it my parents house a while back.
But when you're a toddler who has two older sisters that are *obsessed* with a tv show from the late 80's?
You read this instead.
And yes, Saved By The Bell replays on The N every night. My kids? Yeah, they totally think Slater is HOT.
The Saved By The Bell Scrapbook? Courtesy of my sister Heather, who found it my parents house a while back.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Is anyone else watching...
...Eli Stone? I am loving that show more and more each week!
I gave in and watched New Amsterdam too, which I am also loving.
I gave in and watched New Amsterdam too, which I am also loving.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Not having the use of my right hand...
...really put a damper on laundry and housework. So, my newly re-arranged office is currently covered in clean clothing, just begging to be folded and put away. Fun. At least I have the couch I can sit on, a nice hot cup of tea to drink and a tv to watch while I do it.
DVR's Etc.
The next new inventions need to be these:
-A way to watch a show whenever you want. Like, if Extreme Makeover Home Edition is on Sunday, but you suddenly find the time to watch it on a random Saturday afternoon, you can. This will probably never happen due to advertising etc. but it would be cool.
-a way to set recordings up in categories. Like a folder for Sharon's recordings, a folder for Ryun's, etc.
That's all.
-A way to watch a show whenever you want. Like, if Extreme Makeover Home Edition is on Sunday, but you suddenly find the time to watch it on a random Saturday afternoon, you can. This will probably never happen due to advertising etc. but it would be cool.
-a way to set recordings up in categories. Like a folder for Sharon's recordings, a folder for Ryun's, etc.
That's all.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Inspiration
Earlier today, while checking to see what I had to watch on the DVR, I was flipping through the channel and came to the Ellen Degeneres show. Her guest was Patrick Henry Hughes, the recipient of a recent Extreme Makeover Home, and the subject of my favorite episode ever. Patrick Henry was born without eyes, and, without the ability to extend him limbs. Currently, Patrick Henry is touring the world with his father, telling his inspirational story. You can find out more about him here.
His story is amazing, and the video below brings me to tears every time I watch it (of course Pauly crying brings me to tears every time, regardless of emotional the story is).
His story is amazing, and the video below brings me to tears every time I watch it (of course Pauly crying brings me to tears every time, regardless of emotional the story is).
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
During a commerical break...
...I may as well comment on the boys last night.
In a nutshell, "the Davids" get my vote (Hernandez, Cook and Archuleta).
More on the girls later!
In a nutshell, "the Davids" get my vote (Hernandez, Cook and Archuleta).
More on the girls later!
The Biggest Loser
Bernie went home. Darn it...I really liked him.
Also, is anyone else living in a fog? I had NO IDEA how many calories were in some of the things they had to eat in last night's temptation. It was alarming.
I have been thinking a lot about this lately, as part of my "quest for total wellness." After last night's episode, I decided to see how many calories I would need to take in to lose weight. According to a couple of calculators, in order to maintain my current weight I should be eating only 1400 calories per day. Yikes. Based on what I saw last night, I am quite sure I am taking in more than that on a daily basis. That was even more alarming then seeing how many calories were in certain foods. So, it stands to reason that, in order to lose weight I would need to decrease my caloric intake from the maintain my weight number. Less than 1400 per day? What? That seems close to impossible. I know it's not but wow. Part of this could be reduced by burning calories off through exercise. To lose 1 pound per week, I would need to cut back on 500 calories. It could be a half and half thing...250 calories less through eating and burning 250 exercising.
The whole thing is quite overwhelming if I am being honest. I know I don't eat right and I know I should be making healthier choices for myself and my family but you know what? It's hard, and quite frankly, more expensive and time consuming. I mean grabbing a pre-made food (whether it be a snack or actual meal) is just easier than slicing a cucumber or even making a sandwich. As far as the money is concerned, it's disconcerting how much it costs to shop the "perimeter" of the store. ( which is where it is said the healthier foods lie). Let's not even mention if I decided to go all organic or, if I decided to try all of the diets out there that are supposed to help with things like ADHD (gluten and casein free are what come to mind). For someone like me who generally hates to cook, loves the quick and easy food prep (or better yet no food prep) and who isn't independently wealthy, going on a diet isn't as easy thing.
And besides, it's just one more thing to worry about. I have enough on my proverbial plate right now, enough that I am finding it hard to figure out prioritizing it all. I really need to elaborate further of course, which I will do in a not to distant future entry.
Also, is anyone else living in a fog? I had NO IDEA how many calories were in some of the things they had to eat in last night's temptation. It was alarming.
