July 2009 Archives - hooey!critic

Kindergarten Orientation

July 31, 2009 By Neena 14 Comments

Last night we took our oldest to meet her teacher and explore the school that will become hers as of Monday. She was so excited to see her classroom, meet new friends, and tell anyone that would listen that she was about to be in kindergarten.

She immediately ran in and hugged her teacher and introduced herself as if making an acquaintance was something she’d been doing for years. She giggled at the site of the decorated walls, walked curiously around the room to survey her surroundings, and showed no sign that she was anything but at ease.

Her face glowed and in that moment I knew exactly what it looks like when someone is excited about learning.

Then I felt my heart break. Just a little.

I was forced into a position that is never easy for a parent. It’s that moment in time when you want more than anything to cuddle your baby and keep them safe and protected from the world, but know in your heart that it’s time to let them try their wings. It’s that moment when you hope and pray that you’ve gotten something right in the last five years so that when your child does take those first steps she’s confident in herself. It’s that moment when you know that you must put aside your own fears and worries and embrace the wonderful excitement bursting from your child.

And, it’s not easy.

But, we do these things because we know we have to. We know we must let them venture a bit and see the beauty and knowledge and wonder that the world has in store for them. We must stand quietly in the background, ready to support or rescue at a moment’s notice, and watch them take those first big steps.

And, we must smile.

And wave.

And blow a few extra kisses to the wind.

And wait patiently for her to return so we may hug her close again.

Good luck, Princess. The world awaits you…

Filed Under: mia, sappy, school

Self Portrait

July 30, 2009 By Neena 6 Comments

** I feel like I need to preface this post with a simple warning: I’m a Dork **

I received an email the other day from the one of my upcoming professors. He was welcoming all new Graduate students to the program and welcoming back those that are returning to their studies. He explained in the email that he needed all new PhD candidates to submit a short, 100 word bio and a photo to be used on a department bulletin board. Those that were part of the program last year were allowed to update their bios or photos, but this was mostly for the humiliation of the rookies.

Now, it’s pretty clear from the files on my computer that I’m not a fan of the camera. Sure, I love taking pictures of everyone else, but I tend to hide when the lens is pointed on me. After all, the camera clearly adds 10 pounds and there have secretly been 4 of them pointed at me for the last year or so. Yes, that’s exactly why I look so big. It’s all the camera’s fault.

Anyway.

I looked through the few photos I did have, but didn’t really think any of them would work. I was going for a I’m cool and smart and not at all too old to be on campus and you totally want to be my friend and hang out with me between classes and suck in my wisdom and charm. The solution? Let’s spend the morning taking pictures of myself with the clever Photo Booth on MacBook. I’m bound to get a good one that way, right!?

I can feel you wanting to suck in all this wisdom…

It started with a straight on pose with a peak of a smile.

I moved on to wearing the glasses and pretending as if I’m just glancing serenely at some bird fluttering around our backyard.

There’s the straight-on, no teeth smirk.

Or the head-tilt, thoughtful ‘Oh, how the rainbows glow’ look completed without the glasses.

Here, let’s move away from the camera and go for more of a torso with a smile look. Notice the picture I purposely took off the wall so as to not distract from my pose. The unnaturally straight posture made me feel like my breasts were workin’ it just a bit too much.

A little less creepy posture and some glasses. Classy.

Location change!

Here’s the full-on, ‘In Your Face, But You Want to Like Me ‘Cause I’m Leaning In’ Pose.

Screw real photos! I look better in cartoon anyway!

But, when all was said and done, I chose this one.

Glad I gave you the warning, huh!?

Shut up.

Filed Under: photos, self

my gentleman

July 29, 2009 By Neena 10 Comments

One of the biggest surprises I discovered at Blogher was the dynamic between bloggers and their spouses. Many of the bloggers I met in Chicago were quick to find their niche, their comfort zone. They could easily talk about their blogs, their goals, their children, their past conference adventures. Their faces would light up and you could easily see that they were surrounded by people who understood the community, the camaraderie, the passion, and the purpose of blogging.

But sometimes when the topic of spouses would come up many were quick to point out that their spouses or families generally lack interest in most things related to blogging. There were those that didn’t support their spouse’s blogging efforts. There were those that didn’t understand it. And, there were those that didn’t even care enough to follow or read what their spouse was courageously putting out there.