I have been thinking a lot about this lately, as part of my "quest for total wellness." After last night's episode, I decided to see how many calories I would need to take in to lose weight. According to a couple of calculators, in order to maintain my current weight I should be eating only 1400 calories per day. Yikes. Based on what I saw last night, I am quite sure I am taking in more than that on a daily basis. That was even more alarming then seeing how many calories were in certain foods. So, it stands to reason that, in order to lose weight I would need to decrease my caloric intake from the maintain my weight number. Less than 1400 per day? What? That seems close to impossible. I know it's not but wow. Part of this could be reduced by burning calories off through exercise. To lose 1 pound per week, I would need to cut back on 500 calories. It could be a half and half thing...250 calories less through eating and burning 250 exercising.
The whole thing is quite overwhelming if I am being honest. I know I don't eat right and I know I should be making healthier choices for myself and my family but you know what? It's hard, and quite frankly, more expensive and time consuming. I mean grabbing a pre-made food (whether it be a snack or actual meal) is just easier than slicing a cucumber or even making a sandwich. As far as the money is concerned, it's disconcerting how much it costs to shop the "perimeter" of the store. ( which is where it is said the healthier foods lie). Let's not even mention if I decided to go all organic or, if I decided to try all of the diets out there that are supposed to help with things like ADHD (gluten and casein free are what come to mind). For someone like me who generally hates to cook, loves the quick and easy food prep (or better yet no food prep) and who isn't independently wealthy, going on a diet isn't as easy thing.
And besides, it's just one more thing to worry about. I have enough on my proverbial plate right now, enough that I am finding it hard to figure out prioritizing it all. I really need to elaborate further of course, which I will do in a not to distant future entry.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Weekend
We had a busy one. On Saturday Ryun and I had a wedding to go to. Not surprisingly, it was a great time (because getting together with old friends from the neighborhood always means a great time). Yesterday we took the kids to the mall where they were having a kids expo. We saw a clown show, got some free toys and trinkets and Emily and Katherine got their hair done fancy by a local salon that was there. After that we went over to my parents for a family dinner in honor of my father's 58th birthday, which is today (Happy Birthday, Dad!). For whatever reason the weekend wiped me out so I came home and after getting the kids settled in bed, went to bed myself. I had plans to have a nice heartwarming night of television watching Extreme Home Makeover: Home Edition and Oprah's new show called Oprah's Big Give. Instead I watched it this morning over breakfast. I LOVE Sunday night tv already with just Extreme and after watching The Big Give, I can tell I am going to love it even more. Nothing like getting in a good cry every once in a while!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
American Idol
The boys rule. Except Danny Noriega. I HATE HIM. And Yeager? Too goofy looking or something. But other than that.
Girls: not so much. There isn't one who really stands out to me. I mean, I'd give my left arm to sing like any one of them, but no one is coming off as being...well, the next American Idol.
What do you think?
Girls: not so much. There isn't one who really stands out to me. I mean, I'd give my left arm to sing like any one of them, but no one is coming off as being...well, the next American Idol.
What do you think?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
American Idol
The only real observation I have so far?
David Archuleta? He has to be the cutest little thing ever. Like in the squeeze his cheeks, baby boy kinda way. Seriously. And, he has an amazingly soothing voice to boot. He needs to become a little more well versed and less shy but he is just 17 years old so, with age, I am sure that will come. Anyway, I love him.
David Archuleta? He has to be the cutest little thing ever. Like in the squeeze his cheeks, baby boy kinda way. Seriously. And, he has an amazingly soothing voice to boot. He needs to become a little more well versed and less shy but he is just 17 years old so, with age, I am sure that will come. Anyway, I love him.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tonight
Agenda:
Watch Superbowl.
Eat.
Watch Superbowl.
Eat.
Watch Patriots kick some New York ass.
Eat.
Eventually, sleep.
Menu:
Kielbasa cooked in brown sugar and mustard.
Homemade chili.
Pigs in a Blanket.
Yum.
Watch Superbowl.
Eat.
Watch Superbowl.
Eat.
Watch Patriots kick some New York ass.
Eat.
Eventually, sleep.
Menu:
Kielbasa cooked in brown sugar and mustard.
Homemade chili.
Pigs in a Blanket.
Yum.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
More On LOST
Just after I typed the last post, I found this:
Top 5 Reasons To Watch LOST.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Top 5 Reasons To Watch LOST.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
Tonight...
...the withdrawal pangs will subside.
LOST is back!
And, for those who have never watched, ABC will be airing a one hour retrospective of the past three seasons which promises "to catch new viewers up" and reveal new secrets to current viewers.
Check it out...you won't regret it!
And Jen, if you are reading this....YAY for LOST being back!
LOST is back!
And, for those who have never watched, ABC will be airing a one hour retrospective of the past three seasons which promises "to catch new viewers up" and reveal new secrets to current viewers.
Check it out...you won't regret it!
And Jen, if you are reading this....YAY for LOST being back!
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