I was shocked when I realized this mainly because the idea is so foreign to me. I don’t talk much about my husband on this blog. But, even though he’s not a regular topic does not diminish the fact that he is the epitome of support.

When I wanted to try out my culinary skills as a young bride he was always a willing participant. When I wanted to be a writer he was the first to buy me a laptop and help me find a space of my own. When I told him I wanted to go back to school to work toward my Ph.D. he was the first to reassure me that we would find a way to make it work. He has always be the the front runner in supporting my dreams. He is the first to read every blog post I write and often spends his evenings helping me sort through all the ideas floating around in my head. He’s always offers critiques and constructive advice to help make what I’m doing a bit easier and often a bit better.

He watches the kids when I need to disappear and purge my thoughts on the computer. He always jumps to the rescue to fix any and all tech problems that come my way. He gets just and anxious and excited as I do waiting for news to come on something I’ve sent to publishers. And, he’s the first to suggest I fly to Chicago to attend a conference with my peers.

He’s always been completely supportive of my dreams, my crazy ideas. He can hold my hand and encourage me without saying a word. He doesn’t always understand and he never asks for anything in return. He just supports me in any way he can. Because, in his mind, that’s exactly what a spouse should do whether they understand it all or not.

Filed Under: hubby

The comfort of routine

July 28, 2009 By Neena 6 Comments

Hubby returned to work yesterday and I returned to my role and typical routine. He absolutely adored the ‘Mr. Mom’ role he had while I was in Chicago, but I knew he was ready to return to the chaos of the IT world. I was looking forward to beginning the day at home with the chaos that comes with children.

I spent my day making and cleaning up meals, shopping for the weekly groceries, straightening bedrooms, handing out stickers, checking temperatures, and treating fevers. I hid vegetables in the bolognese sauce, changed diapers, taught one how to wear headbands, cuddled another while waiting for the rain, and hid Tickle Me Elmo at least twice.

I made beds, collected toys, researched lunches boxes, and returned phone calls. I divided snacks, gave hugs, answered questions, watched cartoons, discussed dry skin, and helped get teeth brushed. I did dishes, wiped up milk, stopped some useless bickering, and said ‘I love you’ many, many times.

I did every bit of my typical routine…

with one big difference.

I did all this with a little more patience, a more genuine smile, and a gratefulness that had been missing for a while.

I was refreshed. Relaxed.

And I finally remembered how much I love begin home with my children.

Filed Under: sappy

The big city

July 27, 2009 By Neena 6 Comments

I am officially home from my short trip to Chicago. I left the city with thousands of new memories, several new friends, and a surprisingly refreshing appreciation for my family. While I hope to share many of my adventures over the next few days I’d like to let them resonate and remain all mine just a bit longer. But, what I can share is this:

I was born to live in the big city.

Yes. I think I am a big city girl at heart. Or maybe I was a big city dweller in a different life. Or perhaps I’m a resident of the big city in my imaginary non-kid/lack of responsibility world. Either way it’s my new favorite place.

I loved the pace, the neon, the hand gestures that appear in traffic at all hours of the day.

The massiveness of the buildings, the variety contained in such a small space, and the water still slightly green from St. Patty’s Day – all captivating.

I wanted to move there immediately. I wanted to call my husband, pack up the kids, sell the house, and become the epitome of an urban family – complete with the use of city transportation that would totally support my dislike of driving and eventual hope of just selling all our cars so I never have to drive!

I even found this quaint little house tucked among the motion of it all. I wanted to go up the steps, knock on the door, and ask if they would be willing to adopt an immigrant family from Georgia. But, I decided to pause my plan just long enough to continue with my friends to the Italian restaurant where the city keeps much of its food and over-priced liquor. I was hungry.

This is a tree growing in Chicago – in the concrete with no mulch. This was the exact point when I realized that it is entirely possible to have the joys of country life once I force my family to make the pilgrimage to live in the city.

As soon as I figure out how to deaden my olfactory senses to the weird mix of laundry and garbage I’ll be all set.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Thinking of home

July 24, 2009 By Neena 4 Comments

Dear Family,

Thank you for convincing me to come to Chicago. I miss you.

Love,

Mama Wife

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Chi-town

July 23, 2009 By Neena 6 Comments

I’m leaving today for Chicago.

Actually, I’m leaving in just a few hours and it can’t come fast enough.

My children reminded me yesterday exactly how much I need this break. And, they did it using broccoli. Yep.

Will I miss them while I’m gone? Sure…if I actually think about them. I don’t think that makes me a bad mother. I think that’s just a reflection of exactly why I am looooong overdue for a break. Five looooong years of overdue for a break.

And, if in the midst of my weekend away I become cosmically connected to Carson or Paula and need to spend my time traveling around as the rock, the BFF of their lives, well then so be it. I promise I’ll write occasionally.

xoxo

Filed Under: Blogher 09

Can’t you just picture Frankie Avalon singing ‘Beauty School Dropout’?

July 22, 2009 By Neena 5 Comments

Hello. My name is MamaNeena and I’m a Fat Clinic Dropout.

*waving pitifully at the audience*

Several of my recent tweets and the occasional blog entry have made reference to me having appointments at The Fat Clinic. Using the term ‘fat clinic’ is just my way of making light of the fact that I’ve been seeing at Dr. at a health and wellness clinic. The purpose of the clinic is to help a person learn to eat right and exercise in a way that is specific to their body and metabolism. The weight loss is like the bonus. I make jokes that I’m fat and need to lose weight. This is my coping mechanism for dealing with a hard and vulnerable subject. Yes, I have some extra weight to lose. Yes, I want to get healthy for myself and my family. And, yes, I need some help in the process.

But, after a rather unmotivating and discouraging appointment this morning, I wrote the doctor a letter and left the program. I explained how I felt and how I need a program that encourages and motivates. It was hard to write the letter because I’m not a very confrontational person, but I needed to say my piece just like I need to take responsibility for my own health. He responded respectfully and there are no hard feelings.

While I plan to use many of the tools I gained in the program, I hope to find a more encouraging support system…one that doesn’t require me to pay a $20 copay to hear I need to do better!

So, look out Richard Simmons! This fat chick’s ready to dance!

Filed Under: diet, richard simmons, video

Better restock the fire extinguisher!

July 21, 2009 By Neena 4 Comments

Look what’s coming for the kids!

All Children’s Furniture, an online company that sells everything from toddler beds to toys, offered me the chance to try out an education toy! I chose the Earthquake and Volcano Science kit. I figured it would provide for some good bonding time with their Daddy, the Science Geek of the family. I think he’s secretly been waiting for the day when our children become interested in the same ‘geek stuff’ he enjoys.

I’ll be hiding at the mall with the baby the day they decided to break it in!

Filed Under: review

What I Learned This Week (vol. 13)

July 21, 2009 By Neena 13 Comments

With my much anticipated trip to BlogHer looming later this week, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s carnival to…

wait for it…

Travel!

I’m sure you’re all jumping with excitement, but settle down. I’ve got important stuff to say. Or whatever.

I learned that I can never travel anywhere without a book. It does not matter where I’m going or even if I’ll have time to read; there is always a book in my bag or somewhere in the car.
I tend to over pack. Even though I may plan outfits all the way down to shoes and accessories, I always seem to bring way too much stuff.
I learned that apparently I’ll have to pay like 15 bucks to check my bag when I leave later this week. Hubby tried to get me to fit everything in his suitcase that is small enough to carry on the plan. I laughed and kindly shook my head at the sweet, but naive gesture of my husband.
In the midst of packing my toiletries and refilling my travel shampoo bottles I learned that the fact that I use a label maker to mark everything is unusual, strange, and worth at least a good chuckle from any man that is aware of such labeling.
I learned that, in the age of digital pictures, I have no photos of my children in my wallet. If someone asks to see my kids I guess I’ll just pull out Macbook (not that I think of him as a child or anything – he just holds all the pictures) *caressing Macbook secretly as I soothe his hurt feeling*

And, here’s the best one…

I learned that I was chosen as a winner of the Johnson and Johnson sponsored trip to Blogher! This means that the anxiety I had of paying for the trip is all but diminished thanks to my luck and the grand prize. So, everyone send waves and hugs to those kind folks for helping me get to Chicago! Oh, and run out and buy some Listerine Agent Cool Blue because they’re the specific product that made my trip possible. HOLLA!

Am I just too uncool to pull off a ‘HOLLA‘?